The future of more than 1,500 swiftlet bird houses in Sarawak is left in the dark as it is bogged down by red tape, antiquated laws, threat of diseases, and an indifferent state government.

Currently, there are two farms licensed to operate in urban areas in the state, while the rest had been told to stop their operation unless they acquire the approval to operate in approved areas.

Such locations, critics said, might not attract the birds to nestle.