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.

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

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.

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Swiftlet issue to Cabinet

Sunday May 23, 2010
The Star


SITIAWAN: Guidelines to regulate the country’s swiftlet farming industry will soon be tabled for approval at Cabinet.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said that the Swiftlet Industry Guidelines would cover all aspects of the sector, from licensing to exporting.

Kong, who is also Lumut MP, said that the guidelines would also cover downstream industries, re­stric­­­tions against swiftlet farming in heritage buildings, hygiene and its impact on the public.

“We are finalising the details and they will be tabled soon,” Kong told reporters after handing out aid to his constituents here yesterday.

He said that the guidelines would be drawn up jointly by his ministry and the Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry and Natural Resources and Environment ministries, with input from both the Health and Information, Communi­cation and Culture ministries.

Kong also said that all state authorities had been given the regulations to control local swiftlet farming while the guidelines were being drawn up.

“The local authorities have been given instructions on issuing licences to ‘swiftlet hotel’ operators.

“We have also given clear directives on how operators can install speakers to attract the birds and the volume of the sound permitted,” he said.

Kong added that operators should comply with the regulations.

Various groups had called for tighter controls of or even a ban on swiftlet farming in urban areas, citing health and environmental concerns.

Former tobacco growers urged to go into bird nest industry

Tuesday May 18, 2010
The Star


KUALA TERENGGANU: Former tobacco growers have been urged to venture into the bird nest industry as the returns are lucrative.

Terengganu Veterinary Services Department director Dr Azizul Mohd Sharom said they could turn the former smoking houses into homes for swiftlets.

“Several pilot projects involving former smoking houses in Besut and Marang have made high returns,” he said.

Dr Azizol said the former tobacco growers only need to spend RM20,000 each to renovate the former smoking houses.

The department would build a model swiftlet house costing RM10,000 at the Veterinary Training Centre in Cermin Kiri, Jerangau, Dungun. — Bernama

Penang may follow Sabah in disallowing farming in urban areas

Wednesday April 21, 2010
The Star
By WINNIE YEOH


winnie@thestar.com.my

THE moratorium on swiftlet farming should not be taken as a sign that the state government is allowing the activity in urban areas, said Penang Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow.

“The moratorium has been extended thrice as the state is still waiting for the national guidelines on the industry from the Agriculture Department and the Veterinary Services Department.

“The state recognises the swiftlet farming industry as a revenue earning trade but it should be done properly. We are mulling over the idea of moving the industry out of urban areas such as George Town,” he said when contacted on Monday.


Lucrative industry: Young swiftlets in bird nests in one of the swiftlet houses in George Town.

Chow said the breeding activities should preferably be moved to an agriculture area, adding that there was no specifically zoned areas for swiftlet breeding in the state as this comes under the jurisdiction of the Veterinary Services Department.

He was responding to a decision by the Sabah Cabinet to ban swiftlet breeding from major urban areas three weeks ago.

Its Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai had placed the ban within all major towns, citing environmental and health threats posed by the birds as well as them being a nuisance.

Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Khoo Salma Nasution said the organisation lauded the move by Sabah and had been campaigning for an end to swiftlet farming in George Town.

“We hope the precedent set by the Sabah Government would be acknowledged and emulated by the Penang Government.”

Meanwhile, Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) president Carole Loh said the existing houses in George Town should be allowed to continue because these birdhouses were set up following a 2005 state government guidelines.

“The guidelines allowed swiftlet farming and many birdhouses were erected on that basis.

“The swiftlet farmers have invested a lot of money and it takes at least three years to see returns.

“The association is all for guidelines and regulations, and we are ready to work with the local authority to maintain the houses,” she said.

Ban on swiftlet farming in town areas too premature

Monday April 26, 2010
The Star
RUBEN SARIO
sario@thestar.com.my



FOR years, a group of entrepreneurs in Sabah have been raking in the “big bucks” by harvesting swiftlet nests from all sorts of buildings, some purposely built while others using abandoned or disused structures such as shophouses.

Among those who jumped on the swiftlet farming bandwagon was former state assistant minister Datuk Karim Bujang, who built a concrete structure in his native Kampung Gadong in Papar district, some 29km from the city.

Asked whether swiftlet farming could be equated with swift cash, the Bongawan assemblyman answered without hesitation: “Yes.”

The numbers in the minds of many Sabah swiftlet farmers remember is this; the start-up cost for the business is in the region of RM200,000.

Once they are able to attract the swiftlets to nest in their structures, 150 pairs of birds can produce up to 1kg of nests.

