Friday December 31, 2010
The Star
By OH ING YEEN
ingyeen@thestar.com.my
THE Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) will not approve new applications for swiftlet breeding in commercial and residential areas until the Selangor government’s guidelines are drawn out, council president Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman said.
Councillor S.T. Chandramohan added that no action would be taken against existing swiftlet breeders.
“However, under the council’s Street, Drainage and Building Act, breeding of animals is not allowed in commercial and residential areas.
“Under the same Act, swiftlet breeders in commercial and residential areas are also at fault for the misuse of premises,” Chandramohan said.
On the issue on under-performing contractors, he said although a contractor is blacklisted, he might apply for jobs through another company.
“The council’s new policy is that when a particular contractor does not perform, he should not be given new projects,” he said.
It was also highlighted at the meeting that a stop-work order was issued to the owner of the Hulu Langat MCA branch building.
“We received complaints that illegal extensions were built and the council’s building unit have verified this. They applied for a fourth floor to be added and it was rejected for several reasons but they continued building it. They will have to demolish it,” Chandramohan said.
He added that until now the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has yet to approve the building plans as this did not follow requirements.
“DID advised them to strengthen the river banks but instead of doing that, one part of the wall has encroached the river.”
Kajang assemblyman Lee Kim Sin added that this affected the river flow.
Chandramohan also pointed out that a stop-work order was issued earlier because they had built a substation in the car park.
Meanwhile, in response to the state’s decision to ban the 1Malaysia logo, the council is covering those found at bus stops in the municipality.
“We will place bus schedules over the logo,” Hassan Nawawi said.
It was also announced at the meeting that upgrading work for 96 bus stops have been completed.
Funds for the project amounting to RM2.3mil were allocated by the Federal Government.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Temporary licences for swiftlet farms
Wednesday December 22, 2010
The Star
By ELAN PERUMAL
elan@thestar.com.my
OPERATORS of swiftlet farms in Selangor have been asked to apply for temporary licences from their respective local authorities.
The Selangor Government has decided to legalise swiftlet farms in a temporary move while awaiting the standard guidelines to be ready.
State local government committee chairman Ronnie Liu said they were finalising the details of the licensing conditions.
He said the standard guidelines would be ready in six months.
He added that the move was necessary for the local authorities to collect licensing fee from the operators.
“The swiftlet operators have been operating farms without paying any form of licensing fees and this has resulted in a loss of income for the local authorities.
“Now, the local authorities will be able to get some revenue from the swiflet breeders.
“We are also working closely with the Veterinary Department on the details of the licensing conditions,’’ he said.
Liu said applications from those operating at high-density areas, including towns, would not be entertained.
“However, consideration will be given to those who are operating at remote areas,’’ he said.
The Star
By ELAN PERUMAL
elan@thestar.com.my
OPERATORS of swiftlet farms in Selangor have been asked to apply for temporary licences from their respective local authorities.
The Selangor Government has decided to legalise swiftlet farms in a temporary move while awaiting the standard guidelines to be ready.
State local government committee chairman Ronnie Liu said they were finalising the details of the licensing conditions.
He said the standard guidelines would be ready in six months.
He added that the move was necessary for the local authorities to collect licensing fee from the operators.
“The swiftlet operators have been operating farms without paying any form of licensing fees and this has resulted in a loss of income for the local authorities.
“Now, the local authorities will be able to get some revenue from the swiflet breeders.
“We are also working closely with the Veterinary Department on the details of the licensing conditions,’’ he said.
Liu said applications from those operating at high-density areas, including towns, would not be entertained.
“However, consideration will be given to those who are operating at remote areas,’’ he said.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Action on swiftlet farms
Tuesday November 30, 2010
By ANDY CHUA
andychua@thestar.com.my
THE Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has issued a warning to shophouse and residential property owners that it will take action against those who operate swiftlet farms in their property.
Chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said at SMC’s full council meeting yesterday that as swiftlet farming was a lucrative business, those involved in the business should not violate the law by operating such farms in their premises.
Tiong: SMC will take action on illegal swiftlet farming.
The council, he said, had received many complaints about swiftlet farming causing serious environmental issues, in particular noise and bird droppings.
“The council will take action on the complaints under the Public Health Ordinance even though the licensing of the farms is under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department,” said Tiong.
In another development, Tiong said during a few cleaning campaigns organised by non-government organisations (NGOs), he had personally discovered that littering and illegal dumping of waste were still rampant especially in residential areas.
He said while the council had sweepers to clean up the town centre, commercial centres and protocol roads daily, it hoped that residents would also take care of their own surroundings, in particular road verges in their neighbourhood where people tend to litter.
“If everyone starts to pick up litter from the road verges in front of their houses, it will definitely make a lot of difference to the cleanliness of their neighbourhood,” he said.
Tiong also posed a challenge to NGOs to extend their cleaning campaigns beyond merely picking up litter and wastes by including education. He suggested that they distributed educational leaflets and give talks to residents on the importance to have a clean environment.
He said this was particularly important in view of the increasing cases of dengue in the town this year.
By ANDY CHUA
andychua@thestar.com.my
THE Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has issued a warning to shophouse and residential property owners that it will take action against those who operate swiftlet farms in their property.
Chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said at SMC’s full council meeting yesterday that as swiftlet farming was a lucrative business, those involved in the business should not violate the law by operating such farms in their premises.
Tiong: SMC will take action on illegal swiftlet farming.
The council, he said, had received many complaints about swiftlet farming causing serious environmental issues, in particular noise and bird droppings.
“The council will take action on the complaints under the Public Health Ordinance even though the licensing of the farms is under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department,” said Tiong.
In another development, Tiong said during a few cleaning campaigns organised by non-government organisations (NGOs), he had personally discovered that littering and illegal dumping of waste were still rampant especially in residential areas.
He said while the council had sweepers to clean up the town centre, commercial centres and protocol roads daily, it hoped that residents would also take care of their own surroundings, in particular road verges in their neighbourhood where people tend to litter.
“If everyone starts to pick up litter from the road verges in front of their houses, it will definitely make a lot of difference to the cleanliness of their neighbourhood,” he said.
Tiong also posed a challenge to NGOs to extend their cleaning campaigns beyond merely picking up litter and wastes by including education. He suggested that they distributed educational leaflets and give talks to residents on the importance to have a clean environment.
He said this was particularly important in view of the increasing cases of dengue in the town this year.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Investing in less well-known asset classes
Saturday November 27, 2010
By JEEVA ARULAMPALAM
jeeva@thestar.com.my
TO part with one's hard-earned money is painful but to lose it completely in an investment gone awry is heartbreaking. With various investment tools and schemes coming to market, investors are inundated with choices.
While many investors opt for more well-known asset classes such as equities, bonds, properties and money markets, there are also those who are game to try a less popular option interest schemes.
According to the Companies Commission of Malaysia, interest schemes have been in existence for more than 20 years in Malaysia.
The commission says that properly registered and well-managed interest schemes could play a major role in contributing to the growth of the Malaysian economy and provide an alternative mode of fund raising through participation in a variety of business models.
There are seven types of registered interest schemes in Malaysia the sale of memberships by golf clubs, recreational clubs, marinas, time-sharing, fitness clubs, the sale of license for use of urns and burial plots by memorial parks, and the sale of growers' plot in share-farming schemes.
Local investors may be familiar with two registered share-farming schemes Country Heights Grower Scheme and Golden Palm Growers Scheme which allow investors to reap returns by purchasing oil palm plantation plots.
The latest edition to join the two existing share-farming schemes is Malaysia's first legalised edible-birdnest Swiftlet Ranching Share Farming Interest Scheme by Swiflet Eco Park Bhd.
According to the scheme's prospectus dated Sept 9, the management company plans to set up an interest scheme for a 35 year duration that involves edible-birdnest swiflet ranching and offer units for sale to the public. Some 2,060 interest scheme units will be sold to the public at RM10,000 per unit.
The company has been conducting seminars across Malaysia on its interest scheme. The current prospectus will expire next March and a new prospectus will be issued every six months.
Swiftlet Eco Park is part of a holding company that is involved in the planning, development, construction and marketing of customed-built and licensed swiftlet farms.
According to the group's website, its first project in Manjung, Perak was developed in collaboration with the Perak State Development Corp. The group is developing 14 other similar projects all over Malaysia and targets to complete 25 projects with 1,000 licensed buildings over the next three years at a gross development value of RM500mil.
Aside from upstream activities of swiflet ranching, the group is also involved in the downstream business such as the collection and buying of raw bird's nest and its processing. It also does manufacturing, branding, wholesale, retail, direct selling, setting up chain stores and research and development.
The company's chief executive officer CH Tan tells StarBizWeek that the group is looking at an integrated approach of upstream and downstream business, given the global demand for the edible swiftlet nest industry.
It is estimated that there are some 50,000 (bird) buildings in this country and that is expected to double by 2015. The raw unprocessed edible-birdnest price ranges between RM4,000-RM5,000 per kg while the processed price ranges from RM11,000-RM19,000 per kg, he says.
It has been reported that Malaysia is looking to table a swiftlet industry guideline in Cabinet to provide a framework for the industry to operate in a sustainable manner and place the country ahead of leading bird's nest producers like Indonesia and Thailand.
Tan says the Swiftlet Ranching Share Farming scheme, which has drawn interest from foreign and local investors alike, has appointed PB Trustee Services Bhd as the trustee for investors' monies. The appointment of the trustee was verified by StarBizWeek.
The monies will be held by the trustee during the cooling-off period and upon release of the funds for the construction of the bird buildings, the land title, grant and buildings will be kept under the trustee, Tan adds.
The prospectus also highlights the various risks associated with the swiftlet industry such as the changes in world demand for edible birdnest, price fluctuations of edible birdnest, threat of bird flu and other disease outbreaks and changes in the regulatory and economic conditions.
As with all investments, financial services practitioners do caution investors to carry-out their own checks before investing.
Understandably, there are those who are also wary of such schemes. Some financial planners contacted say they would prefer to stay clear from interest schemes that pose high risk and have no means of safeguarding investors' capital.
It is important for potential investors to do some homework, as in all other forms of investments.
Among the fundamentals investors should check for include an investment's legitimacy, the underlying business model, the risks, whether their principal is intact and/or repaid, guarantees, authorities' approvals, the underlying founders/promoters, other competition or such schemes in the market, says NewAsia Capital Sdn Bhd associate director Sherilyn Foong.
Foong says that investors need to realise that with any investment scheme, there is no such thing as zero risk for high returns.
There are many such schemes with different underlying income-generating assets or businesses in the market. Investors should look at the scheme to detect any ponzi-like or pyramid features, she adds.
Her advice is simple if the investor is happy with the commensurate risks and returns as well as the potential worst case scenario, then the investor can proceed to invest.
By JEEVA ARULAMPALAM
jeeva@thestar.com.my
TO part with one's hard-earned money is painful but to lose it completely in an investment gone awry is heartbreaking. With various investment tools and schemes coming to market, investors are inundated with choices.
While many investors opt for more well-known asset classes such as equities, bonds, properties and money markets, there are also those who are game to try a less popular option interest schemes.
According to the Companies Commission of Malaysia, interest schemes have been in existence for more than 20 years in Malaysia.
The commission says that properly registered and well-managed interest schemes could play a major role in contributing to the growth of the Malaysian economy and provide an alternative mode of fund raising through participation in a variety of business models.
There are seven types of registered interest schemes in Malaysia the sale of memberships by golf clubs, recreational clubs, marinas, time-sharing, fitness clubs, the sale of license for use of urns and burial plots by memorial parks, and the sale of growers' plot in share-farming schemes.
Local investors may be familiar with two registered share-farming schemes Country Heights Grower Scheme and Golden Palm Growers Scheme which allow investors to reap returns by purchasing oil palm plantation plots.
The latest edition to join the two existing share-farming schemes is Malaysia's first legalised edible-birdnest Swiftlet Ranching Share Farming Interest Scheme by Swiflet Eco Park Bhd.
According to the scheme's prospectus dated Sept 9, the management company plans to set up an interest scheme for a 35 year duration that involves edible-birdnest swiflet ranching and offer units for sale to the public. Some 2,060 interest scheme units will be sold to the public at RM10,000 per unit.
The company has been conducting seminars across Malaysia on its interest scheme. The current prospectus will expire next March and a new prospectus will be issued every six months.
Swiftlet Eco Park is part of a holding company that is involved in the planning, development, construction and marketing of customed-built and licensed swiftlet farms.
According to the group's website, its first project in Manjung, Perak was developed in collaboration with the Perak State Development Corp. The group is developing 14 other similar projects all over Malaysia and targets to complete 25 projects with 1,000 licensed buildings over the next three years at a gross development value of RM500mil.
Aside from upstream activities of swiflet ranching, the group is also involved in the downstream business such as the collection and buying of raw bird's nest and its processing. It also does manufacturing, branding, wholesale, retail, direct selling, setting up chain stores and research and development.
The company's chief executive officer CH Tan tells StarBizWeek that the group is looking at an integrated approach of upstream and downstream business, given the global demand for the edible swiftlet nest industry.
It is estimated that there are some 50,000 (bird) buildings in this country and that is expected to double by 2015. The raw unprocessed edible-birdnest price ranges between RM4,000-RM5,000 per kg while the processed price ranges from RM11,000-RM19,000 per kg, he says.
It has been reported that Malaysia is looking to table a swiftlet industry guideline in Cabinet to provide a framework for the industry to operate in a sustainable manner and place the country ahead of leading bird's nest producers like Indonesia and Thailand.
Tan says the Swiftlet Ranching Share Farming scheme, which has drawn interest from foreign and local investors alike, has appointed PB Trustee Services Bhd as the trustee for investors' monies. The appointment of the trustee was verified by StarBizWeek.
The monies will be held by the trustee during the cooling-off period and upon release of the funds for the construction of the bird buildings, the land title, grant and buildings will be kept under the trustee, Tan adds.
The prospectus also highlights the various risks associated with the swiftlet industry such as the changes in world demand for edible birdnest, price fluctuations of edible birdnest, threat of bird flu and other disease outbreaks and changes in the regulatory and economic conditions.
As with all investments, financial services practitioners do caution investors to carry-out their own checks before investing.
Understandably, there are those who are also wary of such schemes. Some financial planners contacted say they would prefer to stay clear from interest schemes that pose high risk and have no means of safeguarding investors' capital.
It is important for potential investors to do some homework, as in all other forms of investments.
Among the fundamentals investors should check for include an investment's legitimacy, the underlying business model, the risks, whether their principal is intact and/or repaid, guarantees, authorities' approvals, the underlying founders/promoters, other competition or such schemes in the market, says NewAsia Capital Sdn Bhd associate director Sherilyn Foong.
Foong says that investors need to realise that with any investment scheme, there is no such thing as zero risk for high returns.
There are many such schemes with different underlying income-generating assets or businesses in the market. Investors should look at the scheme to detect any ponzi-like or pyramid features, she adds.
Her advice is simple if the investor is happy with the commensurate risks and returns as well as the potential worst case scenario, then the investor can proceed to invest.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Swiftlet farms not allowed on reserve land
Tuesday November 16, 2010
The Star
ELAN PERUMAL and STUART MICHAEL at the Selangor state assembly
WITH increasing encroachment by swiftlet farm operators in Kapar Tambahan Forest Reserve area, the Selangor Forestry Department will notify the Kuala Selangor Land Office to get the operators out of the area.
According to state agriculture, natural resources and entrepreneurial development committee chairman Yaakob Sapari, the Kuala Selangor land office had made a mistake in giving out Temporary Occupancy Land (TOL) inside the Kapar Tambahan Forest Reserve.
“This was not supposed to happen as it is under Forestry Land and the Forestry Department is unable to take any action due to this.
“The Selangor Forestry Department will submit a working paper to cancel the TOL on the land.
“Then, the Selangor Forestry Department can start replanting the area with forest trees,’’ said Yaakob, who was asked by Saari Sungib (PR-Hulu Kelang) on the illegal swiftlet farms at the Forest Reserve areas in Selangor and other forms of encroachment.
The Star
ELAN PERUMAL and STUART MICHAEL at the Selangor state assembly
WITH increasing encroachment by swiftlet farm operators in Kapar Tambahan Forest Reserve area, the Selangor Forestry Department will notify the Kuala Selangor Land Office to get the operators out of the area.
According to state agriculture, natural resources and entrepreneurial development committee chairman Yaakob Sapari, the Kuala Selangor land office had made a mistake in giving out Temporary Occupancy Land (TOL) inside the Kapar Tambahan Forest Reserve.
“This was not supposed to happen as it is under Forestry Land and the Forestry Department is unable to take any action due to this.
“The Selangor Forestry Department will submit a working paper to cancel the TOL on the land.
“Then, the Selangor Forestry Department can start replanting the area with forest trees,’’ said Yaakob, who was asked by Saari Sungib (PR-Hulu Kelang) on the illegal swiftlet farms at the Forest Reserve areas in Selangor and other forms of encroachment.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Bird’s nest production rises 36% last year
Wednesday November 3, 2010
By SHARON LING
sharonling@thestar.com.my
SARAWAK’s production of swiftlet nests rose by 36% from 2,095kg in 2008 to 2,854kg last year, with an export value of RM8.37mil and RM11.41mil respectively.
