Not failed farm. Growth retarded due to too many experiments and crazy ideas tested on BH by owner. Same row, few other BHs, same design done also by DL at much later date, no experiments, number of nests few fold higher.

Can we discuss about the annual fee for the Premise license for the BH? What is considered fair and justified to help those in town and those in Kampong and rural? Pleased bear in mind that the Kedah Excos are talking of promoting BH industry to help the rural and kampong folks as well. Also bear in mind that about 70% of BH owners are still struggling to attract the swiftlets into the empty BHs. It may take them a few years of waitng or GESTATION period before they can see some income.

Let me tell you a true event related to how the license fee for the MAJLIS DAERAH KERIAN was negotiated.

MAJLIS DAERAH KERIAN 1st proposed RM500 in early 2006.  During a council meeting chaired by the Setiausaha, MDK, DL asked why so high, RM 500 untuk lesen premis ? The Setiausaha said because bird’s nest is very expensive commodity. DL said gold is very much higher, then how much is the lesen premis for Goldsmith shop? SU couldn’t reply. Then DL said, now everyone here agreed that ini bukan Perusahaan, right ? All replied yes. DL proceeded that burung ni bukan di pelihara, dan juga tidak ada apa-apa urusniaga dalam, hanya burung tumpang macam sewa rumah dari kami, betul? They replied, ya, betul. DL asked again, jadi, nak tanya, berapa yuran lesen premis untuk sebuah RUMAH PENUMPANG untuk manusia? One of the pegawai answered, RM80 satu tahun.  DL then asked again, jadi, kenapa yuran untuk burung lebih mahal pada manusia???? No one answered and meeting adjourned.
Next day, DL received call from one councillor of MDK congratulating DL that in the council meeting chaired by D.O. this time decided the yuran to be RM240 same with Penang. Later in the day, DL called D.O and had a short chat. After put down the phone, DL drafted a letter and faxed over to D.O.  Two days later, the whole Parit Buntar BH owners were jumping and celebrating. The D.O. announced the yuran to be only RM200.
Please help to find out and fill in the following with detailed descriptions if possible and as soon as possible. We need the comparisons.
1) Penang state- Annual lesen premis are flat RM 240 flat for one operation.
2) Majlis Daerah Kerian-lesen premis- RM 200
3) Taiping-
4) Telok Intan-
5) Sri Manjung-
6) Ipoh-
7) Selangor-
8) Pahang-
9) Kelantan-
10) Malacca-
11) Negeri Seremban-
12) Trengganu-
13) Perlis-
14) Johor-

lucas , can i ask u some question?
my BH build in agriculture land, can i build a dog cannel above my BH ????
but the new garis panduan just come out, and mention cant build dog cannel in shop lot or agriculture land?thanks....anyone can tell me?
can i build dog cannel in agriculture land?
The reason for not encouraging having Dog Kennel or window type entrance is due to its uncontrollable noise nuisance caused especially in township. If you are doing it on agricultural land in rural area where it doesn’t cause such nuisance to the neighbours, this condition may not be necessary and affecting. Moreover any new guidelines or by-laws created does not have retrospective effect on situations happened prior to it coming into effect. But, nonetheless, it is our moral obligation as a good and considerate citizen to rectify and to comply if circumstances permit for the wellness of this industry.

Generally, all the existing BHs with DK or window type entrances especially those in shop-house in townships are encouraged to convert them into air-well type entrance so to reduce the chances of causing the number one complaint against this industry, that is the noise nuisance.(Constitute 90% of complaints received)

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Added on March 1, 2009, 6:38 pmCONTEMPLATION OF FORMING A SPECIAL TASK FORCE TO TACKLE THE PERHILITAN CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
DL received numerous complaints of bird’s nest being detained, confiscated or componded in exit points in KLIA and LCCI recently. One China tourist after first time touring here, purchased 2 kg of processed nest as hand gift and for self consumption was stopped at the Security Screening Unit. It seemed that he was compounded RM1, 500 by the Custom before he was allowed to bring the nest board the plane. We do not know if the money is paid officially to the Custom, Perhilitan or duit kopi. There are simply too many such cases causing harassment to the people including genuine foreign tourists carrying only 2 ounces. This news have deterred and frightened many tourists from buying bird’s nest in Malaysia and even caused negative publicity on our inbound tourism resulting in slow down of foreign tourists.

