I was reading the press report by The China Press on Saturday. It was about a dialogue btw Ronnie Liu rep State Government, other govt depts and Selangor Birdnest Merchants Association held in Sabak Bernam.
YB Ronnie brought up 2 worrying points, i.e (1) Relocation of all BHs within town areas or commercial areas within 3 years period, (2) No coffee shops or restaurants can be operated on ground floor if upstairs is BH.
I don't have to discuss on point (1) again, but point (2). Is YB Ronnie under the impression that our swiftlets are like grass swifts which build nests on lima kaki ceilings. Aren't sparrows, crows and pigeons more health hazardous to public? Do they have to be relocated or killed also ?

haish, seems to me i was a bit too emotional in my previous post. sorry for that but i hope we get the idea that what is needed is basically;

1. properly outlined guidelines... advised by the right people from the right technical fields. not aesthetic rules from ignorant policy makers or syok sendiri people.

2. the guideline must be industry friendly and applicable to both standalone and shoplot units, but the main core is still 'preservation' of existing BH's and conservation.

3. empower the veterinary department, reduce restrictions from perhilitan. these are organized, systematic and custom designed BH's, not caves.

4. ensure proper training and education of relevant agencies with jurisdiction. this again emphasizes on 'conservation' and income generating activities.

5. empower state level associations with certain levels of authority over members. a good example is barring membership to errant BH owners. i am sure the agencies won't allow such empowerment but the society can make its own code of ethics or set of rules (just make sure they are registered with ROS). no membership, no support from the society, maybe make it compulsory to join state associations? then again, some associations are dysfunctional from what i've heard.

6. state and national level associations must be more vocal (promoting and voicing out members concern) and get more involvement of the Malay counterparts. the reason being, the more Malay representation, the more likely the increase of political leverage. Malaysia the Boleh Land. I explained this many times before. we should take advantage of this.

7. If people like CK Lim, unlce ben, west wing, Ir Lee, aeiou28, tirok, can churn up a paper on international conservation conventions/policies (related to swiftlets)... it would be cool. maybe write to a few esteemed conservationists, get involvement of MNS, WWF (not the wrestling one) etc... might have an impact. since the main issue currently is still on shoplot BH's, this should be the best way to prevent the so called 'relocation' and other non conducive guidelines.

8. get involvement of financial institutions. or at least big corporations which will give additional leverage to the industry. JUST DON'T make it so that it becomes like Bernas or Pharmaniaga.

my two to 5 cents of thought. if i offended anyone in any post, i publicly apologize and stress that these are personal views. freedom of expression, freedom of speech (which in Malaysia almost always translates as; 'say anything as long as it doesn't go against the government').

ykltpm... i think thats a good example of a poorly advised exco, and most probably the people advising him rather bend to the MISCONCEPTIONS the public has about swiftlets rather than telling the facts and truth AND educating the public. To them it's easier to please the public and look good doing their job rather than understanding the industry's factual and actual problems. Lets email him (nice emails please, no ganas2 ones, we want to educate, not condemn, unless deemed necessary).

Y.B. TUAN RONNIE LIU TIAN KHIEW
ADUN N47 PANDAMARAN
PORTFOLIO : PENGERUSI JAWATANKUASA TETAP KERAJAAN TEMPATAN, KAJIAN DAN PENYELIDIKAN
ALAMAT PEJABAT : PEJABAT AHLI MAJLIS MESYUARAT KERAJAAN NEGERI SELANGOR, TINGKAT 15, BANGUNAN SSAAS, 40503 SHAH ALAM
TEL : 03-55447150
Email : ronnieliu@selangor.gov.my

This post has been edited by dunsuntutmybuntut: Apr 20 2009, 04:26 PM

My humble opinions that everyone in the BN business is very worried in state of confusion and at a loss as to which direction to take and who to belief. News, both good and mostly bad might I add, is so flute and change by the minute.

Rumors so rampant about people can lobby in favor of BH in shop lots for a fee and a big one at that. Huge money are rumored to have change hands and that the Agong will shortly be advising the Government to rule in favor of BH owners and PM will give directive for swift lets farming will be manage by Veterinary Dept. throughout Malaysia.

In Sarawak many claim to be go between with the Forestry Dept. to secure license for Swift lets Farming. I strongly belief this are just work of some con artist capitalizing on the weakness of desperate BH owners who are facing a bleak future if their BH is being shut down by the authority. I am confident that the Government is in favor of a properly regulated and sustainable Swift lets Ranching and they collect Tax. Of cause like everything else are subject to harassment by unscrupulous officers.