Planning and Resource Management Assistant Minister Naroden Majais said the increase showed that the industry had the potential to be successfully developed in the state.
He added that, as of October this year, the production was 1,757kg valued at RM7mil.
“Swiftlet farming is a potentially lucrative industry. The market price for swiftlet nests ranges from RM3,000 to RM10,000 per kg depending on the quality and grade of the nests.
“China is our biggest market for edible swiftlet nests, followed by Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia,” he told the State Assembly in Kuching in reply to Julaihi Narawi (BN - Sebuyau), Datuk Wan Abdul Wahab Wan Sanusi (BN - Sadong Jaya) and Abu Seman Jahwie (BN - Jemoreng).
Naroden said that two licences were needed for commercial swiftlet farming, one to construct the building for the swiftlets to nest in and one for the rearing of the birds.
He said the state received 1,111 applications for swiftlet farming from 2008 to Oct this year. Of this, 248 licences to construct buildings and two to rear swiftlets were approved while the rest were still being evaluated.
He added that the construction of swiftlet farms was continuously monitored to prevent illegal farming operations.
“The Forest Department and Sarawak Forestry Corporation conducted two inspections between 2009 and March this year, from which 418 swiftlet farming premises are being investigated.
“The state has also issued warnings to owners of illegal swiftlet farms. They are advised to submit the necessary applications,” he said.
By SHARON LING
sharonling@thestar.com.my
SARAWAK’s production of swiftlet nests rose by 36% from 2,095kg in 2008 to 2,854kg last year, with an export value of RM8.37mil and RM11.41mil respectively.
Planning and Resource Management Assistant Minister Naroden Majais said the increase showed that the industry had the potential to be successfully developed in the state.
He added that, as of October this year, the production was 1,757kg valued at RM7mil.
“Swiftlet farming is a potentially lucrative industry. The market price for swiftlet nests ranges from RM3,000 to RM10,000 per kg depending on the quality and grade of the nests.
“China is our biggest market for edible swiftlet nests, followed by Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia,” he told the State Assembly in Kuching in reply to Julaihi Narawi (BN - Sebuyau), Datuk Wan Abdul Wahab Wan Sanusi (BN - Sadong Jaya) and Abu Seman Jahwie (BN - Jemoreng).
Naroden said that two licences were needed for commercial swiftlet farming, one to construct the building for the swiftlets to nest in and one for the rearing of the birds.
He said the state received 1,111 applications for swiftlet farming from 2008 to Oct this year. Of this, 248 licences to construct buildings and two to rear swiftlets were approved while the rest were still being evaluated.
He added that the construction of swiftlet farms was continuously monitored to prevent illegal farming operations.
“The Forest Department and Sarawak Forestry Corporation conducted two inspections between 2009 and March this year, from which 418 swiftlet farming premises are being investigated.
“The state has also issued warnings to owners of illegal swiftlet farms. They are advised to submit the necessary applications,” he said.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
RM5mil for swiftlet farming
hmmm.... RM10,000 grant to start swiftlet farming, just wondering what you can do with this amount. This is really going to be fun or havoc, imagine 10 or more families pooling their grant together to start swiftlet farming or some individuals building a swiftlet farm with RM10,000. I wonder if bigger premises are really more productive.
Jackie
Sunday October 31, 2010
The Star
RM5mil for swiftlet farming
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has allocated RM5mil to involve the country’s hardcore poor in the swiftlet farming industry.
The Veterinary Services Department has identified 500 families under the e-Kasih database who are eligible to receive an RM10,000 grant each to set up swiftlet premises.
“We will encourage them to collaborate with each other in joint swiftlet farming as bigger premises are more productive and will generate a higher income for them,” said department director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin.
He also announced that the swiftlet industry guidelines would be unveiled next month to govern the licensing, farming, processing as well as import and export of bird’s nest.
The industry, which is an entry point project under the Economic Transformation Programme, is expected to capture 30% of the global market and generate revenue of up to US$1.45bil (RM4.5bil) by 2020.
“We are encouraging the participation of bumiputras in this industry as they currently only make up 20% of swiftlet farmers in the country,” he said after launching the 7th series of seminars on swiftlet farming at a hotel here yesterday.
Swiftlet farmers are required to attend the one-day seminar before they can be licensed.
Jackie
Sunday October 31, 2010
The Star
RM5mil for swiftlet farming
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has allocated RM5mil to involve the country’s hardcore poor in the swiftlet farming industry.
The Veterinary Services Department has identified 500 families under the e-Kasih database who are eligible to receive an RM10,000 grant each to set up swiftlet premises.
“We will encourage them to collaborate with each other in joint swiftlet farming as bigger premises are more productive and will generate a higher income for them,” said department director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin.
He also announced that the swiftlet industry guidelines would be unveiled next month to govern the licensing, farming, processing as well as import and export of bird’s nest.
The industry, which is an entry point project under the Economic Transformation Programme, is expected to capture 30% of the global market and generate revenue of up to US$1.45bil (RM4.5bil) by 2020.
“We are encouraging the participation of bumiputras in this industry as they currently only make up 20% of swiftlet farmers in the country,” he said after launching the 7th series of seminars on swiftlet farming at a hotel here yesterday.
Swiftlet farmers are required to attend the one-day seminar before they can be licensed.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
M’sia aims for 30% of global birds nest market by 2020
Published: Saturday October 30, 2010 MYT 5:58:00 PM
Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to capture 30% of the global birds nest market, which is worth US$1.5bil (RM4.7bil) annually, by 2020 under the government's Economic Transformation Programme.
Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Jamaluddin said of the figure, 70% would be food and drink products and the rest as raw material.
"The government has classified birds nest production as a high impact industry that can generate lucrative returns," he told reporters after opening a seminar on the industry organised by Global Excellent Marketing Sdn Bhd and Kelab Usahawan Tani Malaysia, here Saturday.
The department, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry are spearheading the industry's growth.
The industry is categorised as an entry point project under the ETP. - Bernama
Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to capture 30% of the global birds nest market, which is worth US$1.5bil (RM4.7bil) annually, by 2020 under the government's Economic Transformation Programme.
Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Jamaluddin said of the figure, 70% would be food and drink products and the rest as raw material.
"The government has classified birds nest production as a high impact industry that can generate lucrative returns," he told reporters after opening a seminar on the industry organised by Global Excellent Marketing Sdn Bhd and Kelab Usahawan Tani Malaysia, here Saturday.
The department, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry are spearheading the industry's growth.
The industry is categorised as an entry point project under the ETP. - Bernama
Saturday, October 23, 2010
China complains about 2 M’sian bird’s nest factories using dangerous chemicals
Published: Saturday October 23, 2010 MYT 12:37:00 PM
Bernama
SEREMBAN: Two swiftlet nest processing factories have been using dangerous chemicals to make the nests look reddish so that it can be categorised as top quality.
However, China, the main importer of the nests, spotted the bid by the factories to cheat buyers and filed a complaint with Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry, according to the ministry’s deputy minister Chua Tee Yong.
He said the factories have been ordered to stop operations and action would soon be taken over the use of the chemical, which could cause cancer.
Speaking to reporters after opening a course on swiftlet farming here Saturday, he also said that a guideline on swiftlet farming would be introduced this year to facilitate regulation by authorities on the industry.
He said there were about 6,000 swiftlet farming operators registered with the ministry, but believed the actual number of operators involved was twice the number. – Bernama
Bernama
SEREMBAN: Two swiftlet nest processing factories have been using dangerous chemicals to make the nests look reddish so that it can be categorised as top quality.
However, China, the main importer of the nests, spotted the bid by the factories to cheat buyers and filed a complaint with Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry, according to the ministry’s deputy minister Chua Tee Yong.
He said the factories have been ordered to stop operations and action would soon be taken over the use of the chemical, which could cause cancer.
Speaking to reporters after opening a course on swiftlet farming here Saturday, he also said that a guideline on swiftlet farming would be introduced this year to facilitate regulation by authorities on the industry.
He said there were about 6,000 swiftlet farming operators registered with the ministry, but believed the actual number of operators involved was twice the number. – Bernama
Friday, October 15, 2010
Fine tuning the national guidelines
Good to know that Sarawak is taking the lead to formulate a new set of guidelines instead of blindly following the national guidelines. Hopefully this will help fine tune the national guideline into one that will really help to preserve as well as develop the swiftlet industry in Malaysia.
Jackie
**********************************************************************************
Saturday October 16, 2010
Swiftlet industry players in Sarawak want their own set of rules
By PHILIP HII
philiphii@thestar.com.my
SWIFTLET industry players in Sarawak are planing to formulate a separate set of guidelines for the state instead of following the national guidelines.
Sarawak Bird Nest Suppliers Association deputy president Jesse Tang said yesterday the decision to have a separate set of guidelines was reached after a two-day emergency meeting attended by representatives from seven bird’s nests merchants and bird’s nests suppliers associations in Sarawak.
Tang said his association would prepare the new guidelines which would be more suitable for the development of the swiftlet industry in Sarawak and present them to the Chief Minister’s Department and Sarawak Forestry Department soon.
The meeting also resolved to urge the authorities to allow swiftlet farmers to maintain the existing bird houses which were built in urban centres.
Tang, however, advised the farmers to maintain the original outlook of the buildings (normally shophouses) which they had converted into bird houses and also to ensure the noise level of the bird calls was within the government approved level at 40 decibel (dB).
He advised swiftlet farmers not to build water ponds inside the bird houses which could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Tang said his association was willing to assist anyone interested in swiftlet farming.
“We would like to share and impart the knowledge, wealth and benefits derived from swiftlet farming to anyone interested, regardless of race,” he said.
He estimated that there were now 5,000 bird houses in the state and they produced at least 2,500kg of raw bird’s nests valued at about RM8.8mil a month.
Jackie
**********************************************************************************
Saturday October 16, 2010
Swiftlet industry players in Sarawak want their own set of rules
By PHILIP HII
philiphii@thestar.com.my
SWIFTLET industry players in Sarawak are planing to formulate a separate set of guidelines for the state instead of following the national guidelines.
Sarawak Bird Nest Suppliers Association deputy president Jesse Tang said yesterday the decision to have a separate set of guidelines was reached after a two-day emergency meeting attended by representatives from seven bird’s nests merchants and bird’s nests suppliers associations in Sarawak.
Tang said his association would prepare the new guidelines which would be more suitable for the development of the swiftlet industry in Sarawak and present them to the Chief Minister’s Department and Sarawak Forestry Department soon.
The meeting also resolved to urge the authorities to allow swiftlet farmers to maintain the existing bird houses which were built in urban centres.
Tang, however, advised the farmers to maintain the original outlook of the buildings (normally shophouses) which they had converted into bird houses and also to ensure the noise level of the bird calls was within the government approved level at 40 decibel (dB).
He advised swiftlet farmers not to build water ponds inside the bird houses which could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Tang said his association was willing to assist anyone interested in swiftlet farming.
“We would like to share and impart the knowledge, wealth and benefits derived from swiftlet farming to anyone interested, regardless of race,” he said.
He estimated that there were now 5,000 bird houses in the state and they produced at least 2,500kg of raw bird’s nests valued at about RM8.8mil a month.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Firm devises swift way to nest egg
Tuesday October 12, 2010
The Star
By MANJIT KAUR
manjit@thestar.com.my
BUKIT MERTAJAM: A Kulim-based company has come up with a new method of breeding swiftlets in an artificial environment.
Aeroswift Group of Companies group chief executive officer Khairil Sani Wong Abdullah said they are the first private company collaborating with the Veterinary Services Department and several local universities to perfect the technique.
He claimed that his research-based company was the first in the world to have created an aviary in Kulim using the know-how.
“We also have a section to breed a type of fruit fly which is used to feed the swiftlet chicks. The chicks are raised in plastic nests before they are transferred to huge cages.
“The method has proven to be successful and this will stabilise the multi-billion ringgit industry for the future,” he said at an Awareness of Swiftlet Rearing Industry talk at a hotel here.
Khairil said a bigger research centre was being built in Selangor and it will have 12 research officers and veterinarians based there when completed by the end of next month.
He added that Malaysia is the only country which legally exported bird nest to China, and there was huge market in the Middle-East and Europe as well.
The Star
By MANJIT KAUR
manjit@thestar.com.my
BUKIT MERTAJAM: A Kulim-based company has come up with a new method of breeding swiftlets in an artificial environment.
Aeroswift Group of Companies group chief executive officer Khairil Sani Wong Abdullah said they are the first private company collaborating with the Veterinary Services Department and several local universities to perfect the technique.
He claimed that his research-based company was the first in the world to have created an aviary in Kulim using the know-how.
“We also have a section to breed a type of fruit fly which is used to feed the swiftlet chicks. The chicks are raised in plastic nests before they are transferred to huge cages.
“The method has proven to be successful and this will stabilise the multi-billion ringgit industry for the future,” he said at an Awareness of Swiftlet Rearing Industry talk at a hotel here.
Khairil said a bigger research centre was being built in Selangor and it will have 12 research officers and veterinarians based there when completed by the end of next month.
He added that Malaysia is the only country which legally exported bird nest to China, and there was huge market in the Middle-East and Europe as well.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Terengganu to introduce law on swiftlet farming
Published: Monday September 27, 2010 MYT 3:00:00 PM
The Star
KUALA TERENGGANU: Operators of swiftlet farming in Terengganu will be required to register their bird-houses with the Veterinary Service Department under a new law to be introduced soon.
State veterinary director, Dr Azizol Mohd Sharom, said a workshop was being held to review guidelines on swiftlet farming which had been introduced by the cabinet with a view of adapting them to the state's needs.
The guidelines issued by the cabinet were too general and they would be modified to meet local condition, he told Bernama here on Monday.
He said the three-day workshop, which began Monday, was attended by about 100 participants, comprising officials from the Health Department, the National Park and Wildlife Department, the local authorities and representatives from the swiftlet farmers association.
Dr Azizol said the department would also introduce a model swiftlet-breeding house that would be cheaper.
A model of the bird-house, costing about RM28,000, has been built at the Jerangau Veterinary Center in Dungun, he added. - Bernama
The Star
KUALA TERENGGANU: Operators of swiftlet farming in Terengganu will be required to register their bird-houses with the Veterinary Service Department under a new law to be introduced soon.
State veterinary director, Dr Azizol Mohd Sharom, said a workshop was being held to review guidelines on swiftlet farming which had been introduced by the cabinet with a view of adapting them to the state's needs.
The guidelines issued by the cabinet were too general and they would be modified to meet local condition, he told Bernama here on Monday.
He said the three-day workshop, which began Monday, was attended by about 100 participants, comprising officials from the Health Department, the National Park and Wildlife Department, the local authorities and representatives from the swiftlet farmers association.
Dr Azizol said the department would also introduce a model swiftlet-breeding house that would be cheaper.
A model of the bird-house, costing about RM28,000, has been built at the Jerangau Veterinary Center in Dungun, he added. - Bernama
Friday, September 24, 2010
Bird’s nest trade open for all
Friday September 24, 2010
The Star
By RACHAEL KAM
rachael@thestar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: Non-Chinese are encouraged to go into bird’s nest farming and retailing, given the huge potential for growth, said Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (ACCCIM) president Tan Sri William Cheng Heng Jem.
He said the industry was no longer a business that was restricted to the Chinese community.
“The bird’s nest business is opening up for all Malaysians due to the large demand for it globally,” he told a press conference on a bird’s nest business seminar here yesterday.
Cheng said there was demand for bird’s nest even from the Middle East.
“We see the potential because more non-Chinese are appreciating this expensive but nutritious product,” he said.
Malaysia is the second largest exporter of bird’s nest followed by Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.
The country exports about RM1bil worth of bird’s nest a year to Hong Kong, China and Taiwan.
ACCCIM and the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry are jointly organising the seminar on Oct 9.
Cheng said ACCCIM would assist the non-Chinese, especially small entrepreneurs and poor individuals in rural areas to start their own business and generate more income.
ACCCIM secretary-general Datuk David Chua said the seminar would be conducted in Bahasa Malaysia and English, targeting the Malays and Indians.
The seminar will feature experts in the industry who will discuss the guidelines on bird’s nest farming and financial assistance.
The Star
By RACHAEL KAM
rachael@thestar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: Non-Chinese are encouraged to go into bird’s nest farming and retailing, given the huge potential for growth, said Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (ACCCIM) president Tan Sri William Cheng Heng Jem.
He said the industry was no longer a business that was restricted to the Chinese community.
“The bird’s nest business is opening up for all Malaysians due to the large demand for it globally,” he told a press conference on a bird’s nest business seminar here yesterday.
Cheng said there was demand for bird’s nest even from the Middle East.
“We see the potential because more non-Chinese are appreciating this expensive but nutritious product,” he said.
Malaysia is the second largest exporter of bird’s nest followed by Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.
The country exports about RM1bil worth of bird’s nest a year to Hong Kong, China and Taiwan.
ACCCIM and the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry are jointly organising the seminar on Oct 9.
Cheng said ACCCIM would assist the non-Chinese, especially small entrepreneurs and poor individuals in rural areas to start their own business and generate more income.
ACCCIM secretary-general Datuk David Chua said the seminar would be conducted in Bahasa Malaysia and English, targeting the Malays and Indians.