And it is possible for farmers to harvest up to 10kg of nests every three months, earning them about RM50,000.

But some swiftlet farmers here suddenly found their wings clipped early this month when state Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai announced the state Cabinet’s decision to ban swiftlet farming in all town areas.

Dr Yee said the ban came in the wake of concerns about the potential health and environmental problems caused by bird’s nest farming, apart from being a public nuisance.

He said the Sabah Government was encouraging bird’s nest farming but this should be done in areas with low population density.

That announcement caught swiftlet farmers offguard and a grouping representing them questioned the need as cities such as a Johor Baru and Ipoh had no such ban.

Sabah Swiftlet House and Bird’s Nest Industry president George Ng also wondered why the state decided to place a ban as the industry was still awaiting the Federal Government’s guidelines on swiftlet farming practices.

The ban has also caused confusion for some as the state’s announcement is not clear on whether the move covered just the populated areas or entire rating areas of a city or municipality. Worries about the impact of the swiftlet farming ban spilled over at the just-concluded sitting of the Sabah state assembly.

Among those who spoke up about the issue was Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Louis Rampas who said the ban could dampen entrepreneurial spirit among the people.

He said the government should not impose severe restrictions on the industry in the absence of any guidelines for it as yet.

Dr Yee and some of his state Cabinet colleagues then tried to assuage the concerns and criticisms raised following the announcement of the ban.

“We are encouraging swiftlet farming but it should be conducted in a proper manner, and this means no such activities in the city or town area.

“Swiftlet farming must be done in an area where it does not affect many people. Bear in mind this sort of activity is noisy and birds are known vectors of diseases,” he said.

Dr Yee’s Local Government and Housing counterpart Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor said that the guidelines would be drawn up with the Sabah Wildlife Department to put in place a systematic development of the lucrative bird’s nest industry.

Back at the Sabah state assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin said swiftleft farming was a way for the poor to escape the poverty trap and that was why the government was encouraging the development of the industry.

Despite these assurances, some Sabahans cannot help but wonder whether the state is too premature in announcing the ban when the national policy on swiftlet farming has yet to be finalised. And they can’t help shake off the feeling that the state is putting the proverbial cart before the horse.

Guidelines on swiftlet farming to be drawn up

Thursday April 22, 2010
The STar


KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is drawing up guidelines on swiftlet farming as the state attempts to soothe ruffled feathers following a ban on birds’ nest ranching in towns.

State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Nor said the guidelines would be drawn up with the Wildlife Department with the aim of encouraging a systematic development of the lucrative birds’ nest industry.

“I want to stress that the ban on swiftlet farms in urban centres is not a move against the industry. We are very aware of the economic potential,” he told the state assembly.

He stressed that the state government wanted the industry to be regulated in a systematic manner.

“Our decision to ban such farming activities is for environmental, health and cleanliness purposes in the city and towns.”

The state, he said, had meant well in banning the farming of swiftlets in shophouses, commercial centres and other urban centres as it had the public’s welfare in mind.

However, the ban drew flak from businesses involved in the industry who complained about loss of income

Bird nest industry catching up in the peninsula

Published: Monday March 29, 2010 MYT 10:55:00 AM
Updated: Monday March 29, 2010 MYT 10:58:20 AM
The Star


ALOR SETAR: The bird nest industry so far has been the domain of entrepreneurs in Sabah and Sarawak but the billion dollar industry is now slowly picking up in Peninsula.

Realising of the huge potential, a businessman in Alor Setar, Datuk Mohd Yusof Ismail without hesitation invested millions of ringgit in the swiftlet nest industry that is synonymous with the Chinese community.

Mohd Yusof noted that he became interested in the venture after a casual meeting with the chairman of the Federation of Bird Nest Traders Associations, Datuk Paduka Beh Heng Seong, in Sitiawan, Perak in 2008.

“It started as a casual conversation but after hearing Beh’s explanation on the lucrative returns from the bird nest industry, I was convinced that I should give a try.

“Several of my friends who were already in the industry also gave me encouragement saying that the risks on investment are low and also asked me to attend courses related to the field,” said Mohd Yusof, the managing director of Kumpulan Usima.

An initial investment of RM1mil to build two four-storey swiftlet farms in Kuala Rompin, Pahang early last year saw good returns within six months.

“This gave me the confidence to invest another RM2.5mil to build five more swiftlet farms in Jerlun, Kubang Rotan, Kuala Sanglang, Padang Sera and Tebengau respectively. The farms were completed recently.

