If Not Because of Swiftlet Farming, Kota Tinggi was Dead !!!

Found At: 
http://www.mysinchew.com/node/55475

So why are those people so much against swiftlet farming?

Windfall from Kota Tinggi flood

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  A severe flood hit the town in late 2006, reaching a height of 15 feet as gazetted on this signboard. Photo courtesy: Guang Ming Daily
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  Wong has no fear for crocodile despite their aggressive nature. Photo courtesy: Guang Ming Daily
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  The 155-year-old crocodile. Photo courtesy: Guang Ming Daily
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  Wong and her husband have learned the skills of cooking bak kut teh from her father. Photo courtesy: Guang Ming Daily

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Translated by KATHY TAN
Sin Chew Daily

A serious flood hit Kota Tinggi four or five years ago reaching a height of 15 feet with many local businesses suffering tremendous losses.

However, the economy of Kota Tinggi has not faltered but is getting better by the day.

Businessmen have found great potentials in swiftlet farming and have decided to acquire properties there to start their businesses.

From what have heard, only 40% of shophouses retain their old businesses in the town centre while the remaining units have turned to swiftlet farming. As a matter of fact, the "disaster" that hit the town several years ago has actually given the local economy an unexpected boost.

According to chairman of the Kota Tinggi Chinese Chamber of Commerce, three-storey shophouses in the town centre could fetch about RM400,000 to RM500,000 before the flood, but are now asking for at least RM600,000, or with a 20% premium.

Residents were worried the local economy would be adversely affected after the flood, but to their surprise, the town saw a dramatic turnaround in 2006 when swiftlet farming became a fad.