The seminar will feature experts in the industry who will discuss the guidelines on bird’s nest farming and financial assistance.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
‘Give us alternative site’
Surprise, surprise that swiftlet farmers are willing to relocate even if given new sites. Most likely these are new bh where there is not many birds. The established one will certainly find it impossible to move without losing all the birds.
Jackie
**********************************************************************************
Wednesday September 15, 2010
The Star
OPERATORS of swiflet farms in the heritage enclave in George Town are willing to relocate if the authorities identify a new location for them.
Association for Swiftlet Nest Industries (ASNI) president Carole Loh said there should be proper planning just like the relocation of hawkers and squatters.
“We are only requesting that we’re treated fairly in the relocation process,” she said when contacted yesterday.
She was commenting on the statement by state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow that the state government would hold a meeting next week to work out a mechanism to implement the three-year grace period for swiftlet farms to move out of the George Town heritage enclave.
Chow said the meeting would involve ASNI, Penang Heritage Trust and other related organisations.
He was quoted as saying it was up to the state government to decide when the grace period would begin.
The issue of relocation arose after the National Council for Local Government had agreed on Sept 3 for swiftlet farms to move out of the Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Loh said the operators were awaiting details on the relocation plan.
“It is almost impossible to move out without affecting the swiftlets as putting the birds in cages and moving them out is not the right way.
“Swiftlets will return to their nests as soon as they are released from the cage,” she said.
Jackie
**********************************************************************************
Wednesday September 15, 2010
The Star
OPERATORS of swiflet farms in the heritage enclave in George Town are willing to relocate if the authorities identify a new location for them.
Association for Swiftlet Nest Industries (ASNI) president Carole Loh said there should be proper planning just like the relocation of hawkers and squatters.
“We are only requesting that we’re treated fairly in the relocation process,” she said when contacted yesterday.
She was commenting on the statement by state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow that the state government would hold a meeting next week to work out a mechanism to implement the three-year grace period for swiftlet farms to move out of the George Town heritage enclave.
Chow said the meeting would involve ASNI, Penang Heritage Trust and other related organisations.
He was quoted as saying it was up to the state government to decide when the grace period would begin.
The issue of relocation arose after the National Council for Local Government had agreed on Sept 3 for swiftlet farms to move out of the Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Loh said the operators were awaiting details on the relocation plan.
“It is almost impossible to move out without affecting the swiftlets as putting the birds in cages and moving them out is not the right way.
“Swiftlets will return to their nests as soon as they are released from the cage,” she said.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Move ruffles feathers
The response from ASNI to the opening salvo from the National Council for Local Government. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that you cannot relocate the swiftlets. One way is perhaps to "buy out" the swiftlet farm owners - renovation cost plus RM1000 per nest in the birdhouse? Even that might not solve the problem because a lot of owners are very emotionally attached to their birds and the birdhouse eg. yours truly.
Again I asked the question. Is UNESCO asking for the birdhouse to be moved out ? afterall the birdhouse were there when the World Heritage status was awarded to Georgetown and Melaka.
Jackie
*********************************************************************************
Wednesday September 8, 2010
The Star
By ANDREA FILMER
andrea@thestar.com.my
GEORGE TOWN: The Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) Penang branch is crying foul over the ban on swiftlet farming in the Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Branch president Carole Loh (pic) claimed the association was getting “mixed signals” over the issue as a Heritage Zone Swiftlet Premises Regulation Committee had been set up at the national level to regulate swiftlet operators in heritage zones.
“The last meeting of the committee was held in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 23 and it was chaired by Heritage Commissioner Prof Emeritus Datin Zuraina Majid.
“ASNI is disappointed and confused that an announcement has been made (on the banning of swiftlet far-ming in heritage areas) when this committee is still in existence to evaluate swiftlet operators on a case-by-case basis,” said Loh, who is also the ASNI national secretary.
She claimed that the members of the regulation committee had already been selected, with some being present at the meeting.
“The Veterinary Department, Penang and Malacca Town and Country Planning departments, George Town World Heritage Incorporated, Malacca World Heritage Office and ASNI are members and most were represented.
“It was also decided that the Agriculture Ministry and Information, Communication and Culture Ministry would be included in the committee,” she said.
On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the National Council for Local Government had decided that swiftlet farming would be prohibited in Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Muhyiddin added, however, that a three-year grace period would be given to current operators.
The Penang Government subsequently announced that a meeting would be held after Hari Raya to work out a mechanism to implement the grace period for swiftlet farms to move to agriculture areas.
Loh reiterated that it would be difficult for swiftlet operators to move.
“There is no way for us to move. The birds roam freely and build nests in the pre-war houses.
“We do not feed them or confine them,” Loh said.
Again I asked the question. Is UNESCO asking for the birdhouse to be moved out ? afterall the birdhouse were there when the World Heritage status was awarded to Georgetown and Melaka.
Jackie
*********************************************************************************
Wednesday September 8, 2010
The Star
By ANDREA FILMER
andrea@thestar.com.my
GEORGE TOWN: The Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) Penang branch is crying foul over the ban on swiftlet farming in the Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Branch president Carole Loh (pic) claimed the association was getting “mixed signals” over the issue as a Heritage Zone Swiftlet Premises Regulation Committee had been set up at the national level to regulate swiftlet operators in heritage zones.
“The last meeting of the committee was held in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 23 and it was chaired by Heritage Commissioner Prof Emeritus Datin Zuraina Majid.
“ASNI is disappointed and confused that an announcement has been made (on the banning of swiftlet far-ming in heritage areas) when this committee is still in existence to evaluate swiftlet operators on a case-by-case basis,” said Loh, who is also the ASNI national secretary.
She claimed that the members of the regulation committee had already been selected, with some being present at the meeting.
“The Veterinary Department, Penang and Malacca Town and Country Planning departments, George Town World Heritage Incorporated, Malacca World Heritage Office and ASNI are members and most were represented.
“It was also decided that the Agriculture Ministry and Information, Communication and Culture Ministry would be included in the committee,” she said.
On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the National Council for Local Government had decided that swiftlet farming would be prohibited in Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Muhyiddin added, however, that a three-year grace period would be given to current operators.
The Penang Government subsequently announced that a meeting would be held after Hari Raya to work out a mechanism to implement the grace period for swiftlet farms to move to agriculture areas.
Loh reiterated that it would be difficult for swiftlet operators to move.
“There is no way for us to move. The birds roam freely and build nests in the pre-war houses.
“We do not feed them or confine them,” Loh said.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
end game for swiftlet farmers in Georgetown
This is going to be tough. All eyes will be on this one. A potentially explosive situation that needs cool heads.
the swiftlets birdhouse were already there before Penang was awarded its World Heritage status. It is suppose to benefit the people there but in this case would it become a curse for the birdhouse farmers? Is UNESCO asking for the birdhouse to be removed for George Town to retain its heritage status?
The birdhouse owners feels that they have helped maintain the old vacant and idled buildings and stopped them from falling apart by putting the money in to renovate them into birdhouse. Now they are told that they are a nuisance by the councils.
If they are asked to move out then the repercussion would be that other councils around the country would use that as a precedent and ask the birdhouse owners in their area to move out of town. It will affect some 100,000 birdhouse owners and their families. This is going to be a real political mine field.
Jackie Chow
Saturday September 4, 2010
Swiftlet farms to shift out of city
GEORGE TOWN: The state government will hold a meeting after Hari Raya to work out a mechanism to implement the three-year grace period for swiftlet farms to move out of the heritage enclave here.
State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said that the meeting would involve the Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI), Penang Heritage Trust and related organisations.
“We will work out a mechanism to implement the decision by the council. It is also up to us to decide when to begin the grace period,” he said.
It was reported yesterday that the National Council for Local Government came up with the grace period after it decided to prohibit swiftlet farming in Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Asked about possible legal action by ASNI against the state for enforcing the eviction, he said it could take whatever action it wanted.
“The farms will be moved to agricultural areas but we will discuss this first at the meeting,” he said.
the swiftlets birdhouse were already there before Penang was awarded its World Heritage status. It is suppose to benefit the people there but in this case would it become a curse for the birdhouse farmers? Is UNESCO asking for the birdhouse to be removed for George Town to retain its heritage status?
The birdhouse owners feels that they have helped maintain the old vacant and idled buildings and stopped them from falling apart by putting the money in to renovate them into birdhouse. Now they are told that they are a nuisance by the councils.
If they are asked to move out then the repercussion would be that other councils around the country would use that as a precedent and ask the birdhouse owners in their area to move out of town. It will affect some 100,000 birdhouse owners and their families. This is going to be a real political mine field.
Jackie Chow
Saturday September 4, 2010
Swiftlet farms to shift out of city
GEORGE TOWN: The state government will hold a meeting after Hari Raya to work out a mechanism to implement the three-year grace period for swiftlet farms to move out of the heritage enclave here.
State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said that the meeting would involve the Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI), Penang Heritage Trust and related organisations.
“We will work out a mechanism to implement the decision by the council. It is also up to us to decide when to begin the grace period,” he said.
It was reported yesterday that the National Council for Local Government came up with the grace period after it decided to prohibit swiftlet farming in Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Asked about possible legal action by ASNI against the state for enforcing the eviction, he said it could take whatever action it wanted.
“The farms will be moved to agricultural areas but we will discuss this first at the meeting,” he said.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Not all Red nests are fakes
hello, hello.. the term "blood nest" has been used by Chinese for centuries in reference to red coloured nests. The term was not coined by any conmen. Red nests do occur naturally in caves or in swiftlet houses. There might be unscrupulous people trying to cash in on the demands with fakes but consumers should also not be mislead to believe that all red nests are fake.
The nests comes in many other colours as well, black, brown, orange, yellow etc. Black nests are common in Indonesia as well. They are cheaper and many traders bleach them and sell them as white nests as well. So does that means that consumers stop buying white nests as well?
At the end of the day, consumers should be made aware of the different types of nests and the credibility of the source of the nests they are buying from. Saying that all red nests are fake is likened to saying that all white nests are fakes as well.
Jackie
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Saturday August 28, 2010
Shops still selling blood nests
The Star
By CHAN LI LEEN, ANDREA FILMER and LEE YUK PENG
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: Some shops have stopped selling the controversial “blood nest” while those who are still selling it are adamant that it is premium quality bird’s nest.
The Star had on Monday reported that “blood nest” – a much sought-after variety of bird’s nest – was actually tainted with chemicals.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong who exposed the scam last week, said the red tainted bird’s nest was dangerous to health.
Federation of Bird’s Nest Merchants Associations chairman Datuk Beh Heng Seong said the term “blood nest” was coined by conmen and the tainted item was priced up to RM20,000 a kilo or twice the price of genuine ivory-coloured bird’s nest.
A shop selling different varieties of bird’s nest here, including the “blood nest”, had insisted that their “red nest” was a natural product from Indonesia.
“It is priced higher than the rest because it is more nutritious,” said an employee of the shop, claiming that the dark red bird’s nest was harvested from caves in Indonesia, and no chemicals were added.
In Penang, the area manager for the Eu Yan Sang branch in Lebuh Chulia, Anny Wang, said: “We stopped selling the red bird’s nest a few years ago but I am not sure why.
“There have been a few calls from concerned people asking about dyed bird’s nests, but our products are all certified to be without chemicals, preservatives and sulphur,” she said.
Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry Penang branch president Carole Loh condemned sellers who profiteered by dyeing their bird’s nests red, saying that it was unethical and gave the industry a bad reputation.
In Ipoh, Chinese medicine shop owner in Ipoh, Lian Kim Keong, insisted that “blood nest” had existed for centuries.
“It has been around from the time when people did not know of the chemicals claimed to have been used to make the bird’s nest appear red,” said Lian who is also Malaysia Entrepreneurs’ Development Association (Perak) chairman.
He said “blood nests” were from Thailand, while the ivory-coloured bird’s nests were harvested in Malaysia and the yellow “flower nests” were from Indonesia.
The nests comes in many other colours as well, black, brown, orange, yellow etc. Black nests are common in Indonesia as well. They are cheaper and many traders bleach them and sell them as white nests as well. So does that means that consumers stop buying white nests as well?
At the end of the day, consumers should be made aware of the different types of nests and the credibility of the source of the nests they are buying from. Saying that all red nests are fake is likened to saying that all white nests are fakes as well.
Jackie
**********************************************************************************
Saturday August 28, 2010
Shops still selling blood nests
The Star
By CHAN LI LEEN, ANDREA FILMER and LEE YUK PENG
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: Some shops have stopped selling the controversial “blood nest” while those who are still selling it are adamant that it is premium quality bird’s nest.
The Star had on Monday reported that “blood nest” – a much sought-after variety of bird’s nest – was actually tainted with chemicals.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong who exposed the scam last week, said the red tainted bird’s nest was dangerous to health.
Federation of Bird’s Nest Merchants Associations chairman Datuk Beh Heng Seong said the term “blood nest” was coined by conmen and the tainted item was priced up to RM20,000 a kilo or twice the price of genuine ivory-coloured bird’s nest.
A shop selling different varieties of bird’s nest here, including the “blood nest”, had insisted that their “red nest” was a natural product from Indonesia.
“It is priced higher than the rest because it is more nutritious,” said an employee of the shop, claiming that the dark red bird’s nest was harvested from caves in Indonesia, and no chemicals were added.
In Penang, the area manager for the Eu Yan Sang branch in Lebuh Chulia, Anny Wang, said: “We stopped selling the red bird’s nest a few years ago but I am not sure why.
“There have been a few calls from concerned people asking about dyed bird’s nests, but our products are all certified to be without chemicals, preservatives and sulphur,” she said.
Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry Penang branch president Carole Loh condemned sellers who profiteered by dyeing their bird’s nests red, saying that it was unethical and gave the industry a bad reputation.
In Ipoh, Chinese medicine shop owner in Ipoh, Lian Kim Keong, insisted that “blood nest” had existed for centuries.
“It has been around from the time when people did not know of the chemicals claimed to have been used to make the bird’s nest appear red,” said Lian who is also Malaysia Entrepreneurs’ Development Association (Perak) chairman.
He said “blood nests” were from Thailand, while the ivory-coloured bird’s nests were harvested in Malaysia and the yellow “flower nests” were from Indonesia.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Health Ministry to conduct checks on bird’s nest
Tuesday August 24, 2010
By LEE YUK PENG and CHRISTINA TAN
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry’s Food and Safety Department will collect samples of bird’s nest on sale in the market to check for contamination with dangerous chemicals.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said this came in the wake of reports of traders adding chemicals to bird’s nest to turn them into red “blood’s nest” to mark up the price.
He warned traders that those found guilty of using non-permitted colouring could be jailed up to five years or fined up to RM100,000 or both under the Food Act.
Liow said the image of the billion ringgit a year bird’s nest industry must not be tarnished especially when most of the production were for export.
He said the ministry had yet to receive any complaints on tainted bird’s nest.
The Star reported yesterday that “blood nest” — a much sought after variety of bird’s nest — was actually tainted with chemicals.
While the normal bird’s nest, which is ivory in colour, can fetch up to RM10,000 a kilo, the reddish “blood nest” fetches up to RM20,000 a kilo.
In exposing the scam, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong said this tainted bird’s nests was dangerous to health.
He said the nests were either sprayed with iodine or stored at premises where there was high ammonia content to give them a uniform bright-red colour.
By LEE YUK PENG and CHRISTINA TAN
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry’s Food and Safety Department will collect samples of bird’s nest on sale in the market to check for contamination with dangerous chemicals.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said this came in the wake of reports of traders adding chemicals to bird’s nest to turn them into red “blood’s nest” to mark up the price.
He warned traders that those found guilty of using non-permitted colouring could be jailed up to five years or fined up to RM100,000 or both under the Food Act.
Liow said the image of the billion ringgit a year bird’s nest industry must not be tarnished especially when most of the production were for export.
He said the ministry had yet to receive any complaints on tainted bird’s nest.
The Star reported yesterday that “blood nest” — a much sought after variety of bird’s nest — was actually tainted with chemicals.
While the normal bird’s nest, which is ivory in colour, can fetch up to RM10,000 a kilo, the reddish “blood nest” fetches up to RM20,000 a kilo.
In exposing the scam, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong said this tainted bird’s nests was dangerous to health.
He said the nests were either sprayed with iodine or stored at premises where there was high ammonia content to give them a uniform bright-red colour.
No room for swiftlets
Noise is certainly the main complain from irated residents nearby. Mindless and selfish birdhouse owners are to be blamed. This is a problem that is easy to resolve. The swiftlet association cah work closely with the councils to make swiftlet house owners comply or face being closed down permanently. When will these stupid swiftlet house owner ever learn?
Jackie
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Thursday August 26, 2010
The Star
WE REFER to the report “Group mulls legal action against Penang govt” (The Star, Aug 24) and wish to express our support for the state government’s initiative to move swiftlet farming away from the city.
My family stays in George Town. About seven years ago, someone set up a swiftlet farm two units away from our pre-war house. Later, several popped up in the vicinity as well and since then, we have to endure the ceaseless noise from the artificial bird sounds broadcast throughout most of the day.
This has severely affected our quality of life. On weekends, when we look forward to just relaxing at home, we have to put up with the aural assault.