According to the Custom Act, there is no tax or duty on bird’s nest going out of Malaysia. Presently, only the Perhilitan is imposing the controversial exit tax of RM100/kg on nest for export. The lengthy and troublesome bureaucratic red tapes and procedures implemented since 2007 has caused a sharp decline in demand of the Malaysia produced nests and thus the prices of nests tumbled down due to a sudden glut of nests since then.

Previously and prior to the ‘silent’ implementation of the EXIT TAX by the Perhilitan at exit points, the foreign buyers on average used to make 6 to 8 trips a month to buy nest from here. With the controversial and ambiguous process and procedure of the Perhilitan, it immediately caused inconvenience, troubles and hardship to these foreign buyers and their trips to Malaysia reduced to a maximum of only 2 per month. A 75% drop. Many cases of harassment, arrests, and confiscation of nests were caused to these buyers in airports. On top of this, additional RM 100/kg plus other extra operation costs, such as extended lodging, transports, labour etc incurred have rendered the buying of Malaysia nests become less attractive and competitive to them. Many turned away from here and to outsource from other countries, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia etc for all the convenience. The price of above RM5, 000/kg of the 1st grade of nest prior to 2007 has today dropped to only RM2, 500, a drop of 50%. Many Malaysian owners are overstocked with no demand from foreign buyers and are facing immensely increased financial hardship. This is very alarming and could be disastrous and it has also caused a heavy loss in much needed foreign revenue to Malaysia for the last 2 years.

In view of the continuous deterioration of the situation, something has to be done by the local owners who are also the citizens of Malaysia for self rescue before the whole Malaysia BH industry and economy crumble due to this inconsiderate and shortsighted act and abuse of power and procedure and the injustice done by a certain unscrupulous high ranking officials from a certain quarter Govt department to mislead the Ministry to pass through such unwise, undesirable and unfavourable Enactment and policy both to the country and its people. This is unwittingly and slowly crippling and killing the new found and God sent Golden Goose let of Malaysia before it could even come to maturity. This is just like hitting own feet with stone.

In view of the seriousness and the worsening situation faced by this industry, Mr David Lim is volunteering and considering organising a Task Force urgently to specially investigate on this matter. He is planning to appeal to volunteers from BH owners across Malaysia to help in. He cannot do it alone. This Task Force (TF) shall do the collection of data, evidence of cases, information of malpractices, hardship caused, and corruption practices by the relevant departments. The TF shall then compile them and would have these studied and scrutinised by a panel of professional constitutional lawyers and experienced professionals. The findings and recommendations would then be attached and enclosed in a memorandum to be presented directly to the Ministers of the relevant Ministries including the Prime Minister Department. A meeting for dialogue would be sought with the Ministers including the Prime Minister.

DL would like to remind that the people are the BOSSES of this country. The YBs (CEO) are elected and entrusted by the BOSSES to administer this country properly and to implement good policies to serve and to benefit the BOSSES of this country with JUSTICE and FAIRNESS and without personal hidden agenda. With unity of the BOSSES (people) and with the constitutional right vested, we shall decide who shall be the next good CEOs.

Rightfully this action should be taken up and spearheaded by the committees of the numerous birds’ nest associations scattered across the country. But it may be due to the various circumstances and reasons and the disunity, not much positive actions seemed or seen to have done. Understand that several attempts had been brought up by certain associations regarding the issues but to no avail and follow ups. It is also understandable that not all the committees in an association are committed and possessed the calibre and ability to pursue the matter. May be there exists only one or two individual in each association who are prepared to do it but due to inadequate of support and assistance rendered by the other fellow committees, thus not much could be done. Sometimes, the committees holding high positions are simply illiterate and totally inefficient and lacking of knowledge as to how to do it is the main cause.   

DL would like to invite such individual committee with the sense of commitment, righteousness and dedication to come forwards to liaise with him as an individual volunteer and to join in this ad hoc TF and share and work as a team to tackle the various BH issues. DL also invites everybody and anybody in this forum to join in to play a small role as he deems fit. Please remember that every BH owner, trader, consultant, or blogger is on the same boat. So, whether you want to continue to sail or sink together, it is all up to you. Only with unity with proper strategy and planning as ateam, we can win. If everybody is selfish, expecting somebody to do it, in the end nobody does it; the future of this industry is sure doomed.

