The bee man
Raja Soffian Raja Ismail is an expert in bee behaviour and works to raise awareness about bee conservation efforts.
Photographs by Ahmad Sadiq Mohamad Sani
Raja Soffian Raja Ismail prepares to put on his bee suit before handling the insects at his home in Kampung Tengah, Sungai Merab.
A swarm trap, also known as 'gelodok', hangs from a tree branch.
Raja Soffian opens the trap and prepares to relocate the bees to a hive made out of wood.
He is careful to move the honeycomb as well.
Raja Soffian blends in with his surroundings as he collects honey from stingless bees or 'lebah kelulut' using a honey suction tool.
He works carefully to avoid disturbing the bees in their hive.
He is unperturbed by the insects which surround him as he works.
Raja Soffian carries his bee nets at a residential unit in Klang after receiving a call to relocate a hive.
He often receives calls to relocate hives such as this.
He uses smoke to lull the bees before moving the hive itself.
The remains of the hive which contain the honey, he scrapes away with a knife.
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