Hear My Swiftlets Sing

Did you know that the highest priced CD in the market in town is not from of the popular local or international artistes or singers? But... sounds of the 'swiftlets'.

What? Yes, it is the sweet money making sounds of the swiftlets. A recording of all the chirps and tweets to attract those free-flying swiftlets to your location in order to spin 'money' nest for you.

That's what these 'towkays' are doing nowadays in town, they look for suitable locations, (love the top floor shoplots) in prime swiflet flying location. Cover it up nicely, drill several holes here and there and walla! you got a 'swiflet hotel' ready for operation.

Some will take the opportunity from the spin-off effect by supplying them the overpriced swiftlet recording at RM400 a piece (equivalent USD100)!! Whatever it is, their work is considered very illegal by the authority.

Earlier this week the Sarawak Forestry Corporation has begun its crackdown on illegal swiftlet farming.

SFC conducted a raid at a shophouse at Three Hill Park here accompanied by the police, officers Kuching City South Council and the Land and Survey Department.

Six of the shoplots which were converted into birdhouses were inspected and had their sound systems removed. A check in one of the birdhouses revealed no birdnests except some swiftlets which have yet to find a more suitable home.

The swiftlet farmers (who are operating near the town or city centre) were given directive to move out by Dec 31 last year. It is now February and they had ample time to move out.