Bird hotel owners told to be mindful

lNST
2009/08/03

By Sim Bak Heng

OWNERS of swiftlet hotels are advised to keep their premises clean and nuisance-free.

Batu Pahat Birds' Nest Traders' Association chairman Tan Teck Poh said this was to minimise the number of public complaints.

He was speaking at the recent launch of the association's website -- www.birdnestbp.org.

He urged swiflet hotel owners to instal a timing system at their premises to ensure that calls to attract swiftlets will automatically be switched off by 8pm.


He said there was no point playing the call after that time because swiftlets do not fly at night.

Tan said it was crucial for owners to establish a good rapport with their neighbours and be considerate about their feelings.

"For swiftlet hotels in old shophouses, the owners must renovate or clean up the buildings so that it does not become an eyesore.

"The birds' nest industry is growing rapidly with more demand coming from China.

"I would like to encourage breeders to venture into the China market," he said.

Tan said there are many swiftlet hotels in Batu Pahat town and any decision by the government to relocate the hotels will severely affect the industry. He said the birds like to dwell in populated areas and do not fly in the suburbs.

"I hope the government will continue to issue a licence to owners of swiftlet hotels in old shophouses," he added.