But at last we can only just wait and see if Sarawak Farmers who met all the requirements will be granted the necessary permits without having to pay under table money. If there is such a demand I advise the victims will lodge a report to the appropriate authority.

We have so many different ranchers in different circumstances and positions most have selfish desire to protect their own interest and take advantage of others miseries. Some standalone owner is hopping for shop lot BH to be shutdown. Eco Park developer needs all the BH to be shutdown so their investors will not demand for their money back. BH owners on shop lots wish all stand alone and eco parks will disappear in thin air. People with no BH and some envious neighbor’s wish all the swift lets will migrate back to Indonesia tomorrow. Many in high positionswhot can decide the fate of swift lets farming are smelling the coffee.

So where do we stand? I have no answer. We now depend so much on the work of people like David Lim, West Wings, CK, DR Rezuan ,Datuk Bey and many others to fight our cause and protect our investments. Thank You Kind SIR! Beware there are also those out there trying to destroy us.

On a lighter note we have not heard much from our friend James. I don’t think he is running out of new ideas on how to promote his stuff but I think he is still stuck up there on the roof top as I see him up there every day. Will some kind heart please get him a ladder to climb down? I wonder if Mrs. James sends him food and drinks. I am very far away in east Malaysia to help will someone call the fire Department.

My note is only meant for fun reading and my two cents worth, please enjoy. There is always hope, as there is a drop of dew on every blade of grass.

I have this dream, a dream to make my whole town buildings all BHs or at least, my part of town totally Swiftlets' sanctuary. If it is successfully, then we should have no problem with our neighbours or the authorities because even the Majilis has BHs, too.

At least, in my area, there are more BHs than none BHs and I hope it will expand to all so all @ town can share GOD's wealth.

Well, that's a dream, my own beautiful dream. HAHAHAHA

lol, i thought uncle ben was still in psych ward, drugged and thrown in an isolated padded room. please take care of your health old man.

state of confusion, where to stand..... this is exactly what must be made clear. i know everyone has their own interest, but i am sure there are a few common interests acceptable to all BH owners... less redtape, abolishment of ridiculous rules & proper advice reaching the authorities. Hehe... maybe asking for each PBT to have their own BH is a bit farfetched West Wing, but it may just be possible IF the proper approach, training and education is given.

I have my own dream and aspirations as well. To make the industry a 'sustainable' source of income for the needy, making it part of YBK's program or the WD's. Maybe 1 kampung, 1 BH. Train 'em to manage, maintain and process BN. 1 BH should be able to sustain at least 20-30 families. Get the structure right, the management detailed and logged... should be ok. This would certainly help Malaysia compete more seriously with Indonesia. Anyways, this is all just wishful thinking and idealistic. ahhaha!

can someone initiate a study on international conservation conventions? i dont have the resources. just in case a stupid legislation is enforced, we can shout violation of international conservation conventions demonstrate in front of parliament wearing baby swiftlet suits while burning perhilitan or pbt logos!!!! Maybe make a pantomime on how a pair of swiftlets coming home from feeding but finding their kids dead on the floor inside a baldi surrounded by enforcement officers... call greenpeace (make sure most of them are hot babes wearing feathers only as protest) and NG Asia. should be cool.

Only if the authorities have their own Birdhouses, only then they understand our feelings and cos you have to be there to feel. To feel LOVE, you must be in love...........Talking and explaining will be the most difficult job to do and that's why I admire our friends trying to convince the authorities that we are the good guys and we are on the people's side.

I bet you on if anyone who disagree with BHs in town and if you get him to be involved in BH buz, soon, he will fall in LOVE with the swiftlets........and then you have another friend. Why so selfish, support all newbiz and encourage others to be in the buz.

The market is too big and so big even if all Malaysian are involve in the industry, we still have good harvest and good market unless, China starts to have their own BHs, then we are in trouble...........just my own opinion on how to solve the present situation once and for all. Talk talk only and no offence, I believe.

hi guys anyone here from JB ? me now stay at jb working... but currenlty at overseas.... middle east ... working also ... but oni few months... i wish to start my BH also when i back from middle east.... if i hav 30k, how long can i get back the money for investing BH ?? how many % of success in JB ? anyone willing to help me ? i have read many article also and know bout swiflets ... but not as pro as u ppl.... but i dun hav money.... tats y i nvr start... but 30k enough ??

