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.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Ban on swiftlet farming in town areas too premature
Monday April 26, 2010
The Star
RUBEN SARIO
sario@thestar.com.my
FOR years, a group of entrepreneurs in Sabah have been raking in the “big bucks” by harvesting swiftlet nests from all sorts of buildings, some purposely built while others using abandoned or disused structures such as shophouses.
Among those who jumped on the swiftlet farming bandwagon was former state assistant minister Datuk Karim Bujang, who built a concrete structure in his native Kampung Gadong in Papar district, some 29km from the city.
Asked whether swiftlet farming could be equated with swift cash, the Bongawan assemblyman answered without hesitation: “Yes.”
The numbers in the minds of many Sabah swiftlet farmers remember is this; the start-up cost for the business is in the region of RM200,000.
Once they are able to attract the swiftlets to nest in their structures, 150 pairs of birds can produce up to 1kg of nests.
And it is possible for farmers to harvest up to 10kg of nests every three months, earning them about RM50,000.
But some swiftlet farmers here suddenly found their wings clipped early this month when state Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai announced the state Cabinet’s decision to ban swiftlet farming in all town areas.
Dr Yee said the ban came in the wake of concerns about the potential health and environmental problems caused by bird’s nest farming, apart from being a public nuisance.
He said the Sabah Government was encouraging bird’s nest farming but this should be done in areas with low population density.
That announcement caught swiftlet farmers offguard and a grouping representing them questioned the need as cities such as a Johor Baru and Ipoh had no such ban.
Sabah Swiftlet House and Bird’s Nest Industry president George Ng also wondered why the state decided to place a ban as the industry was still awaiting the Federal Government’s guidelines on swiftlet farming practices.
The ban has also caused confusion for some as the state’s announcement is not clear on whether the move covered just the populated areas or entire rating areas of a city or municipality. Worries about the impact of the swiftlet farming ban spilled over at the just-concluded sitting of the Sabah state assembly.
Among those who spoke up about the issue was Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Louis Rampas who said the ban could dampen entrepreneurial spirit among the people.
He said the government should not impose severe restrictions on the industry in the absence of any guidelines for it as yet.
Dr Yee and some of his state Cabinet colleagues then tried to assuage the concerns and criticisms raised following the announcement of the ban.
“We are encouraging swiftlet farming but it should be conducted in a proper manner, and this means no such activities in the city or town area.
“Swiftlet farming must be done in an area where it does not affect many people. Bear in mind this sort of activity is noisy and birds are known vectors of diseases,” he said.
Dr Yee’s Local Government and Housing counterpart Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor said that the guidelines would be drawn up with the Sabah Wildlife Department to put in place a systematic development of the lucrative bird’s nest industry.
Back at the Sabah state assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin said swiftleft farming was a way for the poor to escape the poverty trap and that was why the government was encouraging the development of the industry.
Despite these assurances, some Sabahans cannot help but wonder whether the state is too premature in announcing the ban when the national policy on swiftlet farming has yet to be finalised. And they can’t help shake off the feeling that the state is putting the proverbial cart before the horse.
The Star
RUBEN SARIO
sario@thestar.com.my
FOR years, a group of entrepreneurs in Sabah have been raking in the “big bucks” by harvesting swiftlet nests from all sorts of buildings, some purposely built while others using abandoned or disused structures such as shophouses.
Among those who jumped on the swiftlet farming bandwagon was former state assistant minister Datuk Karim Bujang, who built a concrete structure in his native Kampung Gadong in Papar district, some 29km from the city.
Asked whether swiftlet farming could be equated with swift cash, the Bongawan assemblyman answered without hesitation: “Yes.”
The numbers in the minds of many Sabah swiftlet farmers remember is this; the start-up cost for the business is in the region of RM200,000.
Once they are able to attract the swiftlets to nest in their structures, 150 pairs of birds can produce up to 1kg of nests.
And it is possible for farmers to harvest up to 10kg of nests every three months, earning them about RM50,000.
But some swiftlet farmers here suddenly found their wings clipped early this month when state Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai announced the state Cabinet’s decision to ban swiftlet farming in all town areas.
