Bird’s nest trade open for all

Friday September 24, 2010
The Star
By RACHAEL KAM
rachael@thestar.com.my


KUALA LUMPUR: Non-Chinese are encouraged to go into bird’s nest farming and retailing, given the huge potential for growth, said Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (ACCCIM) president Tan Sri William Cheng Heng Jem.

He said the industry was no longer a business that was restricted to the Chinese community.

“The bird’s nest business is opening up for all Malaysians due to the large demand for it globally,” he told a press conference on a bird’s nest business seminar here yesterday.

Cheng said there was demand for bird’s nest even from the Middle East.

“We see the potential because more non-Chinese are appreciating this expensive but nutritious product,” he said.

Malaysia is the second largest exporter of bird’s nest followed by Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.

The country exports about RM1bil worth of bird’s nest a year to Hong Kong, China and Taiwan.

ACCCIM and the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry are jointly organising the seminar on Oct 9.

Cheng said ACCCIM would assist the non-Chinese, especially small entrepreneurs and poor individuals in rural areas to start their own business and generate more income.

ACCCIM secretary-general Datuk David Chua said the seminar would be conducted in Bahasa Malaysia and English, targeting the Malays and Indians.

The seminar will feature experts in the industry who will discuss the guidelines on bird’s nest farming and financial assistance.

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

Swiftlet Farming Helps Supplement Income

June 10, 2010 11:53 AM

Bernama



By Syed Azwan Syed Ali

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Bernama) -- The thriving swiftlet farming industry is set to help the nation realise the New Economic Model (NEM) goals, especially in creating a high income society.

The bird nest export that fetches RM1.5 billion in annual revenue is a big contributer for the nation's economy, and it is one of the trades that provide quick returns.

Moreover, the capital outlay is relatively small and the returns can be realised within a short period.

Swiftlet farming involves an initial capital between RM10,000 and RM30,000 to set up a bird house on a 10 feet by 15 feet site, minus the cost of purchasing or leasing the site.

If the investors think of joining the ranks of the big players in the industry, than the initial investment can be anything between RM250,000 and RM600,000.

LOAN FUND

In states like Melaka, Penang and Sarawak, shoplots have been modified into 'bird house' to get a slice of this lucrative industry.

The bird's nest soup is highly nutrious and said to contain elements that contribute to the "fountain of youth". It is also said to improve blood circulation and in mainland China its consumption is linked with one's status in the society.

It is also a delight savoured by the elites in the Arab world.

Realising the bird nest industry's potential to the economy, the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry through Agrobank has set aside RM67.7 million to finance swiftlet farming.

Agrobank's Managing Director Datuk Ahmad Said noted that the move is in line with the government's effort to boost up the people's annual income from AS$7,000 to AS$15,000 as underscored by the NEM.

SEKING THE PARTICIPATION OF ALL RACES

Ahmad noted that the special fund will enable at least 2,000 potential entrepreneurs to venture into small scale swiftlet farming costing between RM10,000 and RM30,000 while enjoying an interest rate that is as low as 3.75 percent.

Industry observers note that the loan from Agrobank will allow entrepreneurs from all races to participate in the trade that is currently being monopolied by Chinese entrepreneurs.

Ahmad pointed out that the raw bird nest could fetch between RM3,000-RM4,000 per kg and the processed ones can go up to RM12,000 and the high prices is helping the industry to thrive.

It is reported that at present there is about 50,000 swiftlet farms all over the nation.

In enticing the poor to participate in the trade, the government also launched a grant worth RM5 million to enable 500 poor familes to undertake swiftlet farming.

1GP TAKEN TO THE MINISTRY LEVEL

Under the grant, selected families (those earning below RM450 a month) will be provided a bird house worth RM10,000 that is to supplement the family's income.

In a media report dated 11 Feb 2010, the Veterinary Services Director General Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin stated that the department would identify the poor families to be enlisted in swiftlet farming.

However, the lucrative industry that started with the migration of the swiftlets from Indonesia over the last 10 years is yet to settle the regulatory issues.

The 1GP guideline for swiftlet farming set by the Veterinary Services Department is yet to reach the cabinet for approval.

The Agriculture and Agrobased Industries Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar had previously stated that the 1GP that would serve as the standard for the industry had been finalised by the ministry's officials and would be brought to the minister's attention.

