China Press reported that enforcement officers from the Segamat district council had dismantled 100 sets of loudspeakers which were used to attract swiftlets in a 20-storey building, following a court order.
Residents living near the building in the town area had often complained about the noise from the building.
Apparently, three swiftlet farming operators had been using the building to breed swiftlets which are prized for their nests.
The paper quoted council secretary Mustaffa Kamal Shamsuddin as saying the council faced difficulty in acting against swiflet farming because although the state government had banned it, the federal government continued to issue permits.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Eco-park concept finds takers in bird’s nest business
By AUSTIN CAMOENS
Popular industry: A swiftlet nesting in a house at Swiflet Eco Park in Manjung, Perak.
JOHOR BARU: Chin Yew Fatt, 61, is convinced of the potential in the bird’s nest industry, and has decided to give it a go after attending a seminar here on Saturday.
Chin, who works in the oil and gas industry, said he became keen upon hearing about the industry’s growth over the past 10 years.
“There is a lot of potential here in harvesting bird’s nests, and the eco-park concept is a good idea,” he said.
He was among 50 people who turned up for the Swiftlet Eco Park and Bio Desaru Organic Food Valley Cultivation and Processing Seminar organised by Swiftlet Eco Park Sdn Bhd.
Seow Chin Leng, 47, has been observing the industry for many years and waiting for the right time and project to invest in.
How: Hopes her business will be successful
“I believe the eco-park will provide a well-managed and professional solution for the bird’s nest business,” said the land surveyor.
Meanwhile, Olivia How, in her 30s, said she heard a lot about this business venture from her friends.
“My friends are in it, and many of them told me it is a lucrative business,” she said.
Swiftlet Eco Park executive director Eric P.S. Shak said the seminar was organised to give insight into the industry.
He said the company had been operating an eco-park in Perak and nine other parks would open soon around the country.
“People who lived near swiftlet nests complained about the smell and noise.
“With the eco-parks situated away from residential areas, there will be no more complaints,” he said.
Popular industry: A swiftlet nesting in a house at Swiflet Eco Park in Manjung, Perak.
JOHOR BARU: Chin Yew Fatt, 61, is convinced of the potential in the bird’s nest industry, and has decided to give it a go after attending a seminar here on Saturday.
Chin, who works in the oil and gas industry, said he became keen upon hearing about the industry’s growth over the past 10 years.
“There is a lot of potential here in harvesting bird’s nests, and the eco-park concept is a good idea,” he said.
He was among 50 people who turned up for the Swiftlet Eco Park and Bio Desaru Organic Food Valley Cultivation and Processing Seminar organised by Swiftlet Eco Park Sdn Bhd.
Seow Chin Leng, 47, has been observing the industry for many years and waiting for the right time and project to invest in.
How: Hopes her business will be successful
“I believe the eco-park will provide a well-managed and professional solution for the bird’s nest business,” said the land surveyor.
Meanwhile, Olivia How, in her 30s, said she heard a lot about this business venture from her friends.
“My friends are in it, and many of them told me it is a lucrative business,” she said.
Swiftlet Eco Park executive director Eric P.S. Shak said the seminar was organised to give insight into the industry.
He said the company had been operating an eco-park in Perak and nine other parks would open soon around the country.
“People who lived near swiftlet nests complained about the smell and noise.
“With the eco-parks situated away from residential areas, there will be no more complaints,” he said.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Rearing swiftlets as agriculture: Mukhriz
NST
2009/08/15
KULIM, Sat: Rearing of swiftlets should be made one of the industries in the country's agriculture sector because of its lucrative income, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukriz Mahathir said today.
He said the technology in the rearing of swiftlets had changed and that the bird could be bred using the hatchery process and then reared for its nests.
Speaking to reporters after opening an association for agriculture and agro-based industry entrepreneurs and a swiftlet rearing project here, he said such a project was being carried out by the association at Kampung Sungai Tengas, near here.
Some 8,000 birds were being reared in the project and when fully operational was expected to yield an income of RM120,000 a month, he added. -- BERNAMA
2009/08/15
KULIM, Sat: Rearing of swiftlets should be made one of the industries in the country's agriculture sector because of its lucrative income, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukriz Mahathir said today.