Hi all,
I am posting my (once in a blue moon) comments here from Thailand to contribute.

I don't know why I decided to post today, but I just guess I feel really bad for all of u (hua qiao) here too. I heard about the mukah incident and some stuff about Serawak and Kedah as I tried to get updated from this blog.

Couple of times I typed to comment here but I decided not to post, afraid u all might not care what I say. Donno y this time I finish typing and post. (Maybe I am drunk 'cause too many beers.?, heehe)

One thing I have heard from somebody here in Thailand, saying that, we all citizens now realize that, if we want to have a share or benefit from some of the national resources in the country, we MUST (inevitably) join the politics.

I know almost all of u here (including myself) don't wanna join the politics. However there may be no other choices. Win the politics to live! If u lose u will die. May be as simple as that.

Somebody in this forum said, enjoy today even tomorrow is World War Three.
I like to say, Hey.. TODAY IS THE WORLD WAR THREE!

Your war in Malaysia IS indeed the WW3. Fight or Die, as simple as that.

I wish u all win this war and let them know that, without all the chinese hua qiao, their land will be with no value.

Without us, u would still be an undeveloped country.
Without Lee Chong Wei, U couldn't find a guy to beat Lin Dan. Heehee my joke

Let's talk BH..

Uncle westwing, about the mist machine, a year ago I bought this MIST machine (10 piezo vibrating disc) for about RM2k (from here,Thailand). I used it in my own BH and it shut down very often; therefore I changed to a normal mist water pump; however flooding occurs ocassionally like sifu Lucas1 mentioned.

About the 10piezo vibrating disc misting machine, I suspect I put the mist machine engine box IN the BH and too much humidity got to the circuit and it shut off.

So I will try it again on my new BH, but this time putting the mist machine OUTSIDE the BH (in the data room, and piping it into the BH) and see what happens. I think it should generate enough mist to keep your micro good. I will give you update on this I promise. If it's good, and you can't get a hold of one, I will buy for you and send from Hadyai at cost price.

About my take on Night Sound (with my 2 cens too) I think we could turn on the night internal sound at a very low volume, to make new birds feel secured (especially for a new BH). I did record sound from my BH from 4pm to 10am and found that, even at midnight, 3am, birds stilll make lots of noise, as if some of them are never at sleep. Therefore, if possible, it may be a good idea to turn on night sound at night at a low volume, to imitate the real environment. I think if the volume is low enough, no neighbor can hear it (and if they do it wont' be a pain). (IMO only).

But external sound after 7pm(8pm your time) is, like u all know, an absolute No-No. As CK has pointed out in his web, the sound can only attract owls, not swiftlets. And, it's absolutely disturbing. (I heard one in Hadyai at 9pm the sound was so loud it could be heard 1km away. This stupid behavior could later harm our business).

---Just for your info, I have a 6+years-old 5-storey BH operated only upper 3 floors with about 2,000 nest count. Now I am expanding downward to 2nd and 1st floor (will finish this week). Now that uncle westwing said the aroma maybe good, I will do this(before the grand opening):

1. Sweep all bird shit from upper floor (alreay flooded from leaked pond) down to 1st and 2nd (done already and it smell like 100men pissing in the house).
2. Grind my bird nest residue with water, let it furment for 3-4days and paint it on the corner board (I use alu, to follow my dear sifu).
3. The other side of the house I will use Jame's potion (leftover from last purchase which I didn't see much success of (absolutely no offense james as I know yr potion is good for NEW BHs)) to see which one works better. I may keep u update on this.

Or should I mix jame's potion with the liquid nest? what's yr opinion, Mr.XO formula? Heehe just kidding.

---CK. I like your opinion on the most important factor of successful BH, the Timing. (because I was the second BH of my town, where the first BH in my town already got 3-4,000 nests I estimated.) Timing is crucial. Only the first 50 of the area may be doing well where the pioneer take big share of the cake (if done properly). P.S. I'm a fan of yr blog.

---About Harry (Kok, hehee), I did order some sounds from him, to realize 2 things: James spoken English is much better than his; secondly, they both sent my some sounds which I think worse than what I already have (however Harry's sound is Absolutely hillarious; even my own stupid cut/edited recording is better! ;also one he sent was hummingbird sound I think hehe)

--- I am constructing a new BH using double walls for the whole building, as the cost is about the same as one layer light-weight bricks but stronger; however much heavier (u will need bigger piles and beams for this). Later if I know the inside-temp stability I will get u updated on this.