The farm owners claim that the noise levels are within approved limits even though to us, it certainly doesn’t sound like it. Please imagine listening to your favourite piece of music, can you tolerate listening to it non-stop for hours, days and months? What more if it is high-pitched shrills.
Research has shown that prolonged and continuous exposure to unwanted noise can have a detrimental effect on one’s stress levels and mental health.
Most of these farm owners don’t stay in or even near the farms they own, yet they have no feelings that their actions are affecting dozens of households. There is an irony here as well. If claims by the Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) that the success rate of swiftlet farming is just 30% are true, that would mean the people living near the other 70% of swiftlet farms are suffering for nothing!
Now we have farm owners like ASNI Penang president threatening to sue the Penang government if they are evicted. But what about the suffering neighbours? Can we sue the swiftlet farm owners for creating a public nuisance?
Dr Kenneth Khoo talks about the 2005 guidelines like it was something set in stone and can never be changed. Many things have changed since. George Town has been granted heritage status, investors both local and abroad have been buying up pre-war buildings and conservation and renovation projects have picked up pace all over the city. With this, businesses and residents will slowly but surely return. George Town has the ability to become a choice destination again.
Swiftlet farm owners in the town area should look beyond their own self-interest. If they are allowed to continue operating, what is there to stop anyone else from setting up another farm? Do you want to see the beautiful George Town turned into a hollowed out city like some smaller towns in Malaysia where most of the residents are swiftlets?
Furthermore, the state government is not even talking about banning swiftlet farming in the state, it is merely trying to move it to a more appropriate area where disturbance to the general public can be minimised.
ELISE LEE,
George Town.
Jackie
*******************************************************************************
Thursday August 26, 2010
The Star
WE REFER to the report “Group mulls legal action against Penang govt” (The Star, Aug 24) and wish to express our support for the state government’s initiative to move swiftlet farming away from the city.
My family stays in George Town. About seven years ago, someone set up a swiftlet farm two units away from our pre-war house. Later, several popped up in the vicinity as well and since then, we have to endure the ceaseless noise from the artificial bird sounds broadcast throughout most of the day.
This has severely affected our quality of life. On weekends, when we look forward to just relaxing at home, we have to put up with the aural assault.
The farm owners claim that the noise levels are within approved limits even though to us, it certainly doesn’t sound like it. Please imagine listening to your favourite piece of music, can you tolerate listening to it non-stop for hours, days and months? What more if it is high-pitched shrills.
Research has shown that prolonged and continuous exposure to unwanted noise can have a detrimental effect on one’s stress levels and mental health.
Most of these farm owners don’t stay in or even near the farms they own, yet they have no feelings that their actions are affecting dozens of households. There is an irony here as well. If claims by the Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) that the success rate of swiftlet farming is just 30% are true, that would mean the people living near the other 70% of swiftlet farms are suffering for nothing!
Now we have farm owners like ASNI Penang president threatening to sue the Penang government if they are evicted. But what about the suffering neighbours? Can we sue the swiftlet farm owners for creating a public nuisance?
Dr Kenneth Khoo talks about the 2005 guidelines like it was something set in stone and can never be changed. Many things have changed since. George Town has been granted heritage status, investors both local and abroad have been buying up pre-war buildings and conservation and renovation projects have picked up pace all over the city. With this, businesses and residents will slowly but surely return. George Town has the ability to become a choice destination again.
Swiftlet farm owners in the town area should look beyond their own self-interest. If they are allowed to continue operating, what is there to stop anyone else from setting up another farm? Do you want to see the beautiful George Town turned into a hollowed out city like some smaller towns in Malaysia where most of the residents are swiftlets?
Furthermore, the state government is not even talking about banning swiftlet farming in the state, it is merely trying to move it to a more appropriate area where disturbance to the general public can be minimised.
ELISE LEE,
George Town.
Group mulls legal action against Penang govt
Is the Penang govt barking up the wrong tree ? Has UNESCO demanded that there be no swiftlet birdhouse in Georgetown or else its World Heritage Status would be revoked? The birdhouse were already there when Georgetown was given the award so shouldn't they remain as part of Georgetown?
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Tuesday August 24, 2010
The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) is considering legal action against the state government if it proceeds to evict bird farms from commercial buildings in the town centre.
Penang branch president Carole Loh said its members would lose up to RM77.91mil if they were evicted from the premises - some of which were situated in the heritage zone.
“This is our last resort. We need to protect the interests of our members,” she said in an interview.
There are 147 registered swiftlet farmers in the commercial zones within George Town, and most of them have invested a minimum renovation cost of RM50,000 in the pre-war buildings where the swiftlets are bred.
Small and Medium Industries Association of Penang secretary-general Dr Kenneth Khoo, who supported ASNI, said the farms were not within residential areas.
The 2005 guidelines for operators states that farming activities for bird nests must be conducted away from residential areas.
“There are legitimate expectations when the council made the 2005 guidelines public, and the birdhouse owners complied with the guidelines by setting up the birdhouses in commercial areas,” Dr Khoo said.
State Religious, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim has reportedly said the state would review current policies on bird nest farming.
*********************************************************
Tuesday August 24, 2010
The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) is considering legal action against the state government if it proceeds to evict bird farms from commercial buildings in the town centre.
Penang branch president Carole Loh said its members would lose up to RM77.91mil if they were evicted from the premises - some of which were situated in the heritage zone.
“This is our last resort. We need to protect the interests of our members,” she said in an interview.
There are 147 registered swiftlet farmers in the commercial zones within George Town, and most of them have invested a minimum renovation cost of RM50,000 in the pre-war buildings where the swiftlets are bred.
Small and Medium Industries Association of Penang secretary-general Dr Kenneth Khoo, who supported ASNI, said the farms were not within residential areas.
The 2005 guidelines for operators states that farming activities for bird nests must be conducted away from residential areas.
“There are legitimate expectations when the council made the 2005 guidelines public, and the birdhouse owners complied with the guidelines by setting up the birdhouses in commercial areas,” Dr Khoo said.
State Religious, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim has reportedly said the state would review current policies on bird nest farming.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Consumers fall for Nest-y scam
Happy that the authorities are paying attention to the birdnest industry but unfortunately so far they seems to be more interested in publicising the negative side of this industry. I am sure they can score some brownie points as well by publicising the positives of the bird nest industry.
Not all red nests are fake. These guys forgot to mention that red nests occur naturally as well whether in caves or birdhouse.
Jackie
*************************************************************************************
Monday August 23, 2010
The Star
By NG CHENG YEE
chengyee@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: “Blood nest” – a much sought after variety of bird’s nest – is actually tainted with dangerous chemicals to deceive consumers into paying double the price for a premium grade.
While the normal bird’s nest, which is ivory in colour, can fetch up to RM10,000 a kilo, the reddish “blood nest” fetches up to RM20,000 a kilo.
Traders justify the exorbitant price by claiming the “blood nest” is a premium grade of the Chinese delicacy.
In exposing this scam on Saturday, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong said these tainted bird’s nests were dangerous to health and may even be fatal when consumed by humans.
He said the nests were either sprayed with iodine or stored at premises where there was high ammonia content to give them a uniform bright-red colour.
“Some also use karya gum (from a soft wooded tree) to give the bird’s nest its reddish colour,” he told The Star.
Chua advised the public against purchasing bird’s nest from dubious traders and urged the industry to practise self-regulation to ensure the quality and safety of the product.
He said that all bird’s nests must have a Veterinary Service Department health certificate before they could be exported.
Federation of Bird’s Nest Merchants Associations chairman Datuk Beh Heng Seong said the term “blood nest” was coined by conmen and that there was “no such thing”.
“Bird’s nest is made up of the saliva of swiflets and is ivory in colour. It is impossible for bird’s nest to be red in colour.
“The so-called blood nests have high levels of nitrates from the artificial red colouring added to it,” Beh said, admitting that many consumers had been deceived into paying a high price for the dangerous product.
He said a kilo of bird’s nest costs between RM8,000 and RM10,000 in the market depending on the grade while a kilo of the “blood nest” was between RM15,000 and RM20,000.
Beh said Malaysia produced some 240 tonnes of bird’s nest worth RM1bil a year and 90% of it was exported to China.
Asked whether the federation, comprising 19 associations and 10,000 members nationwide, had tried to rein in those who were cheating consumers, he said they were looking at educating consumers on bird’s nests and coming up with guidelines for the industry.
Meanwhile, Fomca secretary-general Muhd Sha’ani Abdullah urged the Health Ministry to issue guidelines on what a genuine bird’s nest was and to warn consumers of bird’s nests with added colouring.
He said so far, they have not received any complaint from consumers on the so-called “blood nest” but added that could be because consumers were unaware of tainted products in the market.
He suggested that the Health Ministry issue certificates for untainted products.
“Traders should also be responsible by making sure no harmful chemicals are used in their products,” said Muhd Sha’ani.
Not all red nests are fake. These guys forgot to mention that red nests occur naturally as well whether in caves or birdhouse.
Jackie
*************************************************************************************
Monday August 23, 2010
The Star
By NG CHENG YEE
chengyee@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: “Blood nest” – a much sought after variety of bird’s nest – is actually tainted with dangerous chemicals to deceive consumers into paying double the price for a premium grade.
While the normal bird’s nest, which is ivory in colour, can fetch up to RM10,000 a kilo, the reddish “blood nest” fetches up to RM20,000 a kilo.
Traders justify the exorbitant price by claiming the “blood nest” is a premium grade of the Chinese delicacy.
In exposing this scam on Saturday, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong said these tainted bird’s nests were dangerous to health and may even be fatal when consumed by humans.
He said the nests were either sprayed with iodine or stored at premises where there was high ammonia content to give them a uniform bright-red colour.
“Some also use karya gum (from a soft wooded tree) to give the bird’s nest its reddish colour,” he told The Star.
Chua advised the public against purchasing bird’s nest from dubious traders and urged the industry to practise self-regulation to ensure the quality and safety of the product.
He said that all bird’s nests must have a Veterinary Service Department health certificate before they could be exported.
Federation of Bird’s Nest Merchants Associations chairman Datuk Beh Heng Seong said the term “blood nest” was coined by conmen and that there was “no such thing”.
“Bird’s nest is made up of the saliva of swiflets and is ivory in colour. It is impossible for bird’s nest to be red in colour.
“The so-called blood nests have high levels of nitrates from the artificial red colouring added to it,” Beh said, admitting that many consumers had been deceived into paying a high price for the dangerous product.
He said a kilo of bird’s nest costs between RM8,000 and RM10,000 in the market depending on the grade while a kilo of the “blood nest” was between RM15,000 and RM20,000.
Beh said Malaysia produced some 240 tonnes of bird’s nest worth RM1bil a year and 90% of it was exported to China.
Asked whether the federation, comprising 19 associations and 10,000 members nationwide, had tried to rein in those who were cheating consumers, he said they were looking at educating consumers on bird’s nests and coming up with guidelines for the industry.
Meanwhile, Fomca secretary-general Muhd Sha’ani Abdullah urged the Health Ministry to issue guidelines on what a genuine bird’s nest was and to warn consumers of bird’s nests with added colouring.
He said so far, they have not received any complaint from consumers on the so-called “blood nest” but added that could be because consumers were unaware of tainted products in the market.
He suggested that the Health Ministry issue certificates for untainted products.
“Traders should also be responsible by making sure no harmful chemicals are used in their products,” said Muhd Sha’ani.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Swiftlet birdhouse owners willing to work with state govt
Saturday August 21, 2010
The Star
SWIFTLET birdhouse owners in Penang are willing to co-operate with the state government to achieve a win-win situation regarding birdhouses in George Town.
Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry Penang president Carole Loh said that swiftlet farming was a legitimate business and most owners had adhered to guidelines.
“We have adhered to the 2005 guidelines that encourage swiftlet farming in commercial areas with buildings not higher than five storeys.
“We are only making a living and we are willing to discuss and cooperate on any issue,” she said.
“However, it is impossible to ask us to move existing birdhouses in George Town,” Loh told a press conference yesterday.
She said the owners were only out to make a living and closing their business would affect their livelihood.
“Most owners have to wait three to five years in order to make any returns and the success rate is only about 30%,” she added.
Loh said swiftlets were also a living he-ritage of Penang and moving the birdhou-ses would affect them too.
“Removing these nests would kill countless swiftlets as they could not build nests in other areas,” she claimed.
Small Medium Industries Association of Penang secretary- general Dr Kenneth Khoo, who was also present, said the Penang Government needed to be clear with any new guidelines.
“If the state decides not to allow new birdhouses to be set up, then there needs to be a clear cut off date as the law cannot be retrospective,” he said.
He added that the state government cannot punish cur- rent birdhouse owners as most of them were in the industry after the encouragement from the then state government in 2005.
The Star
SWIFTLET birdhouse owners in Penang are willing to co-operate with the state government to achieve a win-win situation regarding birdhouses in George Town.
Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry Penang president Carole Loh said that swiftlet farming was a legitimate business and most owners had adhered to guidelines.
“We have adhered to the 2005 guidelines that encourage swiftlet farming in commercial areas with buildings not higher than five storeys.
“We are only making a living and we are willing to discuss and cooperate on any issue,” she said.
“However, it is impossible to ask us to move existing birdhouses in George Town,” Loh told a press conference yesterday.
She said the owners were only out to make a living and closing their business would affect their livelihood.
“Most owners have to wait three to five years in order to make any returns and the success rate is only about 30%,” she added.
Loh said swiftlets were also a living he-ritage of Penang and moving the birdhou-ses would affect them too.
“Removing these nests would kill countless swiftlets as they could not build nests in other areas,” she claimed.
Small Medium Industries Association of Penang secretary- general Dr Kenneth Khoo, who was also present, said the Penang Government needed to be clear with any new guidelines.
“If the state decides not to allow new birdhouses to be set up, then there needs to be a clear cut off date as the law cannot be retrospective,” he said.
He added that the state government cannot punish cur- rent birdhouse owners as most of them were in the industry after the encouragement from the then state government in 2005.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Penang Showcases One-stop Swiftlets' Breeding Centre
August 18, 2010 12:19 PM
Bernama
By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock
PENANG, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Apart from being a lucrative industry, harvesting edible bird's nest is also fast becoming a tourist attraction to this island which is known as the 'Pearl of the Orient'.
Massive destruction of swiftlets' natural habitats due to robust development has forced these birds to migrate to urban zones in search for safer 'homes'.
In the past few years, many swiftlet farms have sprouted in urban areas due to the handsome returns from the bird's nest industry.
In the heart of Georgetown, a city listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, AeroBio (M) Sdn Bhd has set up a one-stop centre at Market Street here to showcase the edible bird's nest industry.
HERITAGE ZONE
According to the company's Strategic Business and Corporate Planning Adviser, N.S. Yong, the centre which is located in the heritage zone of Georgetown, houses the urban swiftlets' habitat.
The centre also houses the bird's nest cleaning and processing centre, retail outlet as well as a food and beverage cafe that offers edible bird's nest refreshment.
"At the centre, visitors can obtain information, among others, on swiftlet farming and edible bird's nest cleaning," he told Bernama when met at the centre.
He said at the AeroBio centre, the swiftlets come and build their nests on their own free will as the centre does not install any sound system to 'draw or attract' the swiftlets.
"We only provide an environment which has more moisture and dimness to attract the swiftlets to build their nests in the premise," he said.
He said the birds have been here for many years even before the centre was set-up and that is the reason why he does not need any sound system to attract the birds.
CAVIAR OF THE EAST
However, Yong who has 15 years experience in the industry, said the swiftlets need about 40 to 60 days to build their nests before it is ready to be harvested.
"Usually 7.00pm-7.30pm is the peak time where many swiftlets return to their nests," he said, adding that the process of brushing, cleaning and moulding the bird's nests takes about three months.
He said the centre can produce about 8.0 kg of bird nest daily and its customers are mainly from Taiwan, China and Hong Kong.
Yong also said at the centre, visitors would have the opportunity to experience the fly-pass of the swiftlets over their head as the birds are free to fly and roam within the premises.
"Visitors will also experience the unique feeling of being inside the swiftlets' habitat and learn about the secret of what has been dubbed as the 'Caviar of the East' or commonly known as edible bird's nest," he said.
He said the centre is also equipped with a laboratory for the visitors to observe the process of cleaning and moulding the bird's nest.
"Our healthcare products are derived from our own farming house and the products include essence of bird nest", he added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock
PENANG, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Apart from being a lucrative industry, harvesting edible bird's nest is also fast becoming a tourist attraction to this island which is known as the 'Pearl of the Orient'.
Massive destruction of swiftlets' natural habitats due to robust development has forced these birds to migrate to urban zones in search for safer 'homes'.
In the past few years, many swiftlet farms have sprouted in urban areas due to the handsome returns from the bird's nest industry.
In the heart of Georgetown, a city listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, AeroBio (M) Sdn Bhd has set up a one-stop centre at Market Street here to showcase the edible bird's nest industry.
HERITAGE ZONE
According to the company's Strategic Business and Corporate Planning Adviser, N.S. Yong, the centre which is located in the heritage zone of Georgetown, houses the urban swiftlets' habitat.
The centre also houses the bird's nest cleaning and processing centre, retail outlet as well as a food and beverage cafe that offers edible bird's nest refreshment.
"At the centre, visitors can obtain information, among others, on swiftlet farming and edible bird's nest cleaning," he told Bernama when met at the centre.