MAINTAIN THE PRODUCER'S STATUS

Apart from the Agriculture and Agrobased Industries Ministry, swiflet farming also involves three other ministries - Health Ministry, Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, and the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

What is certain, like what the industry players hope, 1GP will be implemented immediately to address issues relating to establishing bird houses within city limits that contributes to odour, noise and risk of diseases.

Apart from maintaining the status as the leading producer of the bird's nest in Southeast Asia, the fund and guideline will help propel Malaysia into the forefront of the trade in less than 10 years time.

At present, the main market for the bird's nest is China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore with Malaysia earning a reputation as the producer of good quality bird nests after Indonesia and Thailand.

-- BERNAMA

Retiree opens bird’s nest shop

Friday May 7, 2010
The Star
By SIMON KHOO
simonkhoo@thestar.com.my


KUANTAN: At first glance, the Natural Bird Nest Supplies in Jalan Merdeka here appears to be a shop catering to the rich.

“That is not so,” said proprietor Tan Ai King, who has been working hard to convince the average white collar worker to step in and try her specialities.

The shop sells stewed bird’s nest and packed products.

“All our products are 100% pure with no chemicals or artificial sweetening added to enhance the taste.

“We get our supply of bird’s nest from our own swiftlet farms located in Pekan, Maran, Indera Mahkota and Inderapura.

“As such, we can charge a lower price than the actual market cost of a kilogramme of raw bird’s nest which is about RM5,000,” she said.


Plenty of choices: Tan (left) showing some of her products to a customer.

She said she had a steady number of regular customers since her store opened in the middle of last year.

She said her aim was to get more local folks as well as visitors from other states to try her specialities, including several types of desserts.

“I prepare the desserts with the help of six workers. I am a retiree and doing this for the love of food.

“My youngest son Lawrence Hoo is also helping me out at the store,” she said, adding that her husband Hoo Kat Lee was managing the swiftlet farms and providing consultancy services in swiftlet farming.

Tan said she started the business from her home in Bukit Sekilau about five years ago and decided to expand by opening a shop.

“There is a market because people are more conscious about their health.

“There were about three or four outlets in Kuantan previously but all had closed down as the owners could not sustain operations due to the high cost involved,” she said.

She said many of her customers were not rich people but appreciated the product, including people from the neighbouring states of Terengganu and Kelantan.

“I also have customers from China and Singapore who were told by their fellow countrymen to drop by our shop if they were holidaying in Kuantan.

“A bowl of bird’s nest soup at our shop starts from RM35 for one person to RM130 for three to four people,” she said, adding that customers would have to wait half-an-hour for the order.

Tan said some even placed bulk orders for 20 people.

For more information, call 09-514 1288 or 012-908 2299.

Bird's nest: Telling the real from the fake

2010/03/29
NST



NEGRI Sembilan Association of Bird's Nest Traders president Datuk Lee Yuen Fong says edible bird's nest is among the most expensive animal products in the world and has been used in traditional Chinese cooking for almost half a decade.

"The nests are composed of interwoven strands of salivary laminae cement and have high levels of calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. The male swiftlet builds the nest, which is shaped like a shallow cup and is stuck to the walls of buildings and caves."

Lee says the nests are harvested thrice a year, with each harvest lasting up to three months.

He says swiftlets are monogamous birds and both partners take part in caring for the nestlings. The average lifespan of a swiftlet is between 15 and 18 years.

He says there is an increasing number of fake bird's nests making their way into the market. But anyone who is familiar with the product will be able to tell the difference.

"For one, swiftlets build their nests from their saliva, which is formed into strands. These strands can be detached into layers when soaked in plain water and, as a result, will be of different lengths and sizes. Fake ones will be perfect in size."

He also says the genuine bird's nest should be able to expand to double its size after being soaked and cooked.

Company promotes bird’s nest products among Malay community

Borneo Post
February 23, 2010, Tuesday


ALOR SETAR: Budi Daya Burung Trading (Daya Burung), a Bumiputera company which processes and markets bird’s nest, is promoting its products to get more people, especially the Malays, to enjoy the delicacy.Under a promotion package, the company is offering the grade ‘A’ bird’s nest produced from the nesting houses of swiftlet birds, at a special economy package priced at RM3 per bottle.

The bird’s nest product can be ordered directly from the company, its managing director Nazri Hood said.

