Hi,

I am new to this Forum. Let me introduce myself. I am Tirokswifts from KT, a newbie in swiftlet farming. I am proud that my kampung friends like Seeseng, Kent KT and Jef are actively participating in this forum and they are all knowledgable. I wish to take part in this forum and one day form a team to help each other and others who are interested in swiftlet farming to set up their farm. Though we are staying in the same town I have not me you all personally. I am working near the Waterfront. Seeseng If you look from the waterfront jetty. On the right is your birdhouse and on the left, the tall building is my work site. We could have met but only that we didn't know each others name. Hope to meet all of you and form a DIY Swiftlet Club in KT.

This post has been edited by Tirokswifts: Jan 10 2008, 10:52 PM

Swifbuild

Thanks for your compliments. Sky Nest had also given negative comments to my farm and what I can say is that he is arrogant. He called others as CON-sultant dan what is he then?. He is still attacking Harry and accusing Harry of doing this and that. I don't think Harry has any bad intentions being such an accomodating person in his blog.

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Added on January 10, 2008, 11:05 pmSeeseng,

My web site has a photo album of KT birdhouse. Is the blue dog kennel entrance which i mentioned in the Kg. China photo belongs to you

Does this picture shows your birdhouse?

This post has been edited by Tirokswifts: Jan 10 2008, 11:34 PM

The place I work is correct but the person you saw is not me. We will meet one day. Waterfront Food Court which you use to drink was started by my friends and I used to be there but not that often now . Yesterday, after 3 months and 27 days starting the music, I got about 200 birds going in and staying overnight. Last week when I went into the farm, I counted one well-formed nest (no eggs yet) and 3 base nests, all at the joint between straight and corner plank. Is this a good figure for a new standalone farm where the next farm is about 2km away (at Pantai Ali). This farm belongs to my wife's family. I have just JV with a friend to buy a piece of land near to this farm and we intend to set up a standlone farm. We want this to be unique in the sense that they are environment friendly and the most economical. I would really like to get DIY people like you, Jef and Kent KT involve in this project. What do you think about this proposal?.

Terengganu is a city now and we must have the city mentality. There is a Mind Festival organised by the State Goverment coming up next week at the TTC and attending the seminars is free . So let us show TERENGGANU BOLEH and Impian Menjadi Realiti.

This post has been edited by Tirokswifts: Jan 11 2008, 01:15 PM

I did not post the photos publicly. It is in my web site photo album Say what if I take photographs of KT town and put up in the net. Do I have to ask all the building owners whose building appear in my photos for permission. Their buildings or shops are also valuable. Those birdhouses are so glaringly different and anyone who passes by know that they are birdhouses. There's nothing to hide. What I am showing are more academic to me. I am trying to show the various types of birdhouses. I didn't mentioned names though I have hinted a few who is the owner. No all are the same. We should be proud that KT have so many birdhouses like I am proud that we have knowledgeable people like you in who is leading the discussion on swiftlet farming in Lowyat.NET. The same goes with construction of the birdhouse. The so called experts are saying this and that, can and cannot, but in the end the losers are those who followed them blindly. Some are successful and so some are not. Sometimes it is not because of the so-called experts but it is what the Indonesians called Hok Ki that bring success. Most of the time success will come with logic, common sense and practicality. This industry is still evolving and there are still a lot to learn about the behavior and lifestyles of swiftlets. For example, the recent article on swiftlets in Indonesia being domesticated in enclosed farm defy all known facts. Lets be humble about it.

There is nothing personal about it. To make swiftlet farming an industry we must be bold enough to face the authorities, not to antagonise the government but to work clsoely with them. Of course we must put our house in order first. We must comply with the requirements set by the authorities. The authorities have to protect the public and they have to make sure that the public are not affected by this swiftlet farming activities before they issue or implement any licenses. I feel the guidelines given by the authorities as posted in a few blogs including Harry's Blog are reasonable. We are now in a billion dollar industry and we cannot be like the mafia or crooks hiding. We must come face to face with the authorities and we must educate them if we need to. I understand that Dato' TTS is heading the Persstuan Walit in KT and hope he can help to legalise swiftlet farming in the state. So far, the rules and regulations are not out yet but I understand is coming soon.

No hide-hide one in this businesslah. When in trouble with the authorities want the YB to help bail out pulak. Mana bolih ini macam. Takut orang tahu tapi nak mintak tolong pulak. This is always the case.

This post has been edited by Tirokswifts: Jan 11 2008, 11:43 PM

Go and meet Harry. He will be able to help you. For details visit this web site,
http://swiftletfarming.blogspot.com/.