He said at the AeroBio centre, the swiftlets come and build their nests on their own free will as the centre does not install any sound system to 'draw or attract' the swiftlets.
"We only provide an environment which has more moisture and dimness to attract the swiftlets to build their nests in the premise," he said.
He said the birds have been here for many years even before the centre was set-up and that is the reason why he does not need any sound system to attract the birds.
CAVIAR OF THE EAST
However, Yong who has 15 years experience in the industry, said the swiftlets need about 40 to 60 days to build their nests before it is ready to be harvested.
"Usually 7.00pm-7.30pm is the peak time where many swiftlets return to their nests," he said, adding that the process of brushing, cleaning and moulding the bird's nests takes about three months.
He said the centre can produce about 8.0 kg of bird nest daily and its customers are mainly from Taiwan, China and Hong Kong.
Yong also said at the centre, visitors would have the opportunity to experience the fly-pass of the swiftlets over their head as the birds are free to fly and roam within the premises.
"Visitors will also experience the unique feeling of being inside the swiftlets' habitat and learn about the secret of what has been dubbed as the 'Caviar of the East' or commonly known as edible bird's nest," he said.
He said the centre is also equipped with a laboratory for the visitors to observe the process of cleaning and moulding the bird's nest.
"Our healthcare products are derived from our own farming house and the products include essence of bird nest", he added.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Flap over swiftlet farms
Tuesday August 10, 2010
The Star
By MANJIT KAUR
manjit@thestar.com.my
DESPITE the moratorium on swiftlet farming, birdhouses are still being erected on the island, said Penang Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow.
He said that prior to 2008, only 20-over licences were issued for the industry but there were now about 200 swiftlet farms.
Chow said the Pakatan Rakyat administration never issued any licences but he was aware of new birdhouses being erected illegally during this period.
“Action can be taken against them,” he told reporters after chairing the Penang Local Government Consultative Forum at the Caring Society Complex yesterday.
Chow said they continued to have meetings on the issue at state level and with the local councils, department heads and non-governmental organisations.
“We will hold another meeting with the National Heritage Department next week on the Integrated Swiftlets Industry Development Guidelines.
“We can consider various views but all the feedback on the guidelines will be raised at the Local Government National Council Meeting,” he added.
Earlier, a discussion involving the Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry president Carole Loh, the state Veterinary Department and several other NGOs was held.
Loh said many people had the wrong perception about the industry, saying the association was willing to compromise with the authorities but a win-win solution was needed.
“We have invested so much money into the business after being asked by the previous administration to set up the farms and now the government want us to just move out,” she said.
“There are claims the industry will be a threat to the Unesco listing but I am sure when the status was given, the relevant authorities knew about the industry in George Town.
“The swiftlets are a living heritage and were around even before the Unesco status was accorded,” she added.
Loh asked where the hundreds of swiftlets would go if their natural habitat was to be destroyed.
“Moving out of George Town is not negotiable. In theory, everything can be done but in practice the situation is different,” she added.
Penang municipal councillor Lim Kah Cheng said it was not possible to farm in urban areas, especially in George Town.
“If swiftlets are allowed, then how are we going to stop others from having chicken farms?” she asked.
“The new government will not follow what has been enforced by the previous administration,” she said, adding that there were laws and regulations to be followed.
Malaysian Nature Society branch chairman D. Kanda Kumar said it was up to the state to adopt the guidelines.
“We are not against swiftlet farming but I think the farms should be located in suitable areas,” he added.
The Star
By MANJIT KAUR
manjit@thestar.com.my
DESPITE the moratorium on swiftlet farming, birdhouses are still being erected on the island, said Penang Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow.
He said that prior to 2008, only 20-over licences were issued for the industry but there were now about 200 swiftlet farms.
Chow said the Pakatan Rakyat administration never issued any licences but he was aware of new birdhouses being erected illegally during this period.
“Action can be taken against them,” he told reporters after chairing the Penang Local Government Consultative Forum at the Caring Society Complex yesterday.
Chow said they continued to have meetings on the issue at state level and with the local councils, department heads and non-governmental organisations.
“We will hold another meeting with the National Heritage Department next week on the Integrated Swiftlets Industry Development Guidelines.
“We can consider various views but all the feedback on the guidelines will be raised at the Local Government National Council Meeting,” he added.
Earlier, a discussion involving the Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry president Carole Loh, the state Veterinary Department and several other NGOs was held.
Loh said many people had the wrong perception about the industry, saying the association was willing to compromise with the authorities but a win-win solution was needed.
“We have invested so much money into the business after being asked by the previous administration to set up the farms and now the government want us to just move out,” she said.
“There are claims the industry will be a threat to the Unesco listing but I am sure when the status was given, the relevant authorities knew about the industry in George Town.
“The swiftlets are a living heritage and were around even before the Unesco status was accorded,” she added.
Loh asked where the hundreds of swiftlets would go if their natural habitat was to be destroyed.
“Moving out of George Town is not negotiable. In theory, everything can be done but in practice the situation is different,” she added.
Penang municipal councillor Lim Kah Cheng said it was not possible to farm in urban areas, especially in George Town.
“If swiftlets are allowed, then how are we going to stop others from having chicken farms?” she asked.
“The new government will not follow what has been enforced by the previous administration,” she said, adding that there were laws and regulations to be followed.
Malaysian Nature Society branch chairman D. Kanda Kumar said it was up to the state to adopt the guidelines.
“We are not against swiftlet farming but I think the farms should be located in suitable areas,” he added.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Swiftlet operators urged to install CCTV and alarm system
Thursday August 5, 2010
The Star
By SIMON KHOO
simonkhoo@thestar.com.my
TEMERLOH: Swiftlet-rearing operators are urged to install security measures in their building premises to deter thefts, OCPD Asst Comm Ahmad Fadzillah Mohamed said.
He said closed-circuit television (CCTV) and alarm systems could help to minimise theft here and in Mentakab.
“Images captured via the CCTVs can help the authorities to identify and apprehend culprits who trespassed into the buildings to steal the bird’s nest.
“We hope all operators will heed our advice to install such security features as the industry is being targeted due to the high profits involved.
“Police believe the crime is syndicated as the products can fetch a good price in the market,” he said after making his rounds with his officers to distribute crime prevention leaflets in the town centre.
The exercise is part of an on-going community policing programme statewide to create greater public awareness to fight crime more effectively.
ACP Ahmad Fadzillah said due to the high demand for the bird’s nest, police believed more of such theft would occur over the next few months.
He said however, police have received only one case so far this year but intelligence revealed that some operators did not lodge reports.
“Acting on the report, our officers have conducted investigations and managed to detain two individuals last week.
“Both are being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code for theft inside a building and would be charged,” he said.
ACP Ahmad Fadzillah said raw swiftlet’s nest could fetch between RM4,000 and RM5,000 per kg in the market while those which had been processed up to RM7,000 per kg.
He said police would continue to track down remaining syndicate members and stern action would also be taken against those who purchased such stolen products.
“These culprits are professional in the trade and knew ways to break in and steal the nest which are mature and in high demand,” he said.
The Star
By SIMON KHOO
simonkhoo@thestar.com.my
TEMERLOH: Swiftlet-rearing operators are urged to install security measures in their building premises to deter thefts, OCPD Asst Comm Ahmad Fadzillah Mohamed said.
He said closed-circuit television (CCTV) and alarm systems could help to minimise theft here and in Mentakab.
“Images captured via the CCTVs can help the authorities to identify and apprehend culprits who trespassed into the buildings to steal the bird’s nest.
“We hope all operators will heed our advice to install such security features as the industry is being targeted due to the high profits involved.
“Police believe the crime is syndicated as the products can fetch a good price in the market,” he said after making his rounds with his officers to distribute crime prevention leaflets in the town centre.
The exercise is part of an on-going community policing programme statewide to create greater public awareness to fight crime more effectively.
ACP Ahmad Fadzillah said due to the high demand for the bird’s nest, police believed more of such theft would occur over the next few months.
He said however, police have received only one case so far this year but intelligence revealed that some operators did not lodge reports.
“Acting on the report, our officers have conducted investigations and managed to detain two individuals last week.
“Both are being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code for theft inside a building and would be charged,” he said.
ACP Ahmad Fadzillah said raw swiftlet’s nest could fetch between RM4,000 and RM5,000 per kg in the market while those which had been processed up to RM7,000 per kg.
He said police would continue to track down remaining syndicate members and stern action would also be taken against those who purchased such stolen products.
“These culprits are professional in the trade and knew ways to break in and steal the nest which are mature and in high demand,” he said.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
National guidelines not swift in coming
Tuesday July 27, 2010
The Star
PENANG will seek the input from stakeholders once it gets hold of the National Guidelines For Swiftlet Breeding which was passed in Cabinet about two weeks ago.
State Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the state was given a briefing by National Veterinary Department representatives prior to the passing of the new guidelines but “without much details”.
“Our officer have been requesting for the new guidelines these past two weeks but to date, we have yet to receive a copy.
“During the briefing, we also expressed our dismay that the consultation for the guidelines did not involve any heritage NGOs or World Heritage Office representatives.
“Those consulted were mainly swiftlets’ industry players,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Chow added that the industry players’ main focus is on the monetary side even though they claimed that by turning old houses into a bird house, they are doing heritage protection a service.
“But the bird houses make it a challenge for people to live, at times forcing the neighbours to move, and thus affect the living heritage aspect,” he said.
It was reported that at least 8% out of an estimated 3,500 abandoned pre-war buildings in inner George Town have been restored and rehabilitated by bird nest breeders.
Penang Heritage Trust council member Rebecca Duckett-Wilkinson said the health and safety issues are among the main concerns.
“Imagine the pollution from noise and bird droppings. It is in the state’s hands to make a policy and set a guideline on swiftlet houses.”
Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry president Carole Loh had said that the droppings outside belonged to pigeons, adding that swiftlets are very particular and only release their droppings in the house.
She had also suggested that the state Health Department issue breeders with a health certificate which can be revoked if the cleanliness is not maintained.
The Star
PENANG will seek the input from stakeholders once it gets hold of the National Guidelines For Swiftlet Breeding which was passed in Cabinet about two weeks ago.
State Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the state was given a briefing by National Veterinary Department representatives prior to the passing of the new guidelines but “without much details”.
“Our officer have been requesting for the new guidelines these past two weeks but to date, we have yet to receive a copy.
“During the briefing, we also expressed our dismay that the consultation for the guidelines did not involve any heritage NGOs or World Heritage Office representatives.
“Those consulted were mainly swiftlets’ industry players,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Chow added that the industry players’ main focus is on the monetary side even though they claimed that by turning old houses into a bird house, they are doing heritage protection a service.
“But the bird houses make it a challenge for people to live, at times forcing the neighbours to move, and thus affect the living heritage aspect,” he said.
It was reported that at least 8% out of an estimated 3,500 abandoned pre-war buildings in inner George Town have been restored and rehabilitated by bird nest breeders.
Penang Heritage Trust council member Rebecca Duckett-Wilkinson said the health and safety issues are among the main concerns.
“Imagine the pollution from noise and bird droppings. It is in the state’s hands to make a policy and set a guideline on swiftlet houses.”
Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry president Carole Loh had said that the droppings outside belonged to pigeons, adding that swiftlets are very particular and only release their droppings in the house.
She had also suggested that the state Health Department issue breeders with a health certificate which can be revoked if the cleanliness is not maintained.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Extra income for orang asli through agriculture
Saturday July 24, 2010
The Star
LABIS: The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry wants to boost the income of the poor, especially the orang asli, through agricultural activities.
Its deputy minister Chua Tee Yong said that it would start with a pilot-project in four orang asli settlements here.
“We will study the most suitable form of agriculture for the Kampung Selai and Kampung Lenek settlements.
“Among the factors to be considered are the terrain as well as forest resources near the villages,” he told newsmen after launching a Dental Care and Health Awareness programme at Kampung Selai here yesterday.
Chua said the pilot project would be paid through his allocation as Labis MP and not by the ministry.
“We already plan to start swiftlet breeding in Kampung Selai.
“We will assist with the start-up and monitor the progress,” he said.
Chua added the ministry would look into implementing the initiatives nationwide if the pilot-project is a success.
Meanwhile, Chua said it was important for the orang asli to realise the importance of having healthy habits.
“This programme shows that the orang asli people are not forgotten by the government,” he said.
The Star
LABIS: The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry wants to boost the income of the poor, especially the orang asli, through agricultural activities.
Its deputy minister Chua Tee Yong said that it would start with a pilot-project in four orang asli settlements here.
“We will study the most suitable form of agriculture for the Kampung Selai and Kampung Lenek settlements.
“Among the factors to be considered are the terrain as well as forest resources near the villages,” he told newsmen after launching a Dental Care and Health Awareness programme at Kampung Selai here yesterday.
Chua said the pilot project would be paid through his allocation as Labis MP and not by the ministry.
“We already plan to start swiftlet breeding in Kampung Selai.
“We will assist with the start-up and monitor the progress,” he said.
Chua added the ministry would look into implementing the initiatives nationwide if the pilot-project is a success.
Meanwhile, Chua said it was important for the orang asli to realise the importance of having healthy habits.
“This programme shows that the orang asli people are not forgotten by the government,” he said.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Swiftlet breeders given ultimatum
Friday July 16, 2010
BY ALLISON LAI
malacca@thestar.com..my
MALACCA: Some 300 swiftlet breeders here were given a three month notice to register with the Veterinary Services Department and apply for licenses or face severe action from the local council.
The warning was issued by State Rural Development and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Hidhir Abu Hasan after the state adopted the new swiftlet industry guideline (1GP) which was approved by the Cabinet on Monday.
Besides implementing the new guidelines, he said the state had also included additional rules to regulate the industry here.
“The breeders will have to register with the states Veterinary Services Department irrespective if they have already received approval from the local council or registered with the Malacca Birds Nest Merchants Association.
Strict ruling: Birdhouse operators located within the historic city’s Unesco World Heritage Site heritage zones must apply for a permit from the Heritage Department.
“Failing which, action will be taken against them to shutdown their business,” he told reporters here after a dialogue with swiftlet breeders here on Tuesday.
He said swiftlet breeders must apply for operating permits from the respective authorities depending on the location of the birdhouses.
“The state has adopted the 1GP guidelines but had to amend and make additions to it owing to Malaccas size and the citys status as a World Heritage Heritage site,” he added.
Swiftlet breeders operating within Malacca’s heritage zones must submit the necessary building plans for their operations when applying for a permit from the Heritage Department.
Mohd Hidhir said the local council authorities would only issue operating licenses to registered and approved operators.
There are some 100 swiftlet breeders in Malacca registered with the association with some 200 others operating as non-registered members.
The state had issued 60 temporary license to operators of which 22 are located within heritage zones.
In relation to the matter, Malacca Birds Nest Merchants Association president John Chen Joon Onn had voiced concerned over the implementation of the 1GP guidelines and additional regulations imposed by the state.
“We will hold a meeting with our members and issue a statement on the matter later,” he said when contacted.
Locally harvested birds nests can fetch between RM1,500 and RM5,000 per kg depending on quality.
Birds nest harvesting has spawned a thriving multi-million ringgit industry here, including manufacturing of canned drinks for the local and export markets.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Govt announces new guidelines for swiftlet farmers
Malay Mail
KEVIN ONG
Monday, July 12th, 2010 14:40:00
KUALA LUMPUR: After much debacle, swiftlet farming finally has a standardised set of formal guidelines along with a core plan to oversee its development which is expected to produce RM5 billion in revenue by 2015 for the country.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar, said swiftlet farming shall be industrialised as it has a high market value and is profitable.
"The Cabinet has been briefed on the new standards and procedures and has dutifully approved it," Noh said in a Press conference held at the Farmers Organisation Authority headquarters in Damansara this morning.
He said in order to achieve good results, the core plan for the swiftlet farming industry will highlight several important aspects such as research and development, widening the market and proper funding to encourage those who are less fortunate in the industry.
"Besides that, the core plan will also concentrate on disease-free swiftlet products as strict guidelines will be imposed on swiftlet farming premises.
"The Department of Veterinarian Services (DVS) has been appointed by the government to spearhead the swiftlet industry. It has developed a registration system for swiftlet farmers on their website www.burungwalit.com.my" he said.
Noh said this new website is fully operational and it is standardised and eases the registration process for applicants.
"After the application is sent, officials from the DVS, the Department of Environment and other relevant government bodies will inspect the proposed farming premises."
The cabinet has also proposed a 'one-stop agency' involving relevant government bodies in all states to further help ease swiftlet farming applications.
Interested applicants are advised to register their premises before the application window closes by end of this year.
The DVS will provide each swiftlet farm with a Radio Frequency Indentification (RFID) to assist in identifying the location of the farms which are required to be far from residential areas.
Noh added that part of the core plan is to create productive workforce in the swiftlet farming industry.
"Since most of the swiftlet products we export are raw and unprocessed, standard procedures in the processing line can not only help us make the best of our resources but also provide job opportunities."
With a market price of RM7,000 per kilogramme, swiftlet farming captured the attention of many businessmen in Malaysia.
Illegal swiftlet farming carried out through the aid of abandoned buildings and structures in residential and commercial areas has caused a government crackdown.