Those prepared to help in to save the industry, please either post it up here or PM to me or contact DL directly.   

   

Both DK & OR have their advantages & disadvantages. It's how you could make use of them to the fullest advantage.

Understand the flying route & circle of birds would certainly help u in determine the right e.hole.

As far as sound pollution, given both without using Hex tweeters the sound reaching distance of DK is farther. As OR tends to reach a limited position as facing vertical to the sky. The advantage of OR the sound will not reach horizontal level thus less neighbors’ complain.

ok,thanks lucas, thanks ur expert advice, i am appreciate it
if ur BH in agriculture land and consider the new guidelines or by-laws created does not a matter ,which type u like to choose as ur entrance ???thanks,hope u can share with us newbie


     
To me, I would prefer air-well type for so many good reasons already mentioned by our fellow sifus here. Another one good reason is that my personal experience that rarely the air-well type being intruded by the owls (burung hantu) as compared to other types.
Also through my past years observation that among the new generation of BHs in a new area, I notice that those with air-well type always emerged as the champions in the growth rate as compared to other types operated same time. So the choice is yours.

6'x6' for open roof too small for today's new BH. Flying pattern entering hole totally different from side hole entrance. So cannot follow side hole entrance size lah. 10'x10' consider minimum for my personal standard. Personally prefer 4mx4m.

I think what Uncle Ben have shared with us is the gist of his experience gained thru past years’ observation. This formula definitely must have worked well for him, even though it might not work for others, it’s all depended on the different conditions and circumstances of the BHs.

I think the message Uncle Ben would like to put across is to caution us pay more attention on the durability of the nesting planks. Too much humid exposure will cause fast growing of mould on the planks. He is suggesting to us that it’s not necessary to switch on the humidifier in a new BH. When the birds’ population start to increase only then will set the humidity to 80 and 85 max and switch it off during raining season. I think it should be alright to follow his advice.

I agree with you that no doubt the humidifier can reduce the temperature in the BH, but its main function is to increase the humidity. It is not installed solely to bring down the BH’s temperature.

The key to control the temperature is preventing heat from entering the birdhouse. We should prevent heat getting in with good insulation and we should study how heat enters the BH.

Where and how to insulate? It all depends on the existing conditions of the BH. Therefore, prior to the BH renovation, it is advisable to do analysis i.e taking temperature to enable us make the right and wise decision. Best time to take the temperature is between 3 to 5 pm at the highest floor nearest to the ceiling. We should measure the hottest area of the BH (area facing afternoon sun) and preferably during hottest day. If the result shows reading below 30°C, then why should we waste time installing the bubble aluminium foil, mineral wool, and so on? If the result only shows high reading at certain areas, then localized insulation treatment shall only be done.

Above again is only my 2 cents. Correct me if I am wrong.

P/S: I was once influenced by some consultants to use the high tech equipment and expensive misty humidifier in my BH. But I have changed my mind soon after stumbling on this forum and I have never regret for the decision made.

I have always respect and admire Tan Sri Tiong's wisdom n contribution esp 2 chinese education, media, missionery works, social, enviromental and many others. I wan 2 share that Tan Sri is also involved in bh busincess but do u think for investment as he is already so rich. No, his bh r very successful showing the luck n fung shui of this humble man has. I am sure that these swiftlet birds bring fortune and luck to those successful operators. we provide sanctury to them in return they bring white gold to us. Where in the world got people have such heart 2 destroy them like those raiders doing now. 
However in Sibu, so called Dr Hu who need to advertise himself( no business due his 2 BIG CANNON) is demanding council 2 destroy all birds in the town.The bird shit near his clinic prevent his customers coming is his reason 2 destroy bird. Luckily we got new qualified councillor, Patrick who is supportive of eco system wan 2 plant more tree 4 these beautiful birds.There r also another very impt selfish political not supportive as he sacred to loss in next election. He is supporting the on going operation.
TO ALL THOSE FRIEN WHO CANT GET ALONG WITH OUR SWIFTLET BETTER THINK TWICE AS SOMETHING UNPLEASANT MAY COMING 2 U SOON...........