He said the technology in the rearing of swiftlets had changed and that the bird could be bred using the hatchery process and then reared for its nests.
Speaking to reporters after opening an association for agriculture and agro-based industry entrepreneurs and a swiftlet rearing project here, he said such a project was being carried out by the association at Kampung Sungai Tengas, near here.
Some 8,000 birds were being reared in the project and when fully operational was expected to yield an income of RM120,000 a month, he added. -- BERNAMA
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Housing for the birds
By RASLAN BAHAROM
A single storey low-cost unit turned into triple storey swift hotel is causing anxiety among residents in Kuala Sepetang.
A FISHMONGER and his 80-year-old father have moved out of their home following the arrival of swiftlets which have built their nests next to their low-cost house in Kuala Sepetang, Perak.
Beh Ah Keong (pic) and his father are believed to be the first residents in Malaysia to have moved out of their house due to swiflet problem.
A single storey low-cost unit turned into triple storey swift hotel is causing anxiety among residents in Kuala Sepetang.
Perak has been listed as having the biggest production of swiftlet nest.
According to Beh, he decided to move out when large cracks appeared on the walls and floors of his house in Aulong after a neighbouring unit was turned into a three-storey house for swiftlet nest farming.
He also alleged that fellow tenants in the low-cost housing scheme, which numbered about 55 units, were also facing noise pollution because of the swiftlets.
Commenting on the matter, Taiping Municipal Council president Omor Saad said the setting up of swiflet nests was prohibited in public housing schemes.
“My officers will investigate the matter,’’ he said.
The council may need a court decree to demolish the premises housing the swiftlets if the owner or operator was found to have violated the local building by-laws, he said.
In the meantime, Beh and his father are staying with friends and relatives while waiting for the outcome of the investigation.
A single storey low-cost unit turned into triple storey swift hotel is causing anxiety among residents in Kuala Sepetang.
A FISHMONGER and his 80-year-old father have moved out of their home following the arrival of swiftlets which have built their nests next to their low-cost house in Kuala Sepetang, Perak.
Beh Ah Keong (pic) and his father are believed to be the first residents in Malaysia to have moved out of their house due to swiflet problem.
A single storey low-cost unit turned into triple storey swift hotel is causing anxiety among residents in Kuala Sepetang.
Perak has been listed as having the biggest production of swiftlet nest.
According to Beh, he decided to move out when large cracks appeared on the walls and floors of his house in Aulong after a neighbouring unit was turned into a three-storey house for swiftlet nest farming.
“When it rains, water seeps through the cracks and floods my house. We cannot open the doors and windows for fear that the swiftlets will fly inside our home,” claimed Beh, 46.
He also alleged that fellow tenants in the low-cost housing scheme, which numbered about 55 units, were also facing noise pollution because of the swiftlets.
Commenting on the matter, Taiping Municipal Council president Omor Saad said the setting up of swiflet nests was prohibited in public housing schemes.
“My officers will investigate the matter,’’ he said.
The council may need a court decree to demolish the premises housing the swiftlets if the owner or operator was found to have violated the local building by-laws, he said.
In the meantime, Beh and his father are staying with friends and relatives while waiting for the outcome of the investigation.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Bird hotel owners told to be mindful
lNST
2009/08/03
By Sim Bak Heng
OWNERS of swiftlet hotels are advised to keep their premises clean and nuisance-free.
Batu Pahat Birds' Nest Traders' Association chairman Tan Teck Poh said this was to minimise the number of public complaints.
He was speaking at the recent launch of the association's website -- www.birdnestbp.org.
He urged swiflet hotel owners to instal a timing system at their premises to ensure that calls to attract swiftlets will automatically be switched off by 8pm.
He said there was no point playing the call after that time because swiftlets do not fly at night.
Tan said it was crucial for owners to establish a good rapport with their neighbours and be considerate about their feelings.
"For swiftlet hotels in old shophouses, the owners must renovate or clean up the buildings so that it does not become an eyesore.
"The birds' nest industry is growing rapidly with more demand coming from China.
"I would like to encourage breeders to venture into the China market," he said.
Tan said there are many swiftlet hotels in Batu Pahat town and any decision by the government to relocate the hotels will severely affect the industry. He said the birds like to dwell in populated areas and do not fly in the suburbs.
