B.E.S.T. Program In Malaysia.

The traditional perception of honeybees as a pest or enemy has changed with the increasing awareness and education about the importance of these pollinators in our ecosystem. Now, it is possible to coexist with them in a harmonious way.

Mr. Zolkaflil Aris found himself with a colony of apis cerana nesting in his letterbox for almost a year. Being an animal lover, he was hesitant to have them destroyed and was seeking ways to keep them. When a I visited his residence in Damansara, he observed that urbanization and deforestation had destroyed many natural habitats for these bees. If given a choice, the bees would not want to interfere with human settlements. However, with the fast pace of urbanization, their natural habitats were being encroached upon.

I showed Mr. Aris how he could convert his letterbox into a comfortable home for the honeybees and learn to coexist with them. This new hobby would not only be rewarding but would also provide a regular flow of honey for his family. Instead of killing the bees, Mr. Aris and his family could live in harmony with these pollinators.

This idea of coexisting with honeybees has created a win-win situation for all. With proper knowledge and education, humans and insects can live harmoniously together, providing us with the benefits of honey and the important role of pollination in our ecosystem.

After undergoing the process several times, he realized that honeybees were not as menacing as commonly perceived if one comprehended their needs and desires. Becoming defensive is simply nature's instinct to protect themselves. When treated with gentleness and affection, they can make wonderful house pets.

Before we part, his anecdote struck me. He said,” Whenever people go on holidays, they tend to worry about their pets; where they could put them, who could feed them, will they be stressed if they don’t come back soon. But as for honeybees being so independent, pet owners do not have to worry for them, they find their own food and look after themselves”.

Honeybees are indeed fascinating creatures with a remarkable level of independence, and they can thrive even without much intervention from their owners. However, it's important to note that keeping bees as pets requires a lot of knowledge, care, and responsibility.

Beekeeping is a complex and challenging activity that involves managing colonies, monitoring their health, and ensuring they have access to adequate food and resources. Beekeepers also need to take measures to protect their bees from diseases, pests, and environmental factors that could harm them.

Furthermore, honeybees play a crucial role in our ecosystem, pollinating crops and plants that are essential for our food supply. It's important for beekeepers to prioritize the welfare of their bees and practice responsible beekeeping techniques to ensure their survival and wellbeing.

Overall, while honeybees can be fascinating pets, it's important for prospective beekeepers to understand the challenges and responsibilities involved in beekeeping before taking on this hobby.

Since then, he had bought a new letterbox for his mails. :)