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.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
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?
*********************************************************
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.
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