P.S. I really wish your new PM will keep his promise about supporting TOWN BHs. If that happens, this blog will be like before, enjoying talking about BH only.

Lastly, May force be with u all, and wish u all wealth and, above all, happiness ...

Just let me give you some information or reasons for starting a BH.
1. To me, this is the best investment as you never lose but gain and as in any investment, you may not gain or your gain may not be as much aa the others. When you are successful, you may get back your investment in 5 years and still have all property worth sometime over 3 times the investment. Even if you fail and wish to give up, you sitlll get back what you invested as other esp. fellow successful investors will buy cos they know where you fail or at least they think they do and they are not sharing because one person lose is another one gain....seem selfish but lit normal as in any type of venture.

2. Let me give an example, a friend bought a BH at over 1.5 M and he has been harvesting the nests for a few years and he is already almost getting hie investment back but that is not the jack pot, someone just offer his BH for a cool Rm4M....where on earth can you get these return and this security of return.......it id just like hand you win, tail don't lose.

3. How much, these all depend on how you are going to do it and let give another example, a friend only has a room for the birds and he is successful and is harvesting over few Kgs every harvest. Not all investers are successful, some are slow, some are fail, too but as I mentioned, even if you fail, you don't lose....just you don't gain. Never listen to sweet talks by those sweet tslking salesmen (CON) and just listen to yourslef and honest friends Who are the honest friends....that's the question??????????????? see, I have a marking " H" on my forehead and "H" for honesty...hahahahaha

Hi Chitchai,

Always good to hear the news from the other site, be it from Indo or Thai as all are one big family in the globalised world, no longer masters and slaves mentality like in the country.

Anyway, based on the feedback from our investigation team, after many months of deep research & investigation on behaviour of siwftlets at night as you mentioned making a lot of noise even at 3am, just like to let you know the CONCLUSION.

..
..
..
..
..

Reseach shown that the swiftlets are SNORING out loud at 3 am. ... zzz

LOL, hope make your day.

Just as things started to look brighter with favorable news for the last few days. Today is sad to note that 11 BH were raided by the enforcement officers from Forestry Dept. in Mukah.

BH owners were told to remove all speakers and amplifiers. . BN and Bird shit were collected for evident in event they wish to prosecute the owners for illegally harboring protected species.

The operations will be on going till all the 150 odd BH is inspected. Was told that the next destination will be Daro.

Also being informed that enforcement officer will fly in from Kuching to shut down one BH in Luak Bay , Miri due to complain from the public. Have no idea as to what extend the action will be carried out. I will keep readers posted.

The BH in Miri where a tyre size fire cracker was set off below the BH has one of the windows broken by a rock. Must have been vandalized by the same frustrated neighbor.

So BH owners please cooperate and don’t give the authorities the slightest excuse to shut us down. A mere complain weather justified or not, they will jump into action for their ego and their dept. will be paid for such raid.

Illegal Harboring of Protected species and that's a new words for me.....providing sanctuary and protecting of protected species is an offence?

First time in the world that you can be charge for harboring or providing a sanctuary for any kind of protected species and not to mentioned that swiftlets are not totally protected species. This time Sarawah Forestry Dept surely boleh!!!!!

All this time, I thought that you can only be charge in court for harming, killing or destroying protect species areas but never because you provide them shelter or protection or a place to breed. All these killings and destroyings, the Sarawah Forestry Dept have done them all and should be charge in Court and there are clear evidences.

As Malay used to say" Ini pun boleh!"

Anything can happen in Malaysia. Everything is possible especially the stupid way.

Malaysia semuaBoleh.......

This post has been edited by Semuabumi: Apr 22 2009, 11:06 PM

at first i wan to thank u for ur reply i also this thread reader for quite some time ed but i stop after i think i got enough info ,which at tat moment i stil canot join u ppl for investing the BH .. cause of the budget...but i think soon i will have enough budget... willing to giv it a try... and nvr dream to get 4mil back jus wan some few k per harvest ... tats enough for me .... i know tat how will u fail or success.... jus not pro enough like u guys... not so dare to start...
first if i wan to start at JB.... i should apply license first rite ? and i dun think its exp also... but the location ... where? shold i buy the bird test system first ? and try out the place.... but we canot do it on shop lots... i also knew tat.. oni if we wan to do it quietly.. but tats not the way.... we will be in bad dream everyday...scare the authorities will come kick my ass... ... if wan to do... do it the right way rite ?? and if i willing to pay for some consultan.. anyone here willing to help me out ? guiding me for a period of time... where is the Honest guy ?

