P
atience. That single word has become the guiding principle for a group of Semai indigenous villagers in Ulu Bekor as they venture into stingless bee honey (madu kelulut) production, despite facing uncertain returns since embarking on the project in 2024.
The Ulu Bekor Indigenous Village Development and Security Committee's (JPKKOA) stingless bee farm project initially attracted 16 participants. However, as the months passed, many gradually abandoned the initiative, leaving only seven members who have remained committed to the venture.
“Patience is essential because stingless bee farming takes time to generate income, and that is one of the biggest challenges. Many gave up halfway because the returns were slow to come. They moved on to other jobs or sought income elsewhere,” said project chairman Pandak Uda Bada in a recent interview with Bernama.
Located about 34 kilometres from Kuala Kangsar town, Ulu Bekor is home to two indigenous settlements, Kampung Orang Asli (KOA) Mendering and KOA Balang.
The project is a joint effort involving residents from both villages, made possible through the Program SejaTi MADANI initiative, which provided a one-off grant of RM100,000 in 2024 to kick-start the venture.
HARNESSING THE FOREST'S BIODIVERSITY
According to Pandak Uda, 62, who is also the Tok Batin (village chief) of KOA Balang, the idea of venturing into stingless bee honey production was first proposed by KOA Mendering Tok Batin Uda Awai Busu Kechek, 70, who recognised the rich biodiversity of Ulu Bekor's forests, the natural habitat of these native bee species.
“Since we started in August 2024, the project has generated a cumulative income of only RM20,250. It's not much. On good months, we can earn up to RM2,000 in total, but that depends heavily on conditions.
The project was undertaken in groups involving residents of both villages through the SejaTi MADANI Program initiative.
“When the weather is bad and rain continues for days, like it did earlier last year, we cannot harvest honey, which means there is no income,” he explained.
He added that newly established bee colonies require around six months to develop honey pots before producing harvestable honey, with harvesting cycles taking place every 40 days.
Despite the challenges, Pandak Uda remains optimistic about the industry's potential.
“I need to keep learning and find solutions to the problems we face on the farm. Although it is challenging, I genuinely enjoy caring for these stingless bees and am determined to continue,” said the village leader, who has headed the JPKKOA for three terms.
One of the key challenges, he noted, is the bees' dependence on suitable weather conditions.
“Stingless bees prefer cooler, shaded conditions when foraging. During prolonged rainfall, they stop collecting nectar, and there is also the risk of colonies abandoning their hives in search of safer locations. That is why we have no honey harvest between November and January.
“On top of that, we have to contend with pests and predators such as monkeys, black soldier flies, hornets and beetles,” he said.
For Pandak Uda, the project is about more than just earning supplementary income.
“I drink stingless bee honey mixed with lemon water every morning. Even at 62, I still have the energy to tap rubber at three different locations before heading to the bee farm at 7 a.m. to clear the area and monitor threats from lizards and hornets,” he shared.
THE UNIQUENESS OF FOREST-FRINGE HONEY
Meanwhile, SejaTi MADANI project coordinator Muhamad Fahmi Md Noor, 33, said the initiative spans five acres, with three acres dedicated to intensive stingless bee farming.
“The farm is located within a rubber plantation and close to the forest because stingless bees require three primary food sources: resin, nectar and pollen,” he explained.
The kelulut honey cultivated by the Orang Asli also has its own special features compared to kelulut honey produced in other places.
Representing the non-governmental organisation Pertubuhan Komuniti Muslim Ulu Bekor, Muhamad Fahmi also serves as a facilitator for the area's Muslim indigenous community.
He said the farm currently manages 50 ‘logs’ bee hives made from forest timber.
“These logs house various stingless bee species, including Heterotrigona itama (the main species), Geniotrigona thoracica (the largest and most valuable species), Lophotrigona canifrons (known for its aggressive nature), Fimbriata and Apicalis (resin-producing species), as well as Terminata, a smaller species,” he said.
Each natural log hive costs between RM200 and RM1,000, depending on the bee species, and is purchased from local residents, including members of the indigenous community.
According to Muhamad Fahmi, the honey produced by the Orang Asli community possesses a distinct character because the bees are reared close to their natural habitat. This uniqueness inspired the product's brand name, Madu Kelulut Pesisir Hutan.
“We confidently guarantee that our honey is 100 per cent pure, without any additives or mixtures. Our approach is to invite customers to visit the farm and taste the honey directly from the hive, helping to build trust and confidence,” he said.
The honey is marketed in two forms: raw honey and dehydrated honey.
“Raw honey is stored in refrigerators to preserve its quality because its water content exceeds 20 per cent. Dehydrated honey, on the other hand, is processed according to standards set under the Food Act 1983 and can be stored at room temperature,” he explained.
Prices range from as low as RM10 for small bottles to RM300 for one-kilogramme packs.
The community has also ventured into value-added products, producing bath soaps and facial soaps made from propolis and bee bread.
A VISION FOR 2030
Looking ahead, Muhamad Fahmi said the group aims to transform Ulu Bekor into Perak's leading stingless bee honey production hub among indigenous villages by 2030, with a target of 900 hive logs.
“In the past, many Orang Asli simply supplied log hives to outside operators. Our aspiration is for them to become the caretakers and beneficiaries of the resources found within their own forests.
A bee colony in a new hive takes around six months to produce honey sacs and subsequently honey with a harvest cycle of 40 days.
“We are currently seeking strategic collaboration with the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) to expand our market reach and obtain authenticity certification from agencies such as the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) to facilitate labelling under the Food Act 1983,” he said.
To support eco-tourism and improve accessibility to the farm, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage constructed a mini tarred road stretching more than one kilometre in 2025, enabling visitors to reach the area using regular vehicles.
Muhamad Fahmi added that, in addition to support from SejaTi MADANI, the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) has committed to providing 30 additional hive logs this year and assisting with marketing efforts through state and national-level entrepreneur exhibitions, including the Indigenous Entrepreneurs Carnival held in Melaka last year.
Those interested in purchasing authentic Ulu Bekor stingless bee honey can visit the community's official social media pages on Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