Do I need Harry's permission since I saw a lot of people are so sensitive when it comes to swiftlet farming.??

syazash

Salam kenalan. Maca mana ganu kita? Hope to meet you one dday. Jalan Pasir Panjang has 2 birdhouse, one above a single storey shop near TBSS and one further up where the BH have louvred windows. Earlier on when they first started there are a lot of birds circling but now doesn't seem to see birds near the BH. Perhaps I pass the place at the wrong time or birds are not staying. Can you find out.

Is your area near to Tuanku Mizan Golf Course?. There are a lot of swiftlets looking for food (insects) there. If it is near its better. Swiftlets passing don't guarantee them staying permanently in your birdhouse. Some may visit and stay overnight and play play and go back to their home in town. In my areas there are alot of swiftlets passing but some buat bodoh only. They just flew straight across as if they didn't hear the external calling sound. Of course the chances of birds staying arebetter if you can see them around everyday. I know of areas near the golf course which have bird houses which are successful in the sense that birds are going in and building nests. The areas are in Kg. Kolam in Kuala Ibai and Condo Rakyat Flats. All the best to you.
Kecik-kecik cili padi, Kalu jadi syok sekali.

Hi Kelvin

Caught u in this forum. How come ur CD still didn't reach me after u said u send to me the 2nd. time. Can you check with your courier service. I'm anxiously waiting for ur CD. Pl don't let me down.

YeoSS

350K would be a fair price. 100K for land, 250K for 2 storey building. If you are buying completed BH would cost you at least 400K for 2 storey and 500K for 3 storey.

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Added on February 6, 2009, 11:21 amI have not been active in this forum but it hurts me when you attack Harry when he has no intention of doing what he is accused of. There is one blogger who is always attacking Harry out of jealousy because he is less popular than Harry but we should not be carried away by this malicious attack by this blogger. Harry has good intentions. We need't have to agree with him 100%. Besides he didn't force anybody to buy anything from him. If he is boosting of his Black cloud, let it be. I am sure its not Henry Mulia's sound, Black Thunder or whatever sound that he had and he didn;t buy the Black Cloud from Henry Mulia or his agent. I am sad that some of the respected forumners here had been influenced by this particular blogger. I would like to publishe Harry's post here for all to judge whether he is asking the authority to shift town BHs to eco parks or agricultural lands. Harry had contributed a lot to the swiftlet fsrming industry. He too need to earn a living besides blogging since he has retired from his profession as an engineer. I really respect all the active forumners here especially my countryman here, West Wing, same state but different town. for the selfless contributions, with fresh ideas and constructive comments.

"It is a great challenge to move those birds from their current home, town areas, to a new home.

This will be one of the biggest challenges of all the Local Council once the Garis Panduan Perumahan Walet come into force.

I was invited to sit with the Council recently and I am very happy that the new guideline will be made available for all swiftlet farmers and all the local councils.

The biggest task will be how to relocate these wild birds from town areas to a gazetted land area?

Will these birds moved?

How to make them moved?

The "Garis Panduan" allows a minimum of 3 years for BH owners to comply and I am sure there will be lots of objections from the swiftlet farming communities in the Country.

Have this been done before?

The idea is very good but how do we do it in a manner that will not disturb the bird's colonies and at the same time will make the BH owners agrees with all the measures that the Local Council will take?

Today I received an invitation letter from Kedah State to attend a briefing to the Chief Minister and his Town Planners above the subject matter.

I am very sure there is a very good opportunities to let them know my personal views and perhaps voice my concern over the BH owners income.

Theoretically it can be done but practically it have never been done.

My biggest concern is the fate of all those young birds during the moving operations. I cannot allow the "Mukah Tregedy" repeat itself. I am very sure that if the same tragedy is repeated our whole bird nest indutries in Malaysia will be black listed and we stand to loose billion of dollars.

The cost to move to a new site will be substantial.

The owner do not have any skill in this operation. Likewise no local council or their staff do have any ideas or experiences to handle this kind of task.

I planned to attend this meeting and prepare some materials so that the council will have some ideas on swiftlets behaviours, characteristics and their normal life cycle.

I have some suggessions to stop those annoying sounds.

If they wanted to move they need to come out with a suitable alternatives so that it will not be a huge burden to the current BH owners and are practical.

They need to consider providing the best alternatives to all those affected and ensure that high skill people are given the tasks to move the colonies.

Those who have some ideas please write to me as soon as you have them.