Jack, I think the most fundamental thing you need to settle first before anything else is you need to own the property and the property must be located within the flying path of swiftlet.

A test run will be appropriate and if have a vacant land, it will not cost you much unless you are going for the Guinness world of record just like some guys building BHs so big that sooner or later 747 jet can land on the roof.

Have little money, do it on a small scale and reinvest when you get your money from the sales of birdnests...........slow but steady but never borrow from ALONG or your BH will very soon end up as ALONG's BH. Believe me for you keep on waiting, you will never build your palace of fortune (BH).

Presently BH owners shouldn't be afraid or selfish that if someone build a BH near your BH, that's good because only during the first year, you share your birds with him but after that, he will be a contributor of bird to your already overcrowded BH. Think positive, and you will be be happy and live to a hundred or more and obviously must with daily supplement of birdnest. No point of raising your Amps each time a new BH set up in your area......and all the other BH joinging in later and what's happen to the rest of your neighbour....sakit kepala, lama lama jadi gila.

Taking about jadi gila.....few months ago, I went to see a specialist as I hear voices each time I tried to sleep. Paid over Rm300 and 2 hours to be told that I am OK with my ears.....thinking of it back now, it's my brain replaying the swiftlets sounds from the neighborhoods. Cannot make a fuss as I am also in the trade although I don't even put a AMP in my BH..... complaint to MPK and maybe my BH also kena.

Hai Forum,
I am new member here from malacca. I have been knowing swiftlet industry for 1 year and now just get to know about this interesting forum...
This forum really is useful for all the swiftlet member... I can find a lot of informative information and all the member never selfish in sharing the info. Welldone all of senior ...But, the previous forum is too long and i only got time to read a few pages only. I think i need 1 month to read all of the posting.
Hope i can learn things from all the senior yah.
tq

Hmmm... u are a kuching guy too... if 30k for me is enuf but u cannot la.johor work pay too high beh ta han.
lately i roughly kira-kira ,wanna make a single story standalone with 2nd hand stuff and hire indon worker. walao what u know just only 25k++ for 20x70 si beh hor

This post has been edited by kuching_farmer: Apr 23 2009, 10:23 PM

Hi, Jack. If u thz doing a BH in JB town centre is very eye-catching, why not do it in other small town in Johor?

FYI, 2 storeys BH renovation should cost you around 40k to 50k. Nowadays, ppl normally do two storeys, one storey is not cost-effective.

Good luck and all the best to u.

Hi, all,



Missing all of you and your posts dearly. We are still very busy with many backlogs yet to finish. It seems there is no end yet with the battle of Bukit Selambau just over and now the trumpet for the battle of Penanti already starts blowing from the distance. It is only 20 minutes of drive from here. Every one of us starts cleaning our gears again preparing for the PENANTI BY-ELECTION.


This evening the Kedah BH owners should consider lucky and be happy that the Kedah MB and the Excos have today shot down the latest drafted Garis Panduan on the Licensing of the Kedah BHs proposed by the PERANCANG DEPT to be passed through in this morning state meeting. The drafted Garis Panduan is almost the same with only little changes from the last time the one proposed by the PERANCANG FEDERAL. If this goes through, every BH in Kedah would have to close shop. And that is going to be NIGHTMARE for other states as well. The PERANCANG DEPT of state is under the control of the Federal Govt (BARISAN NASIONAL). The MB was very angry with the proposal and ordered it be revamped to painless level. He further instructed the PERANCANG DEPT must consult the BH representatives with their agreement and approval first before tabling for meeting again. So far, the DEPT despites advised previously to discuss with the representatives but they failed to do that till today. The UMNO never learns and still trying to sabotage from behind. It serves them right to lose all the BY-ELECTIONS. Thanks to the Kedah PR Govt who has the people in its heart. Also not forgetting DL and his Taskforce who have been keeping track and monitoring the situation closely.


Isn’t that at least a GOOD NEWS for the BH industry for the time being? We are having too many bad news lately.