“Though in Kuala Rompin alone there are more than 100 swiftlet farms, there is still room for competition and only that the startup cost is high,” noted Mohd Yusof in an interview with Bernama here.

The first harvest after six months recorded almost RM10,000 for each farm and one can expect the same returns for the first three years.

Normally, the harvesting is done once every two or three months. After three years, the returns may go up or down depending on the number of birds nesting there.

“Based on my experience, each farm can produce up to 3kg of bird nest and their market value is between RM3,600 and RM4,000 per kg for the unprocessed nest and the processed ones can fetch twice more.

“Currently the bird nests are sold raw as there is no expertise to process them,” said Mohd Yusof who has a list of regular buyers.

According to Mohd Yusof, the revenue would be affected at times when the birds migrate but there are ways to entice them to continue staying in their farms.

The design of the nesting building especially the entrance helps in retaining the birds along with the right temperature and level of humidity within and the calls to lure in the swiftlets, he said.

"It is not difficult to take care of the birds and there is no need to feed them. The only problem is that the nests get stolen even before the owners can harvest them.

“There was one I found a rope used to climb into one of the swiftlet farm building in Kuala Rompin. It is definitely the work of those in the know,” he said.

Lizards, ants and other insects too pose a threat especially when the birds are brooding but these pests can be rid off with the right pesticide.

However, the swiftlets are sensitive to the presence of owls that often eat their young when the adult birds leave the nest at night to look for food.

“I’m planning to open a bird nest exhibition room within the next four or five years when my business expands,” he said.

Mohd Yusof noted that he is willing to share his expertise with those keen to venture into this field which still has room for more participants.

He advised those lacking in capital to consider establishing a consortium to venture into this lucrative industry.

Meanwhile, Beh noted that the bird nest industry in bMalaysia has a bright future looking at the demand and the price of the product.

“The bird nests from Malaysia is highly sought after in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea, surpassing the demand for nests from Thailand and Indonesia, two of the world’s biggest bird nest producers,” he told Bernama. -- Bernama

Cabinet to look into bird’s nest guideline

Friday February 19, 2010
The Star


KUALA LUMPUR: The Swiftlet Industry Guideline, expected to be presented to the Cabinet next week, will give the industry a much-needed framework to operate in a sustainable manner.

The guideline, if accepted, will put Malaysia ahead of leading bird’s nest producers like Indonesia and Thailand.

“It will be the first swiftlet industry guideline in the world,” said Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin.

The swiftlet industry is worth RM1.5bil annually.

The guideline, he added, would provide the framework to supervise the industry in a holistic way, including in terms of licensing, sampling, production and export of swiftlet bird’s nest abroad, particularly to China.

Dr Aziz said the guideline had the full support of the Health, Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry, and the Housing and Local Government ministries.

The speed at which the industry grew over the last few years has resulted in a major dilemma over the licensing of swiftlet-rearing premises in shophouses, due to the health risk, smell and noise.

Federation of Swiftlet Nest Merchants Association chairman Datuk Beh Heng Seong said the guideline would resolve the problem as owners of premises would have to agree with the conditions if they wanted to remain in business.

“It will become a standard for all local authorities,” he said.

Malaysia has about 50,000 swiftlet premises producing over 12 tonnes of bird’s nest monthly.

One kilogram of bird’s nest can fetch RM4,000. – Bernama

Borneo Resources in RM40mil swiflet eco-park JV

Tuesday January 26, 2010
The Star
By JACK WONG

KUCHING: Sarawak State Economic Development Corp (SSEDC) and Peninsular Malaysia-based Borneo Resources Synergy Sdn Bhd (BRS) have agreed to jointly develop a RM40mil swiftlet eco-park in Balingian, Mukah Division within the Sarawak Corridor for Renewable Energy.

BRS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of property development and investment firm Masmeyer Holdings Sdn Bhd, has a 80% stake in the joint venture. SSEDC holds the balance 20%.

Sited in a rural setting along the Mukah-Balingian coastal highway, the project will involve the development of 40 three-storey units and 15 three-storey bungalow units.

“The project is targeted to be completed not later than 2012. Ideally, it is to be ready this year,” BRS director Choo Beng Kai said after the joint venture agreement signing ceremony. Golden Swift Resources Sdn Bhd, a swiftlet farming expert, has been engaged to provide technical expertise to the project.

SSEDC was tasked by the state government to spearhead the development of swiftlet farming on a well-planned, sustainable and eco-friendly manner.