"I hope the government will continue to issue a licence to owners of swiftlet hotels in old shophouses," he added.
2009/08/03
By Sim Bak Heng
OWNERS of swiftlet hotels are advised to keep their premises clean and nuisance-free.
Batu Pahat Birds' Nest Traders' Association chairman Tan Teck Poh said this was to minimise the number of public complaints.
He was speaking at the recent launch of the association's website -- www.birdnestbp.org.
He urged swiflet hotel owners to instal a timing system at their premises to ensure that calls to attract swiftlets will automatically be switched off by 8pm.
He said there was no point playing the call after that time because swiftlets do not fly at night.
Tan said it was crucial for owners to establish a good rapport with their neighbours and be considerate about their feelings.
"For swiftlet hotels in old shophouses, the owners must renovate or clean up the buildings so that it does not become an eyesore.
"The birds' nest industry is growing rapidly with more demand coming from China.
"I would like to encourage breeders to venture into the China market," he said.
Tan said there are many swiftlet hotels in Batu Pahat town and any decision by the government to relocate the hotels will severely affect the industry. He said the birds like to dwell in populated areas and do not fly in the suburbs.
"I hope the government will continue to issue a licence to owners of swiftlet hotels in old shophouses," he added.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Swiftlet farmers cry foul
By PHILIP HII
SWIFTLET farmers in Sarawak are crying foul over what they claimed as “double standard” in the authorities not issuing licences to them.
There are an estimated 1,500 swiftlet farms in Sarawak.
Only two, one in Kuching and the other in Mukah, have been given licences to operate. The rest of the 1,498 are operating illegally.
They want to know why when several West Malaysian states can give out licences and provide guidelines for swiftlet farming, Sarawak cannot do the same.
“Even our new Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak openly supports swiftlet farming. I just don’t understand why Sarawak cannot follow,” lamented a bumiputra swiftlet farmer from Mukah.
When contacted and pressed on this “double standard” issue, an officer from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd (SFC) who wished to remain anonymous, said Sarawak will not blindly follow all the guidelines and rules which have been implemented in West Malaysia.”
“We have our own rules and we will not implement those rules which clearly contravene our own state rules” hesaid.
Under the 1998 Wild Life Protection Ordinance, no one is permitted to carry out swiftlet farming within the town areas. Under the rule, the edible birds nest of the species aerodramus fuciphagus and aerodramus maximus which are protected animals, are only permitted to be bred in agricultural areas in the outskirts other than its original habitat like the natural caves.
The officer, however, added that the state government always supports legitimate swiftlet farming on agriculture land as it recognises that it is a highly profitable industry.
As for the guidelines, he said this will take time as it involves several ministries and departments.
Malaysia is now the world’s third largest producer and exporter of edible birds nest, producing about 150 to 200 tonnes of birds nest worth RM1bil annually.
The top producing states are Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Penang and Sarawak is catching up fast if not for the recent raids on illegal swiftlet farms throughout the state.
After several warnings to demolish the farms on their own failed, enforcement officers from SFC sprang into action in October last year. The small coastal town of Mukah was their first target.
Fourteen farms, all converted from the town’s shophouses were raided. In the operation carried out by SFC officers from Kuching and aided by police personnel, the farm owners claimed that hundreds of eggs and young swiftlets were killed, either dropping to their death when their nests were removed or starved to death after their parents were forced to flee.
After several days of protests from swiftlet farmers in Mukah as well as other towns and the intervention of politicians and ministers, the operation slowed down.
Several months have since passed.
There have been a few dialogues between SFC and representatives from the state’s several swiftlet farmers and swiftlet merchants associations.
Most members of the recently formed Sarawak Birdnest’s Suppliers Association (SBSA) are very optimistic that the state government will soon work out a win-win solution for this “smokeless industry.”
SBSA appeals to the authorities concerned to urgently solve the current impasse as any further delay will only contribute to greater financial losses to the farmers as well as the nation.
Meanwhile, the number of swiftlet farms continue to increase all over Sarawak. Sources said that each day at least two new farms are added to the growing list and many of the new swiftlet farmers are bumiputra farmers and fishermen living in the coastal regions.