He said the company’s bird’s nest taken from the swiflet birds was nutritious and its benefits similar to that produced by the Niah Caves bird nest which is said to be best in the world.

The higher priced bird nest from the Niah Caves come from the ‘Maharaja’ birds, he explained.

Daya Burung is the first Bumiputera company involved in the wholesale as well as production and trading of bird’s nest.

The company’s bird nest is marketed under the brand name of ‘Budi Birds Al-Kautsar’ in the country.

Nazri said the consumption of bird’s nest is a tradition among the Chinese, which has been proven to be effective in the treatment of various illnesses.

It can be used to improve energy and immunity levels, among others, he said.

“However, its high price has prevented many people from enjoying the nutrition of bird’s nest which will be good for their health,” he said in an interview with Bernama here yesterday.

In view of this, the company is now offering the Niah Caves ‘A’ grade bird’s nest in a four-bottle pack of 170ml each at RM138.

They are available at pharmacies as well as traditional Chinese medicine shops nationwide, he added.

“Our bird’s nest are hand processed at a controlled temperature to ensure its natural value and quality,” Nazri said.

He said the demand for Daya Burung products had gone up to RM5 million a month since last year including its export demand.

Nazri said the company obtained an average of 200 kg of bird’s nest a week from the Niah Caves as well as from the nesting houses and currently met the demands sufficiently.

In order to meet the growing demand, he said the company was also looking out for investors keen on joint ventures to build more nesting houses.

He said the company also currently provided consultancy services to companies keen to develop nesting houses for the swiftlets birds. — Bernama

Lucrative but risky business

Wednesday January 13, 2010
The Star
By ANN TAN


THE bird nest industry may be booming within the George Town heritage enclave but it is still a trade secret among breeders.

Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) president Carole Loh said there was no right formula in attracting the swiftlets and those who had found the technique would usually not teach others.


Loh looking up at the birds nests in one of the swiftlet houses in George Town.

“The business may look good on paper. It may bring high returns but it is a risky investment as the success rate is only 20% to 30%.

“To invest and buy a bird house, one has to obtain a bank loan as it involves a huge investment. Then, one may have to wait for up to three years before one can get some returns. So within this period, there is no income,” she said.

Loh said there were many cases where swiftlets had failed “set up shop” and the investors were forced to shut down because they were unable to service their bank loans.

“Swiftlets lay eggs three times a year and two eggs at a time. It takes between 30 and 45 days for them to build the nest and another 45 days for the chicks to mature,” she said.


A baby swiftlet in its nest.

“Prior to harvesting, the breeders must ensure that there are no eggs or chicks in it for them to have a chance to grow.

“The harvested bird nests are then soaked in water for it to expand so that the feathers and dirt could be separated. This is usually done by a middle man who would then sell the nutritious product to others.”

Eating the swiftlet’s nest is believed to help maintain skin tone, balance qi (life energy) and reinforce the immune system.

It is also believed to strengthen the lungs and prevent coughs, improve the constitution and prolong life.

Commenting on claims that the industry is health hazard and a threat to heritage, Loh said it was not justified to focus on a few errant swiftlet breeders.

“It has been estimated that at least 8.3% out of an estimated 3,500 abandoned pre-war buildings have been re-stored and rehabilitated by bird nest breeders.


Swiftlets flying to their nests on the ceiling beams.

“There are many swiftlet houses in pre-war buildings which have been beautifully restored in keeping with its heritage features,” she said.

A recent visit by The Star to the swiftlets’ breeding ground saw the houses well renovated and maintained. There was also no stagnant water in the premises as breeders used humidifier machines to control the humidity.

“Heritage has to be sustainable. It is not enough to have a heritage status if there are no businesses that will bring the right level of income to support and sustain heritage development,” she said.

On the matter of breeders using tweeters to attract the birds to the houses, Loh said the state government could come out with a directive to limit the decibel so that it would not disturb the neighbours.

“And the droppings that we see outside are actually that of the pigeons’ as swiftlets are very parti-cular and they only release their droppings in the house.

“The breeders clean the bird houses weekly as the swiftlets like a clean premises. The Health Department could issue breeders with a health certificate which can be revoked if the cleanliness is not maintained,” she said.

Not easy to make the right choice

Friday October 30, 2009
The Star


SWITLFETS make their nests using interwoven strands of their saliva.