The state authorities recently took action against hundreds of unlicensed swiftlet operators who used shophouses in town for swiftlet farming. The proposed park will provide an alternative venue for swiftlet farmers asked by the state government to shift their operations to approved sites.

Newly appointed Sarawak Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip, who witnessed the ceremony, said the development of the proposed park was to ensure an orderly development of the lucrative swiftlet farming industry.

Talib, who was former SSEDC chairman, said SSEDC planned to develop similar swiftlet eco-parks in other parts of the state.

“We (SSEDC) are looking to bring in more joint venture partners in similar projects.” He said SSEDC-BRS would process and market the bird’s nests the joint-venture company produced. A kg of unprocessed bird’s nest now fetches about RM4,250.

Talib said Sarawak was well-known for its high quality bird’s nest, adding that this was evident as the early traders from China had come to Sarawak to buy bird’s nests.

Local authority plans to look into ways to legalise swiftlet breeders

Friday December 4, 2009
By ELAN PERUMAL


THE Kuala Selangor District Council is hoping to collect more than RM100,000 on licensing fee from swiftlet breeders in the district.

The council has set up a task force comprising council officials and professionals to look into ways of licensing the more than 100 breeders.

Councillor K. N. Chandran said the council was looking into the possibility of collecting RM1,000 on annual licence fee from each breeder.

By doing so, he said, the council hoped to increase its revenue as well as control the mushrooming of the breeding houses in the district.

“Currently, the breeders are carrying out the activity at freely as they are not licensed.

“The task force will liase with the state government on how to legalise the breeders,’’ he said, adding that state was now drafting regulations on breeding of swiftlets.

Under the licensing proposal, Chandran said, the task force was also supposed to identify suitable sites to move all the breeders to a centralised venue.

He added that the issue of swiftlets were hotly discussed during its full board meeting last month.

He said there had been numerous complaints from residents on the indiscriminate breeding of swiftlets at residential and commercial premises.

“Many of the councillors have expressed concerns over the mushrooming of the breeding houses in the district.

“We feel that the indiscriminate breeding is highly inconvenient for the residents and the birds may even pose a health hazard to people,’’ he added,

StarMetro had earlier highlighted the presence of numerous swiftlet houses in Kuala Selangor and Batang Berjuntai.

It reported that the breeders had conducted illegal extension of premises in order to turn them into swiftlet houses.

Swiftlet hotels get time to go

2009/09/25
NST
By Jason Gerald John

MALACCA: Swiftlet breeders have until the end of the year to move their operations from the conservation zone in the centre of the city.

If the breeders in Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Tengkera, Jalan Hang Jebat, Jalan Kampung Hulu, Jalan Laksamana and Jalan Kee Ann do not move on time, they will receive summonses and compound fines of not less than RM250.

Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) president Yusof Jantan said there were 24 swiftlet breeders operating within the conservation area.

"We have issued them notice to vacate the buildings.


"In order to assist them, MBMB has identified buildings and sites in Ujong Pasir, in Melaka Tengah district, and in Merlimau, Jasin."

He said the notices were issued last month, giving the breeders ample time to move.

"We hope the relocation will go on smoothly and without any trouble."

Yusof said the decision was made to ban swiftlet breeding in the city centre because the "hotels" are in the conservation area that earned Malacca its status a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Segamat DO Dismantles Swiftlet Farm

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.

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.

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.

“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.

Proper curbs on swiftlet business needed

S. PARAM,
Ipoh

LATELY, there have been calls by individuals and concerned NGOs on the dangers of allowing swiftlet nesting to thrive without any form of regulations in the midst of human dwellings.
I can understand the fears, concern and frustrations of residents caught in the midst of booming swiftlet nestings in their neirbourhood.

I am sure the authorities have taken note of the problems, especially those that are associated with public health and environmental pollution.

Those unable to face the nuisance of these “illegal settlement” of swiftlets in their neibourhood can use electronic bird repellers to chase away these birds without harming them.
I am not sure whether such gadgets are available locally but they can be purchased in the international open market.

There are several types of bird repelling gadgets in the market.

The one that emits sound waves will automatically broadcast a variety of naturally recorded bird distress signals and predator calls to chase away nesting birds.

There are also bird-repellers that use harmless laser beams to frighten and confuse the birds, causing them to flee from the roosting spots.

Apparently these gadgets are said to be relatively cheap, handy and consumer-safe with inbuilt safety features.

They are fully registered in many countries although I am not sure whether they are allowed in Malaysia.

Some may not like the idea of using such devices for various reasons, including the possible misuse of the gadget.