In April this year, the state government of Sabah has imposed a ban on swiftlet farming. Since then, major cities of Ipoh and Johor Baru have followed.
Swiftlet farmers believe tests and studies on the birds have disputed allegations that the birds were disease carriers
KEVIN ONG
Monday, July 12th, 2010 14:40:00
KUALA LUMPUR: After much debacle, swiftlet farming finally has a standardised set of formal guidelines along with a core plan to oversee its development which is expected to produce RM5 billion in revenue by 2015 for the country.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar, said swiftlet farming shall be industrialised as it has a high market value and is profitable.
"The Cabinet has been briefed on the new standards and procedures and has dutifully approved it," Noh said in a Press conference held at the Farmers Organisation Authority headquarters in Damansara this morning.
He said in order to achieve good results, the core plan for the swiftlet farming industry will highlight several important aspects such as research and development, widening the market and proper funding to encourage those who are less fortunate in the industry.
"Besides that, the core plan will also concentrate on disease-free swiftlet products as strict guidelines will be imposed on swiftlet farming premises.
"The Department of Veterinarian Services (DVS) has been appointed by the government to spearhead the swiftlet industry. It has developed a registration system for swiftlet farmers on their website www.burungwalit.com.my" he said.
Noh said this new website is fully operational and it is standardised and eases the registration process for applicants.
"After the application is sent, officials from the DVS, the Department of Environment and other relevant government bodies will inspect the proposed farming premises."
The cabinet has also proposed a 'one-stop agency' involving relevant government bodies in all states to further help ease swiftlet farming applications.
Interested applicants are advised to register their premises before the application window closes by end of this year.
The DVS will provide each swiftlet farm with a Radio Frequency Indentification (RFID) to assist in identifying the location of the farms which are required to be far from residential areas.
Noh added that part of the core plan is to create productive workforce in the swiftlet farming industry.
"Since most of the swiftlet products we export are raw and unprocessed, standard procedures in the processing line can not only help us make the best of our resources but also provide job opportunities."
With a market price of RM7,000 per kilogramme, swiftlet farming captured the attention of many businessmen in Malaysia.
Illegal swiftlet farming carried out through the aid of abandoned buildings and structures in residential and commercial areas has caused a government crackdown.
In April this year, the state government of Sabah has imposed a ban on swiftlet farming. Since then, major cities of Ipoh and Johor Baru have followed.
Swiftlet farmers believe tests and studies on the birds have disputed allegations that the birds were disease carriers
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
State monitors swiftlet breeding premises
Wednesday July 7, 2010
The Star
THE state government, which has not issued any licences for swiftlet breeding, is monitoring premises registered under the Swiftlet Breeding Association, said acting Agriculture Committee chairman Md Jais Sarday.
He said the Veterinary Services Department conducted seminars on the proper way to keep swiftlets to ensure breeders conformed to regulations and maintained cleanliness, besides keeping sound pollution to a minimum.
The Star
THE state government, which has not issued any licences for swiftlet breeding, is monitoring premises registered under the Swiftlet Breeding Association, said acting Agriculture Committee chairman Md Jais Sarday.
He said the Veterinary Services Department conducted seminars on the proper way to keep swiftlets to ensure breeders conformed to regulations and maintained cleanliness, besides keeping sound pollution to a minimum.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Not so chirpy residents - Country Heights BirdHouse
By PRIYA MENON
priya@thestar.com.my Photo by M. AZHAR | Jul 2, 2010
Massive: The three-storey structure built on a hill next to Country Heights Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.
RESIDENTS of Country Heights Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, are resenting the bird calls they hear every day and night from an illegal bird nest building next door.
The massive three-storey structure built on a hill near the posh neighbourhood has been there for more than six months and attracts a large number of swiftlets into the building.
At first, residents were puzzled by the constant noise from the jungle that never ceased until they discovered the activity.
“We were surprised that the jungle was so noisy, then we found out that an electronic musical sound mimicking birds had been placed inside the building to attract the swiftlets,” said Pete Meehan.
He added that people bought the RM8mil to RM10mil homes to enjoy peace and quiet only to be disturbed by the sound of birds.
According to another resident, Ang Kim Jhew, they have made at least six complaints to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) since April.
“We were later told the problem is under the Department of Environment (DoE) and we complained to them as well. DoE later sent a letter to the DBKL supporting our complaint,” added Ang.
However, no action has been taken so far. They are also worried about environmental issues, including the droppings.
The residents contacted Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng to help them in their task.
“I have checked with the DBKL and they told me that there has been no permit for bird’s nest harvesting in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
Lim and StarMetro visited the site and found another structure being built.
When asked, the Indonesian workers who declined to be named, said the new structure was a section of rooms to be rented out.
The bird’s nest building was also locked and the workers said they did not have the keys to the building.
“We have not harvested the nests yet but there have been many birds coming and in out of the building,” said the worker.
Lim said he would lodge an official statement with the DBKL on behalf of the residents and would give the council two weeks to resolve the problem.
“I will ask that the man running the business be served a notice to close down the place and if the structure is illegal the owner will have to tear that down as well,” he added.
When contacted, DBKL’s corporate communications unit said they were aware of the problem and that the structure was illegal as it was built without a development order.
DBKL confirmed it will be taking action against the businessman as soon as possible.
The man, who did not want to be named, refused to talk to the press.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Guidelines On Swiftlet Farming In Sabah Out By Year End
June 19, 2010 18:49 PM
Bernama
KOTA KINABALU, June 19 (Bernama) -- The guidelines on proper swiftlet farming in all the 24 districts in Sabah will be issued before end of the year.
Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor said the ministry, with the cooperation of government agencies, like the Wildlife Department, was in the process of formulating the guidelines.
"I'll call a meeting with the departments and agencies involved soon to fine tune the guidelines before they are given to swiftlet breeders," he told reporters after opening the 'Bah Futsal Kita' carnival, organised by the Sabah Broadcasting department and Telekom Malaysia Berhad here Saturday.
Last April 8, State Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai announced a ban on swiftlet farming in the town areas on grounds that the activity posed health and environmental hazards as well as public nuisance.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
KOTA KINABALU, June 19 (Bernama) -- The guidelines on proper swiftlet farming in all the 24 districts in Sabah will be issued before end of the year.
Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor said the ministry, with the cooperation of government agencies, like the Wildlife Department, was in the process of formulating the guidelines.
"I'll call a meeting with the departments and agencies involved soon to fine tune the guidelines before they are given to swiftlet breeders," he told reporters after opening the 'Bah Futsal Kita' carnival, organised by the Sabah Broadcasting department and Telekom Malaysia Berhad here Saturday.
Last April 8, State Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai announced a ban on swiftlet farming in the town areas on grounds that the activity posed health and environmental hazards as well as public nuisance.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Poor Management A Reason For High Failure Rate In Terengganu's Swiftlet Farming
June 16, 2010 19:28 PM
Bernama
KUALA TERENGGANU, June 16 (Bernama) -- Terengganu's Veterinary Services Department (VSD) says more than 70 per cent of those operating swiftlet-breeding houses in the state end up facing failure.
State VSD Director, Dr Azizol Mohd Sharun said there were about 300 swiftlet-breeding houses worth millions of ringgit in the state.
"Poor management is a major reason for failure for many of these breeding houses," he told Bernama after visiting one of the swiftlet-breeding house projects that had failed in Kampung Mengabang Telipot, Batu Rakit here Wednesday.
The four-storey swiftlet-breeding house was built three years ago at a cost of RM500,000.
The minimum cost of building a swiftlet-breeding house is RM100,000 and most of them are owned by individuals.
Dr Azizol said the project he visited Wednesday was considered a failure as the birds have not entered the house up till now.
The building did not have the facilities needed for swiftlet-breeding such as the recordings of bird sounds and electricity, he added.
This is a major loss as the swiftlet-breeding business has been proven to be lucrative if it is properly undertaken.
He said the government also wanted to see more people getting involved in the highly lucrative industry.
Dr Azizol added that his department would also look into the matter and come up with resolutions so that the industry would continue to grow in Terengganu.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
KUALA TERENGGANU, June 16 (Bernama) -- Terengganu's Veterinary Services Department (VSD) says more than 70 per cent of those operating swiftlet-breeding houses in the state end up facing failure.
State VSD Director, Dr Azizol Mohd Sharun said there were about 300 swiftlet-breeding houses worth millions of ringgit in the state.
"Poor management is a major reason for failure for many of these breeding houses," he told Bernama after visiting one of the swiftlet-breeding house projects that had failed in Kampung Mengabang Telipot, Batu Rakit here Wednesday.
The four-storey swiftlet-breeding house was built three years ago at a cost of RM500,000.
The minimum cost of building a swiftlet-breeding house is RM100,000 and most of them are owned by individuals.
Dr Azizol said the project he visited Wednesday was considered a failure as the birds have not entered the house up till now.
The building did not have the facilities needed for swiftlet-breeding such as the recordings of bird sounds and electricity, he added.
This is a major loss as the swiftlet-breeding business has been proven to be lucrative if it is properly undertaken.
He said the government also wanted to see more people getting involved in the highly lucrative industry.
Dr Azizol added that his department would also look into the matter and come up with resolutions so that the industry would continue to grow in Terengganu.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Swiftlet Farming Helps Supplement Income
June 10, 2010 11:53 AM
Bernama
By Syed Azwan Syed Ali
KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Bernama) -- The thriving swiftlet farming industry is set to help the nation realise the New Economic Model (NEM) goals, especially in creating a high income society.
The bird nest export that fetches RM1.5 billion in annual revenue is a big contributer for the nation's economy, and it is one of the trades that provide quick returns.
Moreover, the capital outlay is relatively small and the returns can be realised within a short period.
Swiftlet farming involves an initial capital between RM10,000 and RM30,000 to set up a bird house on a 10 feet by 15 feet site, minus the cost of purchasing or leasing the site.
If the investors think of joining the ranks of the big players in the industry, than the initial investment can be anything between RM250,000 and RM600,000.
LOAN FUND
In states like Melaka, Penang and Sarawak, shoplots have been modified into 'bird house' to get a slice of this lucrative industry.
The bird's nest soup is highly nutrious and said to contain elements that contribute to the "fountain of youth". It is also said to improve blood circulation and in mainland China its consumption is linked with one's status in the society.
It is also a delight savoured by the elites in the Arab world.
Realising the bird nest industry's potential to the economy, the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry through Agrobank has set aside RM67.7 million to finance swiftlet farming.
Agrobank's Managing Director Datuk Ahmad Said noted that the move is in line with the government's effort to boost up the people's annual income from AS$7,000 to AS$15,000 as underscored by the NEM.
SEKING THE PARTICIPATION OF ALL RACES
Ahmad noted that the special fund will enable at least 2,000 potential entrepreneurs to venture into small scale swiftlet farming costing between RM10,000 and RM30,000 while enjoying an interest rate that is as low as 3.75 percent.
Industry observers note that the loan from Agrobank will allow entrepreneurs from all races to participate in the trade that is currently being monopolied by Chinese entrepreneurs.
Ahmad pointed out that the raw bird nest could fetch between RM3,000-RM4,000 per kg and the processed ones can go up to RM12,000 and the high prices is helping the industry to thrive.
It is reported that at present there is about 50,000 swiftlet farms all over the nation.
In enticing the poor to participate in the trade, the government also launched a grant worth RM5 million to enable 500 poor familes to undertake swiftlet farming.
1GP TAKEN TO THE MINISTRY LEVEL
Under the grant, selected families (those earning below RM450 a month) will be provided a bird house worth RM10,000 that is to supplement the family's income.
In a media report dated 11 Feb 2010, the Veterinary Services Director General Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin stated that the department would identify the poor families to be enlisted in swiftlet farming.
However, the lucrative industry that started with the migration of the swiftlets from Indonesia over the last 10 years is yet to settle the regulatory issues.
The 1GP guideline for swiftlet farming set by the Veterinary Services Department is yet to reach the cabinet for approval.
The Agriculture and Agrobased Industries Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar had previously stated that the 1GP that would serve as the standard for the industry had been finalised by the ministry's officials and would be brought to the minister's attention.
MAINTAIN THE PRODUCER'S STATUS
Apart from the Agriculture and Agrobased Industries Ministry, swiflet farming also involves three other ministries - Health Ministry, Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, and the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
What is certain, like what the industry players hope, 1GP will be implemented immediately to address issues relating to establishing bird houses within city limits that contributes to odour, noise and risk of diseases.
Apart from maintaining the status as the leading producer of the bird's nest in Southeast Asia, the fund and guideline will help propel Malaysia into the forefront of the trade in less than 10 years time.
At present, the main market for the bird's nest is China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore with Malaysia earning a reputation as the producer of good quality bird nests after Indonesia and Thailand.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
By Syed Azwan Syed Ali
KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Bernama) -- The thriving swiftlet farming industry is set to help the nation realise the New Economic Model (NEM) goals, especially in creating a high income society.
The bird nest export that fetches RM1.5 billion in annual revenue is a big contributer for the nation's economy, and it is one of the trades that provide quick returns.
Moreover, the capital outlay is relatively small and the returns can be realised within a short period.
Swiftlet farming involves an initial capital between RM10,000 and RM30,000 to set up a bird house on a 10 feet by 15 feet site, minus the cost of purchasing or leasing the site.
If the investors think of joining the ranks of the big players in the industry, than the initial investment can be anything between RM250,000 and RM600,000.
LOAN FUND
In states like Melaka, Penang and Sarawak, shoplots have been modified into 'bird house' to get a slice of this lucrative industry.
The bird's nest soup is highly nutrious and said to contain elements that contribute to the "fountain of youth". It is also said to improve blood circulation and in mainland China its consumption is linked with one's status in the society.
It is also a delight savoured by the elites in the Arab world.
Realising the bird nest industry's potential to the economy, the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry through Agrobank has set aside RM67.7 million to finance swiftlet farming.
Agrobank's Managing Director Datuk Ahmad Said noted that the move is in line with the government's effort to boost up the people's annual income from AS$7,000 to AS$15,000 as underscored by the NEM.
SEKING THE PARTICIPATION OF ALL RACES
Ahmad noted that the special fund will enable at least 2,000 potential entrepreneurs to venture into small scale swiftlet farming costing between RM10,000 and RM30,000 while enjoying an interest rate that is as low as 3.75 percent.
Industry observers note that the loan from Agrobank will allow entrepreneurs from all races to participate in the trade that is currently being monopolied by Chinese entrepreneurs.
Ahmad pointed out that the raw bird nest could fetch between RM3,000-RM4,000 per kg and the processed ones can go up to RM12,000 and the high prices is helping the industry to thrive.
It is reported that at present there is about 50,000 swiftlet farms all over the nation.
In enticing the poor to participate in the trade, the government also launched a grant worth RM5 million to enable 500 poor familes to undertake swiftlet farming.
1GP TAKEN TO THE MINISTRY LEVEL
Under the grant, selected families (those earning below RM450 a month) will be provided a bird house worth RM10,000 that is to supplement the family's income.
In a media report dated 11 Feb 2010, the Veterinary Services Director General Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin stated that the department would identify the poor families to be enlisted in swiftlet farming.
However, the lucrative industry that started with the migration of the swiftlets from Indonesia over the last 10 years is yet to settle the regulatory issues.
The 1GP guideline for swiftlet farming set by the Veterinary Services Department is yet to reach the cabinet for approval.
The Agriculture and Agrobased Industries Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar had previously stated that the 1GP that would serve as the standard for the industry had been finalised by the ministry's officials and would be brought to the minister's attention.
MAINTAIN THE PRODUCER'S STATUS
Apart from the Agriculture and Agrobased Industries Ministry, swiflet farming also involves three other ministries - Health Ministry, Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, and the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
What is certain, like what the industry players hope, 1GP will be implemented immediately to address issues relating to establishing bird houses within city limits that contributes to odour, noise and risk of diseases.
Apart from maintaining the status as the leading producer of the bird's nest in Southeast Asia, the fund and guideline will help propel Malaysia into the forefront of the trade in less than 10 years time.
At present, the main market for the bird's nest is China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore with Malaysia earning a reputation as the producer of good quality bird nests after Indonesia and Thailand.
-- BERNAMA
June 10, 2010 14:03 PM
Strategies Under 10MP To Support Innovations For High Economic Impact Sectors
KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Bernama) -- To promote productivity led-growth, the government has outlined important strategies that support innovations across the economy for high economic impact sectors.
Information and communications technology (ICT), which will continue to be the country's key focus, will help to raise the nation's overall productivity and competitiness, says the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of the Prime Minister's Department in the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) report released today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today tabled the 10MP at Parliament.
Among the strategies are to aggressively promote ..........
.................
During the 10MP period, the government will amend legislation to facilitate commitments made at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels to liberalise the industry and create new business opportunities.
With the growing demand for agriculture high value products such as aquaculture, seaweed and herbs, the government will also be promoting innovation-based growth and production processes that utilise modern farm technology and ICT, including the ICT-based Agriculture Flagship Project.
........................
Current regulations and procedures will be reviewed and streamlined, particularly in the swiftlet, aquaculture and herbal industries to attract greater investments and participation from the private sector, according to the EPU.
The implementation of these actions will be monitored by the EPU with the Prime Minister providing overall leadership.
