THE IMPACT OF SWIFTLET FARMING HOUSE ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Swiftlet farming is an agriculture activity in both commercial building and agriculture land due to the high price of edible bird’s nest (products of swiftlet farming). As of 2017, there are around 60,000 swiftlet farming houses in Malaysia. However, due to inefficiency in the management system, a swiftlet farming house located near to the residential area had brought a lot of complaints. Although these complaints can be reduced through the management of the swiftlet farmers, yet there is no guarantee which will show that there will no problem produce by swiftlet farming houses. Therefore, this study aims to study the legislation regulating the swiftlet farming houses, as well as to identify the side effects of swiftlet farming houses on the local communities. The mixed methodology has been adopted throughout the research process which includes qualitative and quantitative approaches. Research findings were based on the data collected through interviews with several officers in local government, and questionnaires distributed to 100 residents in Bentong who are living within a radius of 150 meters from swiftlet farming houses. Data collected from questionnaires were analyzed by SPSS statistical analysis. Findings indicated that the swiftlet farming houses were regulated by the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 and Local Authority Act 1976. Nevertheless, the communities were affected both positively and negatively by the swiftlet farming house. The impact of swiftlet farming houses on local communities shown the need for adoption regulation been adopted on the swiftlet farming houses. In a nutshell, the legislation on swiftlet farming house is essential to confine the swiftlet farming house in order to ensure the growth of this industry while taking care of the communities. Apparently, good regulations and good management can definitely avoid the side effects on the communities.