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
Saturday, June 19, 2010
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
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