Dr Yee said the ban came in the wake of concerns about the potential health and environmental problems caused by bird’s nest farming, apart from being a public nuisance.
He said the Sabah Government was encouraging bird’s nest farming but this should be done in areas with low population density.
That announcement caught swiftlet farmers offguard and a grouping representing them questioned the need as cities such as a Johor Baru and Ipoh had no such ban.
Sabah Swiftlet House and Bird’s Nest Industry president George Ng also wondered why the state decided to place a ban as the industry was still awaiting the Federal Government’s guidelines on swiftlet farming practices.
The ban has also caused confusion for some as the state’s announcement is not clear on whether the move covered just the populated areas or entire rating areas of a city or municipality. Worries about the impact of the swiftlet farming ban spilled over at the just-concluded sitting of the Sabah state assembly.
Among those who spoke up about the issue was Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Louis Rampas who said the ban could dampen entrepreneurial spirit among the people.
He said the government should not impose severe restrictions on the industry in the absence of any guidelines for it as yet.
Dr Yee and some of his state Cabinet colleagues then tried to assuage the concerns and criticisms raised following the announcement of the ban.
“We are encouraging swiftlet farming but it should be conducted in a proper manner, and this means no such activities in the city or town area.
“Swiftlet farming must be done in an area where it does not affect many people. Bear in mind this sort of activity is noisy and birds are known vectors of diseases,” he said.
Dr Yee’s Local Government and Housing counterpart Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor said that the guidelines would be drawn up with the Sabah Wildlife Department to put in place a systematic development of the lucrative bird’s nest industry.
Back at the Sabah state assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin said swiftleft farming was a way for the poor to escape the poverty trap and that was why the government was encouraging the development of the industry.
Despite these assurances, some Sabahans cannot help but wonder whether the state is too premature in announcing the ban when the national policy on swiftlet farming has yet to be finalised. And they can’t help shake off the feeling that the state is putting the proverbial cart before the horse.
Monday April 26, 2010
China to invest RM1bil in Kemaman iron ore plant
KEMAMAN: China is expected to invest RM1bil to build an iron ore factory at Teluk Kalong industrial zone near here.
Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said work on the factory was expected to start early next year after an agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between the Terengganu government and Guangzhou state officials during a recent trade mission by the state to China.
“The visit by senior state officials, together with Terengganu industrial captains, ended on a high note as many Chinese investors were keen to explore business opportunities here.
“During the visit, the state government also approved proposals by Chinese investors to invest in swiftlet farming business for the production of edible bird’s nest, apart from the iron ore factory,” he said after opening the annual general meeting of the Welfare Body of Wives of Terengganu Assemblymen here on Saturday.
The meeting was chaired by its chief Toh Puan Norliza Mahmud, who is also the Mentri Besar’s wife.
“For a start, the factory will provide 800 jobs that can be taken up by the locals,” Ahmad said.
China to invest RM1bil in Kemaman iron ore plant
KEMAMAN: China is expected to invest RM1bil to build an iron ore factory at Teluk Kalong industrial zone near here.
Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said work on the factory was expected to start early next year after an agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between the Terengganu government and Guangzhou state officials during a recent trade mission by the state to China.
“The visit by senior state officials, together with Terengganu industrial captains, ended on a high note as many Chinese investors were keen to explore business opportunities here.
“During the visit, the state government also approved proposals by Chinese investors to invest in swiftlet farming business for the production of edible bird’s nest, apart from the iron ore factory,” he said after opening the annual general meeting of the Welfare Body of Wives of Terengganu Assemblymen here on Saturday.
The meeting was chaired by its chief Toh Puan Norliza Mahmud, who is also the Mentri Besar’s wife.
“For a start, the factory will provide 800 jobs that can be taken up by the locals,” Ahmad said.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Sabah to develop bird’s nest industry to help the poor
Friday April 23, 2010
The STar
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will develop the bird’s nest industry to help improve the incomes of rural people, particularly the poor.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin said that 60 people from among the poor would be picked for a project undertaken by the federal Veterinary Services Department to develop the industry nationwide.