I need to get my paper ready by 3rd Feb 2009"



This post has been edited by Tirokswifts: Feb 6 2009, 11:21 AM

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Added on February 6, 2009, 7:38 pmChank.
I do not idolise anybody, not even Harry. I have my own god-given brain to think and assess what is good and what is bad. Please don't make this forum a place for you to curse somebody you dislike with due respect to West Wing, chionggou and others for had been keeping this forum lively and meaningful. What I am saying is my frank opinion. I am not like you who think HM is your GOD. It's not you alone who knows HM. I have also met him and HM has his own qualities which I admire but not the extent of idolising him. I hope those with bad mouth should be kept out of this forum. Hope my countryman, SeeSeng can do something about it.

This post has been edited by Tirokswifts: Feb 6 2009, 08:11 PM

My dear west Wind,

I have contacted Mr. H to seek clarification that he has agreed to to the proposal by the authority to move the BHs in town to other areas in 3 years. This is what he has to say,

"I received a call from Mr Y who informed me about those smearing campaign at Low Yat.

It seem that those who wrote about me do not have a true picture of what I am doing.

To tell the truth I have been very vocal during the JPPD meeting (in KL). The sad thing is that the person who wrote the Garis Panduan have very little knowledge about what Swiftlet Farming.

The draft was written and been discussed but yet to be accepted.

During the meeting I told them that the best thing for them to do is to firstly get those are directly involved to be given a fair chance to voice their opinions. Get those BHs owners associations together and let them be informed of the Garis Paduan. Allow them to give their opinions.

I also mentioned about the lack of qualified personnel to handle the implementation of various clauses in the Garis Panduan.

I stressed to them the are lots of people out there who depend on this god gift business and please be considerate.

I make a point not to allow the Mukah Disaster to happen again. It is no good to the country and also owners.

If this business collapse there will be lots of suffering inclusive the Local Council (less collection on cukai pintu).

I told them then these birds have this special homing behaviours that when they choose a house they will remain in that house forever until they die.

I quoted a example which happened in Bentong where a BH owner closed his house in total and lots of birds cling to the walls and die.

The decision to give a specific period to move out is not my idea. The idea was from the person who wrote the paper. There must be some reasons to this tough requirement but I do hope this matter will be something that the association to plead with the local council.

I was invited as an observer and not to represent any associations but I voice a lot of opinions for the BH owners. I put my neck for all the BH owners but what do I get? People stabbing my back. What a bunch of craps?

I do not wish to talk big about what I have done but trust me I am also a bird house owner. If the Garis Paduan is implemented I will be directly affected.

It is not fare for those who are not in the meeting to slander my name. I am just a normal person. I am not a President of any association but just a person who always have BH owners at heart.

If they want to criticize why don't they criticize those Presidents of all those BH owners associations? Those so call Presidents should make their move quickly and talk with JPPD. Organise a meeting now and put forward their views.

If I turn down these invitations, there will be no body to represent all the BH owners.

There is another invitation to present a paper on swiftlet farming in Kedah on Feb 17th, 2009.

I know what they want to hear from me and I know what I wanted to deliver.

Trust me I will put all my efforts and energy for BH owners.

At the same time please remember that I am just an ordinary person who was invited to play some role in Garis Panduan. I have no special powers to twist the decisions but I promise to do my best for the sake of the swiftlet farming. I have to spend my own money and time to give these talks and no single BH owners associations are paying my bills. Yes those Kementerian are not paying my petrol, my toll fees, my professional time, my lodging and my meals. All will be from my pocket.

Please be a bit more supportive and sympathatic with all my efforts.

If the person who love to smear my name is so good then go and meet the Ketua Pengarah of JPPD in KL or in Kedah and bring up the matter yourself? Let see if they will listen to you.

If I am successful it will be good to the industry but if I fail please take note that I have tried my best.

I cannot bring others into the meeting because they might turn the meeting upside down.

We need to be rational and find a win win situation.

Dr Reduan will be there for his papers and I have been asked to put my paper.

If you wish to know what i did during the meeting please call Dr Reduan, tel no 0192197887 (after 17th Feb 2009) and let him tell you how I perform. It is better for you to listen from him then from me. I might be biased."


Mr H asked readers to contact Dr. Reduan after 17th Feb 2009 is because he wanted the readers to get the exact facts of what he had presented during the presentation. There is nothing suspicious about his intention. I suggest that those who talk so much about protecting the swiftlet industry, rather then shouting and bad mouthing in this forum contact Dato Reduan personally (since Mr. H has given his hp no.) to voice their opinions. If Dato Reduan did not accept you, then its too bad. its either you are too good or you are too bad. Cheers

This post has been edited by Tirokswifts: Feb 7 2009, 07:34 PM

At least someone has come to his senses and getting sober. Why should H let others see his presentation. It is his personal presentation and what he presented is his private property and need not be accepted by the Authority. He is not GOD. It would be appropriate that Presidents of Birdnest Merchants approached Dr. Reduan to have them included in the discussion or presentation and I would suggest one of the Presidents, perhaps David Lim, engage our wonderful friend Chank to present on behalf of all birdhouse owners so that all doubts will be cleared. Cheers

This post has been edited by Tirokswifts: Feb 8 2009, 07:53 AM

Moving town BHs to eco parks within 3 years is not Harry's proposal but was in the draft Guidelines (Garis Paduan) and why are forum members blaming him of supporting the move. I am downloading what he say in his post for all to judge.