-- BERNAMA
Strategies Under 10MP To Support Innovations For High Economic Impact Sectors
KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Bernama) -- To promote productivity led-growth, the government has outlined important strategies that support innovations across the economy for high economic impact sectors.
Information and communications technology (ICT), which will continue to be the country's key focus, will help to raise the nation's overall productivity and competitiness, says the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of the Prime Minister's Department in the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) report released today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today tabled the 10MP at Parliament.
Among the strategies are to aggressively promote ..........
.................
During the 10MP period, the government will amend legislation to facilitate commitments made at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels to liberalise the industry and create new business opportunities.
With the growing demand for agriculture high value products such as aquaculture, seaweed and herbs, the government will also be promoting innovation-based growth and production processes that utilise modern farm technology and ICT, including the ICT-based Agriculture Flagship Project.
........................
Current regulations and procedures will be reviewed and streamlined, particularly in the swiftlet, aquaculture and herbal industries to attract greater investments and participation from the private sector, according to the EPU.
The implementation of these actions will be monitored by the EPU with the Prime Minister providing overall leadership.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Heritage Heroes Keep Nation's Treasures Gleaming
June 02, 2010 15:44 PM
Bernama
By Ummi Nadiah Rosli
The first of two parts
KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 (Bernama) -- The word itself may have come to sound like dusty shelves or stagnant water, but 'heritage' is not only about the blast from the past.
Whether it is an ancient archaeological site, a nostalgic building or a traditional art form, Malaysia's rich heritage are stories and memories that have shaped our identity.
And resonating with the past is not about being sentimental. In a country where ancient temples, mosques and churches can exist side by side, to turn our backs on a great and noble heritage is a great loss.
With the tapestry of local treasures, the Department of National Heritage (JWN) has been busy keeping our heritage trail alive.
Established four years ago, JWN's mission is to empower and champion heritage as the core identity of the Malaysian people's legacy.
GUARDIANS OF HERITAGE
The Commissioner of Heritage Emeritus Professor Datuk Zuraina Majid explained that the department's objectives were to conserve, maintain and protect the nation's cultural and natural heritage by research, documentation, enforcement and raising awareness on heritage.
To ensure the continuous presence of Malaysia's vibrant heritage, JWN undertakes several roles which mainly comprise of documentation, conservation and enforcement.
Enforcement works carried out are according to the provisions of the National Heritage Act 2005 [Act 645], and to issue heritage order and register the heritage items with the National Heritage Register.
An example of this is the guidelines governing swiflet farming that require only premises which have not been designated as Class 1 Heritage Building to be converted into a swiftlet farm.
..............
...................
Bernama
By Ummi Nadiah Rosli
The first of two parts
KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 (Bernama) -- The word itself may have come to sound like dusty shelves or stagnant water, but 'heritage' is not only about the blast from the past.
Whether it is an ancient archaeological site, a nostalgic building or a traditional art form, Malaysia's rich heritage are stories and memories that have shaped our identity.
And resonating with the past is not about being sentimental. In a country where ancient temples, mosques and churches can exist side by side, to turn our backs on a great and noble heritage is a great loss.
With the tapestry of local treasures, the Department of National Heritage (JWN) has been busy keeping our heritage trail alive.
Established four years ago, JWN's mission is to empower and champion heritage as the core identity of the Malaysian people's legacy.
GUARDIANS OF HERITAGE
The Commissioner of Heritage Emeritus Professor Datuk Zuraina Majid explained that the department's objectives were to conserve, maintain and protect the nation's cultural and natural heritage by research, documentation, enforcement and raising awareness on heritage.
To ensure the continuous presence of Malaysia's vibrant heritage, JWN undertakes several roles which mainly comprise of documentation, conservation and enforcement.
Enforcement works carried out are according to the provisions of the National Heritage Act 2005 [Act 645], and to issue heritage order and register the heritage items with the National Heritage Register.
An example of this is the guidelines governing swiflet farming that require only premises which have not been designated as Class 1 Heritage Building to be converted into a swiftlet farm.
..............
...................
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Koperasi Setiakawan Plans To Enter Swiftlet Farming Industry
June 01, 2010 15:07 PM
Bernama
By Adnan Jahaya
KANGAR, June 1 (Bernama) -- Koperasi Setiakawan Perlis Berhad plans to enter the swiftlet farming industry in a big way, with its target market being Hong Kong and China.
Its General Manager, Bahari Ali said a 10-hectare site in Perlis had been identified for the swiftlet farming, as well as for processing of nests before export.
Speaking to Bernama here Tuesday, he said the cooperative will offer 2,000 units of special shares valued at RM1,000 per unit to members, for the implementation of the project.
He also disclosed that the cooperative would sponsor a course on June 5 for 40 participants from throughout the country for the rearing of swiftlets, in cooperation with the Perlis Veterinary Department.
Bahari said, although the cooperative with its office here in Taman Jejawi is still new and be only launched on June 6, its economic planning was already underway.
According to him, Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Md Isa Sabu is scheduled to launch the cooperative and also witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between it and Riyana Marketing Sdn Bhd.
Riyana Marketing will be elected the sole representative to collect and market, Small and Medium Industry (SMI) products, undertaken by the cooperatives' members.
Bahari said the cooperative also plans to open a plant to process coffee in Qianghai province, China, in a joint venture, early next year.
Also proposed is the establishment of a Kedai Rakyat and Pasar Rakyat at potential locations throughout the country.
He asked that those interested in joining the cooperative, to contact him for further information at 018-3871654 or 012-5713639.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
By Adnan Jahaya
KANGAR, June 1 (Bernama) -- Koperasi Setiakawan Perlis Berhad plans to enter the swiftlet farming industry in a big way, with its target market being Hong Kong and China.
Its General Manager, Bahari Ali said a 10-hectare site in Perlis had been identified for the swiftlet farming, as well as for processing of nests before export.
Speaking to Bernama here Tuesday, he said the cooperative will offer 2,000 units of special shares valued at RM1,000 per unit to members, for the implementation of the project.
He also disclosed that the cooperative would sponsor a course on June 5 for 40 participants from throughout the country for the rearing of swiftlets, in cooperation with the Perlis Veterinary Department.
Bahari said, although the cooperative with its office here in Taman Jejawi is still new and be only launched on June 6, its economic planning was already underway.
According to him, Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Md Isa Sabu is scheduled to launch the cooperative and also witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between it and Riyana Marketing Sdn Bhd.
Riyana Marketing will be elected the sole representative to collect and market, Small and Medium Industry (SMI) products, undertaken by the cooperatives' members.
Bahari said the cooperative also plans to open a plant to process coffee in Qianghai province, China, in a joint venture, early next year.
Also proposed is the establishment of a Kedai Rakyat and Pasar Rakyat at potential locations throughout the country.
He asked that those interested in joining the cooperative, to contact him for further information at 018-3871654 or 012-5713639.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Agrobank Disburses Loan For Swiftlets' Bird Nest Industry
May 26, 2010 15:56 PM
Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- Agrobank has set up a RM67.7 million loan fund to finance swiftlets' bird nest-related industry whose export value is worth more than RM1 billion a year.
Managing Director Datuk Ahmad Said said the fund, launched on May 19, will enable 2,000 swiftlet enthusiasts to build low-cost swiftlets' farm homes costing between RM10,000 and RM30,000 each.
The loans will be disbursed at 3.75 per cent interest per annum, he said.
There was no special allocation made for the industry previously, he said.
The newly-created fund will help swiftlet farmers to venture into the lucrative industry, he told a media conference on the loan scheme for the swiftlet industry.
Ahmad said the fund was set up in line with the government's initiatives under the New Economic Model to increase the people's income from US$7,000 to US$15,000 a year.
Swiftlets' bird nest industry is among the high-impact industries being given emphasis by the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry besides breeding freshwater arowana fish and growing seaweeds.
Agrobank, entrusted to develop the nation's agriculture industry, issued RM6.3 million in loans to 41 swiftlet farmers in the last two years, he added.
The swiftlet bird nest industry, which started with the migration of the bird species from Indonesia about 10 years ago, is booming at a rapid pace, with some 50,000 farm homes operating nationwide.
While unprocessed swiftlets' bird nests cost between RM3,000 and RM4,000 a kilogramme, processed ones can fetch up to RM12,000 a kilogramme.
The main markets are China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- Agrobank has set up a RM67.7 million loan fund to finance swiftlets' bird nest-related industry whose export value is worth more than RM1 billion a year.
Managing Director Datuk Ahmad Said said the fund, launched on May 19, will enable 2,000 swiftlet enthusiasts to build low-cost swiftlets' farm homes costing between RM10,000 and RM30,000 each.
The loans will be disbursed at 3.75 per cent interest per annum, he said.
There was no special allocation made for the industry previously, he said.
The newly-created fund will help swiftlet farmers to venture into the lucrative industry, he told a media conference on the loan scheme for the swiftlet industry.
Ahmad said the fund was set up in line with the government's initiatives under the New Economic Model to increase the people's income from US$7,000 to US$15,000 a year.
Swiftlets' bird nest industry is among the high-impact industries being given emphasis by the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry besides breeding freshwater arowana fish and growing seaweeds.
Agrobank, entrusted to develop the nation's agriculture industry, issued RM6.3 million in loans to 41 swiftlet farmers in the last two years, he added.
The swiftlet bird nest industry, which started with the migration of the bird species from Indonesia about 10 years ago, is booming at a rapid pace, with some 50,000 farm homes operating nationwide.
While unprocessed swiftlets' bird nests cost between RM3,000 and RM4,000 a kilogramme, processed ones can fetch up to RM12,000 a kilogramme.
The main markets are China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, May 24, 2010
Swiftlet issue to Cabinet
Sunday May 23, 2010
The Star
SITIAWAN: Guidelines to regulate the country’s swiftlet farming industry will soon be tabled for approval at Cabinet.
Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said that the Swiftlet Industry Guidelines would cover all aspects of the sector, from licensing to exporting.
Kong, who is also Lumut MP, said that the guidelines would also cover downstream industries, restrictions against swiftlet farming in heritage buildings, hygiene and its impact on the public.
“We are finalising the details and they will be tabled soon,” Kong told reporters after handing out aid to his constituents here yesterday.
He said that the guidelines would be drawn up jointly by his ministry and the Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry and Natural Resources and Environment ministries, with input from both the Health and Information, Communication and Culture ministries.
Kong also said that all state authorities had been given the regulations to control local swiftlet farming while the guidelines were being drawn up.
“The local authorities have been given instructions on issuing licences to ‘swiftlet hotel’ operators.
“We have also given clear directives on how operators can install speakers to attract the birds and the volume of the sound permitted,” he said.
Kong added that operators should comply with the regulations.
Various groups had called for tighter controls of or even a ban on swiftlet farming in urban areas, citing health and environmental concerns.
The Star
SITIAWAN: Guidelines to regulate the country’s swiftlet farming industry will soon be tabled for approval at Cabinet.
Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said that the Swiftlet Industry Guidelines would cover all aspects of the sector, from licensing to exporting.
Kong, who is also Lumut MP, said that the guidelines would also cover downstream industries, restrictions against swiftlet farming in heritage buildings, hygiene and its impact on the public.
“We are finalising the details and they will be tabled soon,” Kong told reporters after handing out aid to his constituents here yesterday.
He said that the guidelines would be drawn up jointly by his ministry and the Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry and Natural Resources and Environment ministries, with input from both the Health and Information, Communication and Culture ministries.
Kong also said that all state authorities had been given the regulations to control local swiftlet farming while the guidelines were being drawn up.
“The local authorities have been given instructions on issuing licences to ‘swiftlet hotel’ operators.
“We have also given clear directives on how operators can install speakers to attract the birds and the volume of the sound permitted,” he said.
Kong added that operators should comply with the regulations.
Various groups had called for tighter controls of or even a ban on swiftlet farming in urban areas, citing health and environmental concerns.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Former tobacco growers urged to go into bird nest industry
Tuesday May 18, 2010
The Star
KUALA TERENGGANU: Former tobacco growers have been urged to venture into the bird nest industry as the returns are lucrative.
Terengganu Veterinary Services Department director Dr Azizul Mohd Sharom said they could turn the former smoking houses into homes for swiftlets.
“Several pilot projects involving former smoking houses in Besut and Marang have made high returns,” he said.
Dr Azizol said the former tobacco growers only need to spend RM20,000 each to renovate the former smoking houses.
The department would build a model swiftlet house costing RM10,000 at the Veterinary Training Centre in Cermin Kiri, Jerangau, Dungun. — Bernama
The Star
KUALA TERENGGANU: Former tobacco growers have been urged to venture into the bird nest industry as the returns are lucrative.
Terengganu Veterinary Services Department director Dr Azizul Mohd Sharom said they could turn the former smoking houses into homes for swiftlets.
“Several pilot projects involving former smoking houses in Besut and Marang have made high returns,” he said.
Dr Azizol said the former tobacco growers only need to spend RM20,000 each to renovate the former smoking houses.
The department would build a model swiftlet house costing RM10,000 at the Veterinary Training Centre in Cermin Kiri, Jerangau, Dungun. — Bernama
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Companies Commission forms special taskforce to fight crime
Wednesday May 12, 2010
The Star
By DANNY YAP
danny@thestar.com.my
Cabinet-directed move to build investor confidence
KUALA LUMPUR: The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) has established a special taskforce that would collaborate with other government agencies to help fight against white collar crimes and build greater investor confidence, among locals and foreigners.
Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the two objectives were a directive from the Cabinet.
The special taskforce and working committee was established on March 9.
Ismail Sabri said: “I will be personally helming the taskforce,” he told reporters at the Business Ethics Dialogue yesterday.
He said the special taskforce and a working committee would be working closely with regulators including, Bank Negara, the Securities Commission, Bursa Malaysia and Bukit Aman police to look at companies (listed and unlisted) with “questionable” operations against the laws.
Ismail Sabri said SSM will be having regular meetings with the various regulators to look at individual corporate cases and their business ethics to decide collectively if any fraud or misconduct had occurred.
SSM chief executive officer Datuk Azmi Ariffin, who helms the working committee, said the new platform (special taskforce and a working committee) would enable decision making on corporate misconduct to be faster and brought to court to be charged, if required.
On the time frame, Azmi said it depended on individual cases but generally would be decided within three to six months.
On current cases, he said there were four cases under investigation and two have been brought to the court since the team was established.
One of the companies charged by the court was Red Cafe Franchise Sdn Bhd for fraudulently inducing people to invest RM1,040,400 in a programme called the “Island Red Cafe,” while the other company charged was for deposit taking in a swiftlet business scheme.
Another SSM director said several other cases, currently being investigated in Kedah and Penang involve tontine schemes that have collected in total RM33mil from 100,000 individuals.
The Star
By DANNY YAP
danny@thestar.com.my
Cabinet-directed move to build investor confidence
KUALA LUMPUR: The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) has established a special taskforce that would collaborate with other government agencies to help fight against white collar crimes and build greater investor confidence, among locals and foreigners.
Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the two objectives were a directive from the Cabinet.
The special taskforce and working committee was established on March 9.
Ismail Sabri said: “I will be personally helming the taskforce,” he told reporters at the Business Ethics Dialogue yesterday.
He said the special taskforce and a working committee would be working closely with regulators including, Bank Negara, the Securities Commission, Bursa Malaysia and Bukit Aman police to look at companies (listed and unlisted) with “questionable” operations against the laws.
Ismail Sabri said SSM will be having regular meetings with the various regulators to look at individual corporate cases and their business ethics to decide collectively if any fraud or misconduct had occurred.
SSM chief executive officer Datuk Azmi Ariffin, who helms the working committee, said the new platform (special taskforce and a working committee) would enable decision making on corporate misconduct to be faster and brought to court to be charged, if required.
On the time frame, Azmi said it depended on individual cases but generally would be decided within three to six months.
On current cases, he said there were four cases under investigation and two have been brought to the court since the team was established.
One of the companies charged by the court was Red Cafe Franchise Sdn Bhd for fraudulently inducing people to invest RM1,040,400 in a programme called the “Island Red Cafe,” while the other company charged was for deposit taking in a swiftlet business scheme.
Another SSM director said several other cases, currently being investigated in Kedah and Penang involve tontine schemes that have collected in total RM33mil from 100,000 individuals.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Swiftlet farming firm raided
Tuesday May 11, 2010
The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: A swiftlet farming company in Kulim, Kedah, was raided by the Companies Commission of Malaysia for allegedly offering the public high investment returns in a swiftlet farming scheme.
The company has been claiming that it can offer investors up to 80% share of the sales proceeds if a person invested anything from RM4,000 to RM400,000.
The company’s modus operandi is to engage the public in a swiftlet farming investment scheme, the commission said in a statement.
The commission is investigating the company under Section 84(1) and Section 91(1) of the Companies Act, for allegedly running an investment scheme without the prior approval of the Registrar of Companies.
“We will continue to monitor all companies offering interest schemes to the public to protect the interest of the people,” the statement added
The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: A swiftlet farming company in Kulim, Kedah, was raided by the Companies Commission of Malaysia for allegedly offering the public high investment returns in a swiftlet farming scheme.
The company has been claiming that it can offer investors up to 80% share of the sales proceeds if a person invested anything from RM4,000 to RM400,000.