Yahya, who is also state Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, told the state assembly that the programme was part of other plans to develop the industry.
He also said the state’s Veterinary Services and Animal Husbandry Department as well as Sabah Rural Development Corporation were applying for funds under the 10th Malaysia Plan to develop the industry in rural areas.
He added that the state was participating as a member in formulation of policy and guidelines for the swiftlet industry.
To a question, Yahya said the traditional swiftlet industry at Guamuntong and Madai caves would not be affected by the encouragement of the swiflet farming industry in the state.
The STar
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will develop the bird’s nest industry to help improve the incomes of rural people, particularly the poor.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin said that 60 people from among the poor would be picked for a project undertaken by the federal Veterinary Services Department to develop the industry nationwide.
Yahya, who is also state Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, told the state assembly that the programme was part of other plans to develop the industry.
He also said the state’s Veterinary Services and Animal Husbandry Department as well as Sabah Rural Development Corporation were applying for funds under the 10th Malaysia Plan to develop the industry in rural areas.
He added that the state was participating as a member in formulation of policy and guidelines for the swiftlet industry.
To a question, Yahya said the traditional swiftlet industry at Guamuntong and Madai caves would not be affected by the encouragement of the swiflet farming industry in the state.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Guidelines on swiftlet farming to be drawn up
Thursday April 22, 2010
The STar
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is drawing up guidelines on swiftlet farming as the state attempts to soothe ruffled feathers following a ban on birds’ nest ranching in towns.
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Nor said the guidelines would be drawn up with the Wildlife Department with the aim of encouraging a systematic development of the lucrative birds’ nest industry.
“I want to stress that the ban on swiftlet farms in urban centres is not a move against the industry. We are very aware of the economic potential,” he told the state assembly.
He stressed that the state government wanted the industry to be regulated in a systematic manner.
“Our decision to ban such farming activities is for environmental, health and cleanliness purposes in the city and towns.”
The state, he said, had meant well in banning the farming of swiftlets in shophouses, commercial centres and other urban centres as it had the public’s welfare in mind.
However, the ban drew flak from businesses involved in the industry who complained about loss of income
The STar
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is drawing up guidelines on swiftlet farming as the state attempts to soothe ruffled feathers following a ban on birds’ nest ranching in towns.
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Nor said the guidelines would be drawn up with the Wildlife Department with the aim of encouraging a systematic development of the lucrative birds’ nest industry.
“I want to stress that the ban on swiftlet farms in urban centres is not a move against the industry. We are very aware of the economic potential,” he told the state assembly.
He stressed that the state government wanted the industry to be regulated in a systematic manner.
“Our decision to ban such farming activities is for environmental, health and cleanliness purposes in the city and towns.”
The state, he said, had meant well in banning the farming of swiftlets in shophouses, commercial centres and other urban centres as it had the public’s welfare in mind.
However, the ban drew flak from businesses involved in the industry who complained about loss of income
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sabah moves to streamline swiftlet farming policy
Published: Tuesday April 20, 2010 MYT 2:38:00 PM
Updated: Tuesday April 20, 2010 MYT 2:49:42 PM
The Star
By MUGUNTAN VANAR
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is moving to draw up policy guidelines on swiftlet farming as the state seeks to soothe ruffled feathers following its ban on bird nest farming in towns.
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Nor said that the guidelines would be drawn up with Wildlife Department to put in place to encourage a systematic development of the lucrative birds nest industry.
''I want to stress that the ban on swiftlet farms in urban centres was not a move against the swiftlet industry as we are very aware of the economic potential, he told the house during question hour when the issue of the ban was raised.
''We want the industry to be regulated in a systematic manner. Our decision to ban such farming activities was for environmental, health and cleanliness purposes in the city and towns, he added.
He said the government had good intentions in banning the farming of swiftlets at shophouses, commercial centres and other urban centres in all towns as it was done in the greater interest of the general public in term of cleanliness and health issues.