SWIFTLET farmers in Sarawak are crying foul over what they claimed as “double standard” in the authorities not issuing licences to them.
There are an estimated 1,500 swiftlet farms in Sarawak.
Only two, one in Kuching and the other in Mukah, have been given licences to operate. The rest of the 1,498 are operating illegally.
They want to know why when several West Malaysian states can give out licences and provide guidelines for swiftlet farming, Sarawak cannot do the same.
“Even our new Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak openly supports swiftlet farming. I just don’t understand why Sarawak cannot follow,” lamented a bumiputra swiftlet farmer from Mukah.
When contacted and pressed on this “double standard” issue, an officer from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd (SFC) who wished to remain anonymous, said Sarawak will not blindly follow all the guidelines and rules which have been implemented in West Malaysia.”
“We have our own rules and we will not implement those rules which clearly contravene our own state rules” hesaid.
Under the 1998 Wild Life Protection Ordinance, no one is permitted to carry out swiftlet farming within the town areas. Under the rule, the edible birds nest of the species aerodramus fuciphagus and aerodramus maximus which are protected animals, are only permitted to be bred in agricultural areas in the outskirts other than its original habitat like the natural caves.
The officer, however, added that the state government always supports legitimate swiftlet farming on agriculture land as it recognises that it is a highly profitable industry.
As for the guidelines, he said this will take time as it involves several ministries and departments.
Malaysia is now the world’s third largest producer and exporter of edible birds nest, producing about 150 to 200 tonnes of birds nest worth RM1bil annually.
The top producing states are Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Penang and Sarawak is catching up fast if not for the recent raids on illegal swiftlet farms throughout the state.
After several warnings to demolish the farms on their own failed, enforcement officers from SFC sprang into action in October last year. The small coastal town of Mukah was their first target.
Fourteen farms, all converted from the town’s shophouses were raided. In the operation carried out by SFC officers from Kuching and aided by police personnel, the farm owners claimed that hundreds of eggs and young swiftlets were killed, either dropping to their death when their nests were removed or starved to death after their parents were forced to flee.
After several days of protests from swiftlet farmers in Mukah as well as other towns and the intervention of politicians and ministers, the operation slowed down.
Several months have since passed.
There have been a few dialogues between SFC and representatives from the state’s several swiftlet farmers and swiftlet merchants associations.
Most members of the recently formed Sarawak Birdnest’s Suppliers Association (SBSA) are very optimistic that the state government will soon work out a win-win solution for this “smokeless industry.”
SBSA appeals to the authorities concerned to urgently solve the current impasse as any further delay will only contribute to greater financial losses to the farmers as well as the nation.
Meanwhile, the number of swiftlet farms continue to increase all over Sarawak. Sources said that each day at least two new farms are added to the growing list and many of the new swiftlet farmers are bumiputra farmers and fishermen living in the coastal regions.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Nest egg of swiftlet saliva
By Shah A.D
THE Teluk Intan Municipal Council has issued more than 500 permits for commercial swiftlet nesting activities since 2006, said its president Ibrahim Ahmad.
“The permits were issued on the conditions that the birds must be located away from housing areas and that the recording to lure the birds to the building must not be louder than 40 decibels.
“The council is working closely with the Department of Environment to monitor the breeding of the birds and also the harvesting of the bird’s nest,” he said at a meet-the-people session at the town hall in Teluk Intan yesterday.
The Prime Minister’s Department Public Complaints Bureau director Aziz Ismail, who was also present at the session, said he had received many compaints about the bird’s nest activities nationwide and investigations had shown that most of them were unlicensed
THE Teluk Intan Municipal Council has issued more than 500 permits for commercial swiftlet nesting activities since 2006, said its president Ibrahim Ahmad.
“The permits were issued on the conditions that the birds must be located away from housing areas and that the recording to lure the birds to the building must not be louder than 40 decibels.
“The council is working closely with the Department of Environment to monitor the breeding of the birds and also the harvesting of the bird’s nest,” he said at a meet-the-people session at the town hall in Teluk Intan yesterday.
The Prime Minister’s Department Public Complaints Bureau director Aziz Ismail, who was also present at the session, said he had received many compaints about the bird’s nest activities nationwide and investigations had shown that most of them were unlicensed
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