The company’s modus operandi is to engage the public in a swiftlet farming investment scheme, the commission said in a statement.
The commission is investigating the company under Section 84(1) and Section 91(1) of the Companies Act, for allegedly running an investment scheme without the prior approval of the Registrar of Companies.
“We will continue to monitor all companies offering interest schemes to the public to protect the interest of the people,” the statement added
Friday, May 7, 2010
Retiree opens bird’s nest shop
Friday May 7, 2010
The Star
By SIMON KHOO
simonkhoo@thestar.com.my
KUANTAN: At first glance, the Natural Bird Nest Supplies in Jalan Merdeka here appears to be a shop catering to the rich.
“That is not so,” said proprietor Tan Ai King, who has been working hard to convince the average white collar worker to step in and try her specialities.
The shop sells stewed bird’s nest and packed products.
“All our products are 100% pure with no chemicals or artificial sweetening added to enhance the taste.
“We get our supply of bird’s nest from our own swiftlet farms located in Pekan, Maran, Indera Mahkota and Inderapura.
“As such, we can charge a lower price than the actual market cost of a kilogramme of raw bird’s nest which is about RM5,000,” she said.
Plenty of choices: Tan (left) showing some of her products to a customer.
She said she had a steady number of regular customers since her store opened in the middle of last year.
She said her aim was to get more local folks as well as visitors from other states to try her specialities, including several types of desserts.
“I prepare the desserts with the help of six workers. I am a retiree and doing this for the love of food.
“My youngest son Lawrence Hoo is also helping me out at the store,” she said, adding that her husband Hoo Kat Lee was managing the swiftlet farms and providing consultancy services in swiftlet farming.
Tan said she started the business from her home in Bukit Sekilau about five years ago and decided to expand by opening a shop.
“There is a market because people are more conscious about their health.
“There were about three or four outlets in Kuantan previously but all had closed down as the owners could not sustain operations due to the high cost involved,” she said.
She said many of her customers were not rich people but appreciated the product, including people from the neighbouring states of Terengganu and Kelantan.
“I also have customers from China and Singapore who were told by their fellow countrymen to drop by our shop if they were holidaying in Kuantan.
“A bowl of bird’s nest soup at our shop starts from RM35 for one person to RM130 for three to four people,” she said, adding that customers would have to wait half-an-hour for the order.
Tan said some even placed bulk orders for 20 people.
For more information, call 09-514 1288 or 012-908 2299.
The Star
By SIMON KHOO
simonkhoo@thestar.com.my
KUANTAN: At first glance, the Natural Bird Nest Supplies in Jalan Merdeka here appears to be a shop catering to the rich.
“That is not so,” said proprietor Tan Ai King, who has been working hard to convince the average white collar worker to step in and try her specialities.
The shop sells stewed bird’s nest and packed products.
“All our products are 100% pure with no chemicals or artificial sweetening added to enhance the taste.
“We get our supply of bird’s nest from our own swiftlet farms located in Pekan, Maran, Indera Mahkota and Inderapura.
“As such, we can charge a lower price than the actual market cost of a kilogramme of raw bird’s nest which is about RM5,000,” she said.
Plenty of choices: Tan (left) showing some of her products to a customer.
She said she had a steady number of regular customers since her store opened in the middle of last year.
She said her aim was to get more local folks as well as visitors from other states to try her specialities, including several types of desserts.
“I prepare the desserts with the help of six workers. I am a retiree and doing this for the love of food.
“My youngest son Lawrence Hoo is also helping me out at the store,” she said, adding that her husband Hoo Kat Lee was managing the swiftlet farms and providing consultancy services in swiftlet farming.
Tan said she started the business from her home in Bukit Sekilau about five years ago and decided to expand by opening a shop.
“There is a market because people are more conscious about their health.
“There were about three or four outlets in Kuantan previously but all had closed down as the owners could not sustain operations due to the high cost involved,” she said.
She said many of her customers were not rich people but appreciated the product, including people from the neighbouring states of Terengganu and Kelantan.
“I also have customers from China and Singapore who were told by their fellow countrymen to drop by our shop if they were holidaying in Kuantan.
“A bowl of bird’s nest soup at our shop starts from RM35 for one person to RM130 for three to four people,” she said, adding that customers would have to wait half-an-hour for the order.
Tan said some even placed bulk orders for 20 people.
For more information, call 09-514 1288 or 012-908 2299.
No reason to ban swiftlet farming
Friday May 7, 2010
The Star
I REFER to the letter “Ban all swiftlet farming activities” (The Star May 5).
The writer’s concern for the welfare of the birds and his call to allow them to live in their natural habitat are laudable. However, I do not think swiftlet farming is cruel to the birds.
It is true that swiftlet farmers set up houses to lure the swiftlets to nest inside. But it must be remembered that if the house does not meet the swiftlet’s “taste”, it will not stay. That’s why the success rate of swiftlet farming is low at only about 30%.
Now, if the swiftlet stays, it means as far as that swiftlet is concerned, it is its natural habitat. We must not forget that the swiftlets migrated here from Indonesia because their natural habitat was affected by open burning.
A farmer cannot compel the swiftlet to come, neither can he compel the swiftlet to stay. All he does is to get ready a place and hope the swiftlets like it. The swiftlets come and go as they like; they leave in the morning to hunt for food, and come back in the evening – if they want to.
Personally, I think swiftlet farming is more humane than chicken farming. The chicken layers are kept in cages with the sole purpose of laying eggs for human consumption, without once seeing any of the eggs hatch. And when their job is done, they are sent to the factories to be processed for meat!
As far as harvesting of nests is concerned, the farmer knows that his long-term profit depends on the multiplication of the birds. It is suicidal to harvest the nests before the fledglings are mature. Of course, there are some dumb ones but they are the exception rather than the rule.
As for the noise from the speakers, I would rather listen to the chirping of the birds than the deafening music from some shops and the roaring traffic.
What about hygiene? A knowledgeable writer to this column had earlier explained that these birds have very clean habits – they only do their “business” inside the house. So one does not need to worry that they will drop anything on one’s head. Also, they do not hang around food outlets, unlike crows.
I am not a swiftlet farmer. But I know of a small town where, for generations, many of the town people made a living by operating small provision shops. Then the town was invaded by supermarkets which sold items below the cost price of the small traders. Within a short time, some of them were reduced to poverty level. Swiftlet farming threw them a life line.
It is for this reason that I think the call to ban all swiftlet farming activities is inconsiderate. Most of the nests are exported, earning the nation valuable foreign exchange. Swiftlet farming helps both the farmers and the nation. I appeal to the Government to do all it can to help the farmers.
HUMANE,
Klang.
The Star
I REFER to the letter “Ban all swiftlet farming activities” (The Star May 5).
The writer’s concern for the welfare of the birds and his call to allow them to live in their natural habitat are laudable. However, I do not think swiftlet farming is cruel to the birds.
It is true that swiftlet farmers set up houses to lure the swiftlets to nest inside. But it must be remembered that if the house does not meet the swiftlet’s “taste”, it will not stay. That’s why the success rate of swiftlet farming is low at only about 30%.
Now, if the swiftlet stays, it means as far as that swiftlet is concerned, it is its natural habitat. We must not forget that the swiftlets migrated here from Indonesia because their natural habitat was affected by open burning.
A farmer cannot compel the swiftlet to come, neither can he compel the swiftlet to stay. All he does is to get ready a place and hope the swiftlets like it. The swiftlets come and go as they like; they leave in the morning to hunt for food, and come back in the evening – if they want to.
Personally, I think swiftlet farming is more humane than chicken farming. The chicken layers are kept in cages with the sole purpose of laying eggs for human consumption, without once seeing any of the eggs hatch. And when their job is done, they are sent to the factories to be processed for meat!
As far as harvesting of nests is concerned, the farmer knows that his long-term profit depends on the multiplication of the birds. It is suicidal to harvest the nests before the fledglings are mature. Of course, there are some dumb ones but they are the exception rather than the rule.
As for the noise from the speakers, I would rather listen to the chirping of the birds than the deafening music from some shops and the roaring traffic.
What about hygiene? A knowledgeable writer to this column had earlier explained that these birds have very clean habits – they only do their “business” inside the house. So one does not need to worry that they will drop anything on one’s head. Also, they do not hang around food outlets, unlike crows.
I am not a swiftlet farmer. But I know of a small town where, for generations, many of the town people made a living by operating small provision shops. Then the town was invaded by supermarkets which sold items below the cost price of the small traders. Within a short time, some of them were reduced to poverty level. Swiftlet farming threw them a life line.
It is for this reason that I think the call to ban all swiftlet farming activities is inconsiderate. Most of the nests are exported, earning the nation valuable foreign exchange. Swiftlet farming helps both the farmers and the nation. I appeal to the Government to do all it can to help the farmers.
HUMANE,
Klang.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Ban all swiftlet farming activities
Wednesday May 5, 2010
The Star
SAHABAT Alam Malaysia (SAM) refers to the proposed move by the Penang Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow to move swiftlet breeding activities out of the urban areas.
The problem of swiftlet farming in urban areas has been happening for a long time. However, the problem lies not with the birds but with people when they convert buildings in urban areas into swiftlet farms to harvest the nests. The main issue affecting swiftlet farming operators in the various states is a combination of big profits and a lack of legislation governing the industry, which has seen countless swiftlet farms established illegally in populated areas.
Swiftlet farmers simulate the conditions of a cave in their buildings by installing humidifiers and boarding up vents and windows, leaving only small holes for the swiftlets to enter and exit. Speakers are installed to broadcast bird calls which help lure the swiftlets into the buildings to set up nests.
This has raised the ire of residents affected by the loud noise while the setting up of swiftlet farms in towns may also disrupt business, particularly those in the food business.
Many of these illegal farm operators, in a rush to make a fortune from the swifltet nests, often neglect the welfare and well-being of the birds. Due to their slow breeding cycle, edible nest swiftlets take about one month to build their nests and six weeks for their eggs to hatch.
Some impatient swiftlet farmers may not wait that long and they remove the nests even before the laying and hatching of eggs, or for the fledglings to mature. Causing unnecessary pain, stress or distress to the birds is an offence under the Animal Act 2006. There is hardly any monitoring of the activities of bird nest collectors by either the Veterinary Services department or the Wildlife Department, so how could these two departments ensure that harvesting is done without disturbances to the birds and their young? Moreover, since many are operating without licences, it is difficult to monitor their practices.
Monitoring and inspections are crucial to ensure that taking of nests are done without causing harm to the birds, their eggs and young. Many of these ignorant and irresponsible farmers may not conform to good farming practices to ensure that birds are not deprived of the basic necessities or subjected to cruelty or abuse and mishandling.
In view of all these concerns, SAM reiterates its stand for a ban on swiftlet farming activities and to allow the birds to live in their natural habitat.
SM MOHD IDRIS,
President, Sahabat Alam Malaysia, Penang.
The Star
SAHABAT Alam Malaysia (SAM) refers to the proposed move by the Penang Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow to move swiftlet breeding activities out of the urban areas.
The problem of swiftlet farming in urban areas has been happening for a long time. However, the problem lies not with the birds but with people when they convert buildings in urban areas into swiftlet farms to harvest the nests. The main issue affecting swiftlet farming operators in the various states is a combination of big profits and a lack of legislation governing the industry, which has seen countless swiftlet farms established illegally in populated areas.
Swiftlet farmers simulate the conditions of a cave in their buildings by installing humidifiers and boarding up vents and windows, leaving only small holes for the swiftlets to enter and exit. Speakers are installed to broadcast bird calls which help lure the swiftlets into the buildings to set up nests.
This has raised the ire of residents affected by the loud noise while the setting up of swiftlet farms in towns may also disrupt business, particularly those in the food business.
Many of these illegal farm operators, in a rush to make a fortune from the swifltet nests, often neglect the welfare and well-being of the birds. Due to their slow breeding cycle, edible nest swiftlets take about one month to build their nests and six weeks for their eggs to hatch.
Some impatient swiftlet farmers may not wait that long and they remove the nests even before the laying and hatching of eggs, or for the fledglings to mature. Causing unnecessary pain, stress or distress to the birds is an offence under the Animal Act 2006. There is hardly any monitoring of the activities of bird nest collectors by either the Veterinary Services department or the Wildlife Department, so how could these two departments ensure that harvesting is done without disturbances to the birds and their young? Moreover, since many are operating without licences, it is difficult to monitor their practices.
Monitoring and inspections are crucial to ensure that taking of nests are done without causing harm to the birds, their eggs and young. Many of these ignorant and irresponsible farmers may not conform to good farming practices to ensure that birds are not deprived of the basic necessities or subjected to cruelty or abuse and mishandling.
In view of all these concerns, SAM reiterates its stand for a ban on swiftlet farming activities and to allow the birds to live in their natural habitat.
SM MOHD IDRIS,
President, Sahabat Alam Malaysia, Penang.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Legalise swiftlet farming, Pahang govt urged
Tuesday May 4, 2010
The Star
Chang Hong Seong (BN - Teruntum) brought up the issue of swiftlet rearing which had yet to be fully licensed despite the state government introducing and approving standard guidelines for the industry in 2007.
“I was informed that only 739 licences had been issued. There are some 3,000 proprietors of swiftlet farms, meaning most of them are running the business without a licence.
“This is a growing industry and Malaysia is third largest exporter after Indonesia and Thailand, with the value estimated at between RM8bil and RM12bil a year,” he said, adding that it was high time the state government legalised the industry by putting it under the purview of local councils.
The Star
Chang Hong Seong (BN - Teruntum) brought up the issue of swiftlet rearing which had yet to be fully licensed despite the state government introducing and approving standard guidelines for the industry in 2007.
“I was informed that only 739 licences had been issued. There are some 3,000 proprietors of swiftlet farms, meaning most of them are running the business without a licence.
“This is a growing industry and Malaysia is third largest exporter after Indonesia and Thailand, with the value estimated at between RM8bil and RM12bil a year,” he said, adding that it was high time the state government legalised the industry by putting it under the purview of local councils.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Penang may follow Sabah in disallowing farming in urban areas
Wednesday April 21, 2010
The Star
By WINNIE YEOH
winnie@thestar.com.my
THE moratorium on swiftlet farming should not be taken as a sign that the state government is allowing the activity in urban areas, said Penang Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow.
“The moratorium has been extended thrice as the state is still waiting for the national guidelines on the industry from the Agriculture Department and the Veterinary Services Department.
“The state recognises the swiftlet farming industry as a revenue earning trade but it should be done properly. We are mulling over the idea of moving the industry out of urban areas such as George Town,” he said when contacted on Monday.
Lucrative industry: Young swiftlets in bird nests in one of the swiftlet houses in George Town.
Chow said the breeding activities should preferably be moved to an agriculture area, adding that there was no specifically zoned areas for swiftlet breeding in the state as this comes under the jurisdiction of the Veterinary Services Department.
He was responding to a decision by the Sabah Cabinet to ban swiftlet breeding from major urban areas three weeks ago.
Its Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai had placed the ban within all major towns, citing environmental and health threats posed by the birds as well as them being a nuisance.
Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Khoo Salma Nasution said the organisation lauded the move by Sabah and had been campaigning for an end to swiftlet farming in George Town.
“We hope the precedent set by the Sabah Government would be acknowledged and emulated by the Penang Government.”
Meanwhile, Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) president Carole Loh said the existing houses in George Town should be allowed to continue because these birdhouses were set up following a 2005 state government guidelines.
“The guidelines allowed swiftlet farming and many birdhouses were erected on that basis.
“The swiftlet farmers have invested a lot of money and it takes at least three years to see returns.
“The association is all for guidelines and regulations, and we are ready to work with the local authority to maintain the houses,” she said.
The Star
By WINNIE YEOH
winnie@thestar.com.my
THE moratorium on swiftlet farming should not be taken as a sign that the state government is allowing the activity in urban areas, said Penang Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow.
“The moratorium has been extended thrice as the state is still waiting for the national guidelines on the industry from the Agriculture Department and the Veterinary Services Department.
“The state recognises the swiftlet farming industry as a revenue earning trade but it should be done properly. We are mulling over the idea of moving the industry out of urban areas such as George Town,” he said when contacted on Monday.
Lucrative industry: Young swiftlets in bird nests in one of the swiftlet houses in George Town.
Chow said the breeding activities should preferably be moved to an agriculture area, adding that there was no specifically zoned areas for swiftlet breeding in the state as this comes under the jurisdiction of the Veterinary Services Department.
He was responding to a decision by the Sabah Cabinet to ban swiftlet breeding from major urban areas three weeks ago.
Its Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai had placed the ban within all major towns, citing environmental and health threats posed by the birds as well as them being a nuisance.
Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Khoo Salma Nasution said the organisation lauded the move by Sabah and had been campaigning for an end to swiftlet farming in George Town.
“We hope the precedent set by the Sabah Government would be acknowledged and emulated by the Penang Government.”
Meanwhile, Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) president Carole Loh said the existing houses in George Town should be allowed to continue because these birdhouses were set up following a 2005 state government guidelines.
“The guidelines allowed swiftlet farming and many birdhouses were erected on that basis.
“The swiftlet farmers have invested a lot of money and it takes at least three years to see returns.
“The association is all for guidelines and regulations, and we are ready to work with the local authority to maintain the houses,” she said.
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