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.
Showing posts with label heritage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heritage. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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.
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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.
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.
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.
..............
...................
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