Lately I am still struggling with my notebook since last struck by lightning more than 2 weeks ago. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t.
Our group is very busy helping in the Bukit Serambau By-election. There are ceramah almost every night. We are having a number of battle fronts with different issues to tackle. We are doing it for our next generation.
As regards to the temperature and the humidity control in a BH, my personal experience and opinion for the newbies are that; never try to use high tech to control the temperature. You are going to pay through nose in the installation, maintenance, and the high monthly bills. The best cost saving in long term is to use proper insulation right from the start when you first do the renovation on the new BH. Instead of paying expensively for that high tech which needs permanent regular maintenance, repairs and replacements, you might as well wisely spend it on the permanent insulation which needs no future maintenance and repairs once for all.
Humidity does not help the birds to stay in the BH. It is the correct design and the temperature that decide. High humidity does not lower the temperature. Humidity only comes into play at very later stage when you want to control and have better quality of nests. Portable chicken farm type humidifier is the best. This is the main reason why Benchai’s BH after he had taken out almost everything, with no sound, water and electricity, the birds still keep on coming back and numbers increased. I am very sure he has the correct design and temperature done in his BH. Therefore, don’t be suckers to those consultants or self proclaimed expert bloggers’ recommendation of high tech products advertised.

My advice to those who are really new to this industry and new to this forum, before you embark, spend some time seriously read through thoroughly the past posts especially those 2,400 posts in the volume 1 (V1). There are many good articles which can save you tens of thousands ringgits. Read also David Lim’s REPORT ON THE BIRDS’ NEST INDUSTRY OF MALAYSIA, after that, you shall have very good in-depth understanding and knowledge to make the correct decision. Good Luck.

In building or renovation of BH, not 2 BHs will be identical but may be similars. As in everything like sound, fong sui opening or any matter, frist to be consider is the area  then the location before then how the placement of the BH. That's why a few heads is always  better than one. Take a few friends in the Buz to have a look at the area and allow each of them to give opinion, then you make the final decision base on their feedback.

Everthing must be consider, like the sun, the wind , the location and surrounding. Ask yourself questions and those friends of yours. Questions like,
1. How is this area?
2. Where should the BH be, which direction should the house be facing and All must be on why?
3. Even how high and how big must be asked?

All must be asked irrespective of whether you think are relevant or not cos you may need them to finalize your conclusion.

So, all said at the forum are what we think are correct but then, your area and ours maybe different. Like one guy told me  that a certain great master's bird call is great, then I played it and found that it was not good and mine is even better....that doesn't make mine better then the great master from Indonesia's sound. Maybe, my area birds understand bahasa malaysia bukan bahasa Indo.

So, if you need to build any BH for that matter, do you really need double layer of bricks as I have friends who have just normal sad bricks and they are very successful. Not really all high techs are good cos sometime, simple old ways are still the best.

Like if your area is hot, then insulation is a must and you don't need anyone to tell you that and if your area is winding then you position of our BH's entrance must be well placed and so on.All these must be evaluated @ location. Like I have visited a BH because the friend ask me how many humidifiers are required and I need to examine the BH to make recommendation.

Like one Sifu friend took me to one of his client's BH and the inside is so blur that we can't see where we are going due to the mist from the humidifiers: are we growing fungus but I won't want to say that to my consultant friend, would I????? Must give face lah.

So, the worst built BH may have a few thousands nests and the best BH may have zero nest... but if your BH is carefully planned, you are assured of greater changes of success. Above are my humble view to share in the  setting of sanctuary for swiftlets.

tat why i ask vegachia fung shui o not  

This thread never discussed about CORNER BOARD. Let's discuss...
Is it necessary to install corner board ?
The purpose of corner board is to eliminate one 90 degree corner nest but after installing the corner board, it will double your corner nests production...you got two 135 degree corner nests or curvy nests. So the question is will 135 degree corner nests or curvy nest fetch better value than 90 degree corner nests or it can be priced the same as the full cup ?

Just hava a visit from a Dato and he told me that now,
Department of Town & Country Planning - Jabatan Perancangan Bandar & Desa is involve and that they only allow 3 years grace period for the town BHs and this smell trouble. Anyone know anything about the guildline?

Why so many government departments are involved now and this is really very bad and the Dato is going to KL and try to get some explanations for the local government on why so many departments are involved and why the rules and guildlines keep changing................ I wonder, who really is the boss?

Am a all blue guy for the past 3 generations and must now think of changing my t-shirt to green or other color for the sake of my future and my family ....................if the government is not committed to help us and still giving us a hard time to make a living.

