Story and photo by ELAN PERUMAL
RESIDENTS in Jalan Sepat 1, Teluk Pulai, Klang, are concerned over the swiftlet rearing activity that is going on at shophouses near their houses.
Besides feeling uncomfortable, the residents also fear that the birds may spread diseases.
They also claimed that the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) has turned a deaf ear to the numerous complaints that they had made.
Checks by StarMetro revealed that a three-storey building was located near the houses and the swiftlets were kept on the first and second floors of the building.
Awkward top: An unusual structure has been built on the rooftop of this three-storey building to accommodate the swiflets.
Loud speakers have been placed on the buildings to attract the swiflets into the shophouses through the back windows.
The houses are located behind the two blocks of shophouses that are facing Jalan Teluk Pulai.
A resident, identified only as Robert, said the value of the properties in the area had dropped due to the presence of the swiflets.
He said the neighbourhood had lost its serenity since the swiftlets came into the area some years ago.
“It only started with swiftlets at two lots but the number has grown to more than 10 shoplots over recent years.
“The operators of the business are making money at our expense and I don’t understand why the council is allowing this to happen,’’ he said.
Housewife Beng Lee, 49, said the activity caused noise pollution produced through the loud speakers that were on from 6am to 8.30pm daily.
She said the residents were tired of listening to the chirping of the birds.
“We are forced to keep our windows and doors closed at all times,’’ she said
Another resident, who only wished to be identified as Billy, said the presence of the birds also produced a stench.
He said the bird droppings were also marring the area and they were worried about health aspects
Unfortunately there are still many inconsiderate swiftlet farmers who thinks that by turning up the sound more birds will visit their farm. These are the black sheeps of the industry. They are exposing themselves and all swiftlet farmers to the wrath of the community and authority.
ReplyDeleteThe local council and swiftlet associations can work together to advise the errant swiftlet farmers to comply. Failing which the local council should act to shut down the farm.