However if something is not done fast enough, we may end up with a bigger problem later.
In the event of a disease outbreak such as bird flu, some people may use heinous and cruel methods to get rid of these beautiful feathered creatures because they fear that they may spread the disease.

The local authorities should put in place appropriate regulations so that the swiftlet business can continue to thrive freely without becoming a danger and nuisance to the public.
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Harvesting the exotic bird’s nest

Stories by STUART MICHAEL

THE collection of the exotic bird’s nest, a traditional Chinese delicacy which could cost anything from RM12,000 a kg onward, is now the rage at the Pusat Bandar Country Homes in Rawang.
StarMetro visited a commercial area at the Pusat Bandar Country Homes in Bandar Country Homes, Rawang, and discovered the many indoor bird’s nest farms operating illegally from three-storey buildings in the area.

Six rows of shoplots in Jalan Pusat BCH 1A, Jalan Pusat BCH 1/3, Jalan Pusat BCH 1/4 and Jalan Pusat BCH 1/4 are vacant as their owners had difficulty renting them out.

Five rows of the empty shoplots have been converted into indoor swiftlet nest farming areas. These bird nest centres are hidden from public view.
Tunnel route: The PVC pipes sticking out of this shoplot are used by the birds to enter and leave the place.

The windows of the buildings are painted black to block the sunlight, and there are no business signboard on them. The bird’s nest farming area is normally located on the second or third floor of these buildings.

Almost all the doors leading to the collection area are padlocked. Several of the buildings even have two padlocked black steel doors each.

All around the buildings are speakers blaring out swiftlet sounds round-the-clock to attract birds to build their nests in the building.

Hollow PVC pipes are installed in the wall as a sort of small tunnel access for the birds to go in and out of the buildings.
Few people have seen the bird’s nest collectors as they usually do their collection late at night.
According to studies, the number of swiftlet farms in the country has grown from 150 in 1997 to more than 30,000 in 2007. However, it is believed that only 30% to 40% of these are successful or viable.

Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) safety and enforcement director Ahmad Faisal Badiuzaman said he was not aware of the council issuing any licence to anyone to operate any indoor bird’s nest farm in Bandar Country Homes.

“As such, all of the bird’s nest farm operators are illegal. The council forbids shop lots or housing areas to be converted into a bird’s nest farming areas and it will take action on the shop owners,” he said.

“We only give licences to the collection of swiftlet nests in an open space like an outdoor farm. Those who want to collect bird’s nest in an open farm can apply for the licences,” he said.
Bandar Country Homes Residents Association president Soong Beng Khoon said turning the shoplots into bird’s nest collection centres was unhygienic.

“There are many eateries in the area, especially at the shoplots.

For the convenience of birds: The windows with black panes are left slightly open to enable the swiftlets to fly in and out.

“If the authorities do not give the licences, they should find a suitable venue for the bird’s nest operators,’’ he said.

Swiftlet business soaring high in Pahang

Friday December 5, 2008
The Star
By ROSLINA MOHAMAD

KUANTAN: A total of 1,489 swiftlet premises have been developed by 1,036 operators in Pahang.

Kuantan topped the list with 700 premises managed by 500 operators followed by Rompin, Pekan, Temerloh, Jerantut, Bera, Bentong and Raub.

State Agriculture, Agro-based Industries and Felda Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Tan Aminuddin Ishak said the high demands for swiftlet nests in the Chinese community made it a lucrative business.

The migration of the birds from caves to towns helped people set up new business ventures, he said. “The annual trade in Malaysia is estimated to be worth RM500mil. In Pahang alone it is worth RM36mil,” he said here recently.Tan Aminuddin said the bird’s raw nest could fetch between RM1,000 and RM2,000 per kilogram.

Interest in the industry was so high that commercial buildings and homes had been converted into nesting places, he added.

However, there were certain issues which needed attention, especially the risk of disease, bird droppings, cleanliness of towns, noise pollution, price of property devalued and depreciation in quality of life, Tan Aminuddin said.

In view of this, the Veterinary Services Department was committed in providing training on good animal husbandry practice, he added.

“This practice had been made a requirement under local government by-laws before the issuance of licences.

“The department has organised courses on this practice for operators to enable them to get the permits,” he said.

Tan Aminuddin also said the department would carry out checks from time to time to ensure the premises were free of diseases and did not pose risks to the public and the birds.

“The swiftlet industry has great potential for farmers in the state but there is a need to check its development to avoid conflicts and health risks.

“If properly managed, the industry can contribute to the state’s coffers with farmers earning good incomes,” he added.