Hope the following do help if the local authorities do pay you a visit for the approval for BH license.

Few months ago, I was late for one of these visits in Pekan and I asked my staff to open the door for the inspection, little did I know that problem start with my unpunctuality. When I arrived, they have finished with my BH and I received a call from the Association President that my BH failed in the inspection and I wasn't happy and was advised to go to see the officer in charged who iwas still checking BHs a few block away.

The reason for failing my BH are
1. Two outside tweeters are not facing the sky. I argued that the tweeters are not even connected to any wire and that I wasn't using any external sound at all. He wasn't even listening.
2. I have a pool with alot of plants and fishes in it and under the regulations, that's  not allowed. My argument that the pool is not in the BH and there are alot of fishes in the pool  fell on deaf ears.

What I am trying to tell you to be prepared for such things and never take thing for granted that they will understand cos sometime, I think that some of those officers doing the inspection don't really know what they are doing or expecting  and they can't be bother to entertain your reasoning or explanation. Try to keep your BH dry ( no water) and clean when they come for inspection and never give them any excuses to fail you.........lest you face the same situation like me and to face a second inspection if they care.

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Added on May 10, 2009, 10:38 pmTSLSLKTS

post Sep 19 2008, 09:15 AM
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Dear West Wing,

Recently reading all your posts. Humble and proud, humour and true.

Hoping to receive your advices on the birds behaviour through your years of experience.

1. Many birds visited my new BH every day (about less than 100) , even at very hot weather these few days, while a lot people said all birds went missing. They come early in the morning from 7 till 12pm. Then stop till 3 pm and play till 6pm. A few started staying, but observed from CCTV they keep changing place to rest.

2. As we observed from CCTV, ever since we stop entering the farm for about 1 mth, the birds visited my BH started to increase. They keep playing in and out, but not staying. My consultant said they are checking and observing my BH till they decide to stay. It takes time. What do you think? From your years of experience, how long it takes for them to make decision? blush.gif

3. Last time I did apply N**T aroma. It works for a weeks. The amt of birds reduced later then. We stop entering the farm, they started to time to visit. A good sign? Now dare not go in to the farm, although some successful farmes encourage me to enter the farm to apply aroma. What do you think?

Thank you in advance.

So sorry that I didn't read your new  posting and you should have inform us here that you have started a new forum on swiftlets....I don't know others but anything about the goodness of swiftlet make happy and proud to be a part of its happening....

I am no Sifu but will share all I know about your problem above and hope that you don't mind that I bring it here to share with all @ forum.

When the birds oay you the visit and that's because your external sound is good and they are very curious and will enter to examine the area. But alas. your interior is not suitable or comfortable and so they are not staying and I disagree with your consultant on this, sorry Mr. Consultant.

Having the birds already curious, it time to make them stay and remember that today guest birds may not be the same batch of visiting  birds visiting your BH tomorrow. Usually, new birds will come and new make nest but occasionally other adult birds do, too  when you are lucky cos your neighbouring BHs have created situation so unfortunate and irresponsible.
Your question on how long does it take for them to want to stay, this is a impossible question to answer as it all depend on your BH environment and conditions......sometime it take just 2 weeks and they start making nests and sometime much much longer.

One thing for certain, if alot of birds entering your BH is a good sign but if they all left after awhile then it time for you to think what went wrong in you BH and modify them and maybe now, ou need to change your sound to attract them again to come to see your  new setup or show room.....maybe this time you are lucky and if not next time perhap.....hope this time you be lucky my friend and hope to hear good news from you......

Another thing, all above are my own comments and suggestions and please do comment and others may not feel the same as I do......

"
According to my 5 cents ability, you are in a good location and  as usual, the birds are curious of the new BH. If the birds do fly in and play in the unfinished BH in the later of the day. Congratulation, you are expecting babies unless you have a miscarriage" say Dr. West Wing.  Having good sound to attract birds which must be require for BH which want to attract the attention of the birds which are by nature curious animal.
Once they like your place, nothing can prevent them from entering and even shutting the window will see them knocking at the window.

Hope you find the bird playing in the unfinished Bh as a few of my friends have such good luck and now they are either having thousands and one just started 6 months and having about 40 nests. 

Above are my believe and may not be the same as others. Please share your view on the matter as you see it.......