"I was invited to sit with the Council recently and I am very happy that the new guideline will be made available for all swiftlet farmers and all the local councils.

The biggest task will be how to relocate these wild birds from town areas to a gazetted land area?

Will these birds moved?

How to make them moved?

The "Garis Panduan" allows a minimum of 3 years for BH owners to comply and I am sure there will be lots of objections from the swiftlet farming communities in the Country.

Have this been done before?

The idea is very good but how do we do it in a manner that will not disturb the bird's colonies and at the same time will make the BH owners agrees with all the measures that the Local Council will take?

Today I received an invitation letter from Kedah State to attend a briefing to the Chief Minister and his Town Planners above the subject matter.

I am very sure there is a very good opportunities to let them know my personal views and perhaps voice my concern over the BH owners income.

Theoretically it can be done but practically it have never been done.

My biggest concern is the fate of all those young birds during the moving operations. I cannot allow the "Mukah Tregedy" repeat itself. I am very sure that if the same tragedy is repeated our whole bird nest indutries in Malaysia will be black listed and we stand to loose billion of dollars.

The cost to move to a new site will be substantial.

The owner do not have any skill in this operation. Likewise no local council or their staff do have any ideas or experiences to handle this kind of task."

By saying "Theoretically it can be done but practically it have never been done", Does this mean that HE AGREED TO TOWN BHs BEING MOVED TO ECO PARKS???. Chank could be influenced by another person and I am sure you can guess who?. The clue is he is the one who build the BH for him in Sungai Petani which until now has less than 100 nests.

I feel enough is enough and thanks chiongguo for you wise comments and advise.

What we write and argue in this forum reflects our character and personality and if you ask me what I think of Chank I will tell you that Chank has a bad heart full of vinegar.

Lucas 1

Thanks for the compliments. Though I have a standalone farm, my heart is still with the town BHs owners and I DONT SUPPORT SHIFT OF TOWN BHs TO either ECO PARKS or AGRICULTURAL LAND and I have my reservations on ECO PARKS that are currently being built.


"TO HAVE ONE LOUSY PERSON WORKING IS BETTER THAN TO HAVE 100 GOOD PERSON NOT DOING ANYTHING" This is the comparison and summation that I can make between Harry and the BN Associations

"The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom." - James Allen


This post has been edited by Tirokswifts: Feb 9 2009, 11:44 PM

chiongguo,

I fully support what you are doing right now. Go ahead with your noble intention.

Look at the abstract of the Bernama report today which I am pasting below

“At this moment, all the bird nest entrepreneurs are in the dark about the requirements,” said Ben Chai.

"He proposed that bird nest entrepreneurs be given a a two-year grace to relocate to new areas."

Is this what Ben Chai is proposing or it is wrongly reported?. Is he agreeing “Theoretically can be done practically it has never been done"

This post has been edited by Tirokswifts: Feb 15 2009, 10:02 PM

Ben Chai,

Please don't get it wrong from me. That piece of news was reported by Bernama and I brought it up because when Harry mentioned "Theorictically ..." everyone in the forum started attacking him which I think is not fair and when you mentioned again about moving after 2 years, I have my doubt which is why I am asking is that a misreporting?. If you have other motive for saying that then I have no comments. FYI my farm is not a FAILED farm AND I HAVE NEVER ASKED HARRY FOR ADVISE. . Harry and you visited my farm is purely a courtesy visit and nothing to do with advising me. Hope you correct what YOU have said in this forum. For your info my farm has more than 50 nests after 1 year and 5 months and when Harry and you visited my farm there are already a few nests. Its not my type to criticise or side another member. What I want to see is TRUTh prevail.

"One stupid person working is better than 100 clever person doing nothing."



This post has been edited by Tirokswifts: Feb 16 2009, 07:16 PM

Ben,

I respect you because you are an old man but not what you have commented. Different places have different conditions. Mine is a standalone farm and the 1st. in my area. so circumstances are different. this shows that you still don't understand about swiftlet farming. You don't need to show off in this forum. So, please don't give your biased comment. I am also pissed off.

This post has been edited by Tirokswifts: Feb 16 2009, 08:00 PM

Coolandy,

SAD STORY, so what!!. I am happy with what I have.

Let's TRUTH prevail.