The state cabinet decided to ban ranching of birds in all town areas statewide but the move drew flak as industry players urged the government reconsider the decision that would affect incomes of scores of people harvesting bird nests
Updated: Tuesday April 20, 2010 MYT 2:49:42 PM
The Star
By MUGUNTAN VANAR
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is moving to draw up policy guidelines on swiftlet farming as the state seeks to soothe ruffled feathers following its ban on bird nest farming in towns.
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Nor said that the guidelines would be drawn up with Wildlife Department to put in place to encourage a systematic development of the lucrative birds nest industry.
''I want to stress that the ban on swiftlet farms in urban centres was not a move against the swiftlet industry as we are very aware of the economic potential, he told the house during question hour when the issue of the ban was raised.
''We want the industry to be regulated in a systematic manner. Our decision to ban such farming activities was for environmental, health and cleanliness purposes in the city and towns, he added.
He said the government had good intentions in banning the farming of swiftlets at shophouses, commercial centres and other urban centres in all towns as it was done in the greater interest of the general public in term of cleanliness and health issues.
The state cabinet decided to ban ranching of birds in all town areas statewide but the move drew flak as industry players urged the government reconsider the decision that would affect incomes of scores of people harvesting bird nests
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Swiftlet farming ban draws flak
Saturday April 10, 2010
The Star
By MUGUNTAN VANAR
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
KOTA KINABALU: A state Cabinet’s decision to ban swiftlet farming in major urban areas is drawing flak among entrepreneurs of the lucrative birds’ nest business.
Swiftlet farmers are arguing that health and environmental issues should not be the basis of the ban as tests and studies had shown that those birds were not carriers of diseases.
In fact, Sabah Swiftlet House and Birds’ Nest Industry president George Ng said the large presence of pigeons in popular Gaya Street was dirtier than birds found in organised swiftlet farms.
He said major cities like Ipoh and Johor Baru had not stopped such activities.
Thus, he said, there was no reason for the state to ban the industry in major towns like Sandakan, Tawau and the city here.
Ng wondered why the state decided to place a ban as the industry was still awaiting the federal government’s guidelines on swiftlet farming practices.
The state government announced the ban several days ago. State Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai explained that the decision to ban birds’ nest farming in the three towns was partly because it was a public nuisance.
Meanwhile, Sabah Progressive Party questioned the alleged double standards of Kota Kinabalu City Hall for not acting against two birds’ nest farms in the Gaya Street area despite numerous complaints.
SAPP spokesman David Chong said City Hall had shut down similar farms in the Inanam area but refused to act against these two farms in the central business district here.
“The state Cabinet’s decision to ban swiftlet farming should be adhered to strictly,” he added.
The Star
By MUGUNTAN VANAR
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
KOTA KINABALU: A state Cabinet’s decision to ban swiftlet farming in major urban areas is drawing flak among entrepreneurs of the lucrative birds’ nest business.
Swiftlet farmers are arguing that health and environmental issues should not be the basis of the ban as tests and studies had shown that those birds were not carriers of diseases.
In fact, Sabah Swiftlet House and Birds’ Nest Industry president George Ng said the large presence of pigeons in popular Gaya Street was dirtier than birds found in organised swiftlet farms.
He said major cities like Ipoh and Johor Baru had not stopped such activities.
Thus, he said, there was no reason for the state to ban the industry in major towns like Sandakan, Tawau and the city here.
Ng wondered why the state decided to place a ban as the industry was still awaiting the federal government’s guidelines on swiftlet farming practices.
The state government announced the ban several days ago. State Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai explained that the decision to ban birds’ nest farming in the three towns was partly because it was a public nuisance.
Meanwhile, Sabah Progressive Party questioned the alleged double standards of Kota Kinabalu City Hall for not acting against two birds’ nest farms in the Gaya Street area despite numerous complaints.
SAPP spokesman David Chong said City Hall had shut down similar farms in the Inanam area but refused to act against these two farms in the central business district here.
