Swiftlet hotels get time to go

2009/09/25
NST
By Jason Gerald John

MALACCA: Swiftlet breeders have until the end of the year to move their operations from the conservation zone in the centre of the city.

If the breeders in Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Tengkera, Jalan Hang Jebat, Jalan Kampung Hulu, Jalan Laksamana and Jalan Kee Ann do not move on time, they will receive summonses and compound fines of not less than RM250.

Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) president Yusof Jantan said there were 24 swiftlet breeders operating within the conservation area.

"We have issued them notice to vacate the buildings.


"In order to assist them, MBMB has identified buildings and sites in Ujong Pasir, in Melaka Tengah district, and in Merlimau, Jasin."

He said the notices were issued last month, giving the breeders ample time to move.

"We hope the relocation will go on smoothly and without any trouble."

Yusof said the decision was made to ban swiftlet breeding in the city centre because the "hotels" are in the conservation area that earned Malacca its status a Unesco World Heritage Site.