“The state Cabinet’s decision to ban swiftlet farming should be adhered to strictly,” he added.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Sabah’s swiftlet ban draws flak
The Star
By MUGUNTAN VANAR
KOTA KINABALU: A state cabinet decision to ban swiftlet farming within major urban centres is drawing flak among entrepreneurs of the lucrative bird nest business.
Swiftlet farmers are arguing that ''health and environmental issues should not be the basis of the ban as World Health Organisation tests and studies had shown that the birds are not carriers of diseases.
Sabah Swiftlet House and Bird Nest Industry president George Ng said that large presence of pigeons in the city’s popular Gaya Street was dirtier then the organised swiftlet farming.
He said major cities like Ipoh and Johor Baru had not stopped such activities and, as such, there was no reason for the state to ban the industry in major state towns like Sandakan, Tawau and the city here.
Ng wondered why the state decided to put in place a ban as the industry was still waiting for federal government guidelines for swiftlet farming practice.
State Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai had said the decision to ban the bird nest farming in the three major towns was also because it was a public nuisance.
''Most swiflet farms in town areas use music to attract these birds to return home and this is turned off at 7.30pm. I think even karaoke centres are noisier then our music, Ng said, expressing hope that the state would reconsider the move.
Meanwhile, Sabah Progressive Party questioned the alleged ''double standards” of Kota Kinabalu City Hall for not acting against two bird nests farms in Gaya Street area despite numerous complaints.
SAPP’s spokesman David Chong said city hall has shut down bird nest farms in Inanam area but refused to act against two similar farms in the city’s central business district.
''The state cabinet’s decision to ban swiftlet farming should be adhered to strictly and enforced, he added.
By MUGUNTAN VANAR
KOTA KINABALU: A state cabinet decision to ban swiftlet farming within major urban centres is drawing flak among entrepreneurs of the lucrative bird nest business.
Swiftlet farmers are arguing that ''health and environmental issues should not be the basis of the ban as World Health Organisation tests and studies had shown that the birds are not carriers of diseases.
Sabah Swiftlet House and Bird Nest Industry president George Ng said that large presence of pigeons in the city’s popular Gaya Street was dirtier then the organised swiftlet farming.
He said major cities like Ipoh and Johor Baru had not stopped such activities and, as such, there was no reason for the state to ban the industry in major state towns like Sandakan, Tawau and the city here.
Ng wondered why the state decided to put in place a ban as the industry was still waiting for federal government guidelines for swiftlet farming practice.
State Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai had said the decision to ban the bird nest farming in the three major towns was also because it was a public nuisance.
''Most swiflet farms in town areas use music to attract these birds to return home and this is turned off at 7.30pm. I think even karaoke centres are noisier then our music, Ng said, expressing hope that the state would reconsider the move.
Meanwhile, Sabah Progressive Party questioned the alleged ''double standards” of Kota Kinabalu City Hall for not acting against two bird nests farms in Gaya Street area despite numerous complaints.
SAPP’s spokesman David Chong said city hall has shut down bird nest farms in Inanam area but refused to act against two similar farms in the city’s central business district.
''The state cabinet’s decision to ban swiftlet farming should be adhered to strictly and enforced, he added.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Swiftlet farming rules to be out in two months
Thursday April 1, 2010
The Star
By OH ING YEEN
ingyeen@thestar.com.my
THE state government will come up with guidelines on swiftlet farming within two months, Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) president Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman said at the full board meeting yesterday.
He was replying to councillor Tan Han Kuo’s question about guidelines for swiftlet farming as Tan said he had received complaints from residents.
“The swiftlet farming issue is not serious in Kajang. It is carried out in commercial areas in Semenyih and, as far as I know, there are no such activities in residential areas,” he said.
The Star
By OH ING YEEN
ingyeen@thestar.com.my
THE state government will come up with guidelines on swiftlet farming within two months, Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) president Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman said at the full board meeting yesterday.
He was replying to councillor Tan Han Kuo’s question about guidelines for swiftlet farming as Tan said he had received complaints from residents.
“The swiftlet farming issue is not serious in Kajang. It is carried out in commercial areas in Semenyih and, as far as I know, there are no such activities in residential areas,” he said.
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