The gelatinous and semi-transparent substance is much sought after by the Chinese for its rich nutrients that are said to enhance one’s health and beauty.

They are easily available in most Chinese medicine halls as bottled nests in sugary soup and boxes of whole nests.

Malaysian Federation of Associations of Bird’s Nests Merchants secretary Mah Swee Lye, shared some tips on how to choose the bird’s nests.


photo: A swiftlet sitting on a nest.

First and foremost, no two bird’s nests are the same.

“If they are genuine ones made by the swiftlets, their shapes and sizes vary,” he said.

Secondly, they retain a fishy smell.

“Flies are attracted to the pile of nests we harvested, showing that genuine bird’s nests really do have an odour,” Mah said.

Thirdly, the whiter it is, the more cautious one should be because it might have been bleached.

“It’s okay if the nest contains tiny bits of feather — this is a sure sign that the nest is made by swiftlets,” Mah said.

While it is not easy to differentiate genuine and fake bird’s nests just by looking, he advised consumers to shop for reliable brands.

Beauty: Benefits of bird’s nest

NST
2009/08/31


TO restore the skin strength and elasticity, and combat skin ageing, the new Nutox Oxyfusion range now includes top-grade bird’s nest and Nuroxygen (inspired by hyperbaric oxygen therapy).


Bird’s nest, famed for its health and beauty benefits, is rich in active glyco-protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, vitamins and minerals.

Along with collagen and active protein, bird’s nest helps in maintaining a youthful and radiant skin, and promoting skin renewal. The essence does not only prevent wrinkles but also shield the harmful effects from the environment.

The BNest Collagen, enveloped in Nuroxygen, enables the organic ingredient to break into the epidermis easily for maximum result, and simultaneously improve the skin structure, making it visibly firmer and stronger.


The result is a younger-looking and healthier skin as the Nutox Oxyfusion formula revives its natural smoothness to create a natural glow.

The Nutox Oxyfusion range includes cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, sun block, spot corrector and eye cream. It is available at selected retail outlets nationwide.

Home sweet home

By CHIN MUI YOON

OUT of 24 species of swiftlets in the world, only five are commonly sighted in Malaysia; of those, it is Aerodramus fuciphagus that produces the prized white nests. The other varieties do produce edible nests but they are often filled with impurities and don’t command as high a price.

Sarawak’s Niah Caves used to have the largest concentration of swiftlets. But over-harvesting has resulted in a drastic drop of nests, from a recorded 1.7 million in 1935 to a mere 65,000 in 2002, and even fewer today, according to swiftlet farming enthusiast, Dr Christopher Lim.

Since the 1980s, wild swiftlets have turned to manmade structures like abandoned buildings to house their young, as their natural habitat is lost to development – the earliest farmers became successful by default.

Then, Indonesia’s forest fires and the subsequent haze during the 1990s drove millions of swiftlets to Malaysia, and coastal towns like Sitiawan and Teluk Intan in Perak boomed with swiftlet farms and, today, have the largest concentration, averaging over 1,000 farms each.

Picture is of an unusual bird farm in Nibong Tebal, Penang, used to be a cinema. Those pipes sticking out are for ventilation. – Reuters

In 1996, after a visit to Indonesia organised under the auspices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, Malaysia’s Wildlife and National Parks Department (or Perhilitan) concluded that commercial farming would be the best way to increase the dwindling number of swiftlets in Malaysia. From fewer than 50 farms in 1997, today there are thousands.

The way to attract these birds is to provide an environment that closely resembles the swiftlets’ natural habitat, which are traditionally caves. The right humidity and temperature are vital for the bird to feel at home; and if humidity is insufficient, nests won’t be able to cling to the walls.
Another vital factor is the appropriate sound system. Long range speakers must be positioned correctly and must sound the right chirps to attract birds from the surrounding area, and then another set of tweeters must get them to nest in the farm.

“The longer you keep the bird in the farm the higher the chances that it will build a nest,” explains Dr Lim. “You need the right external sounds to attract them into the area and soothing, internal sounds to draw them in.

“The sounds only need to be projected from 7am to 7pm – birds do not hear them at night.”
“You need to do everything right the first time, hence the importance of understanding how a farm works. The most successful farm is operated by you personally, not a consultant. And don’t be greedy; you only need to attract one bird a day! And you do not need multiple farms, as just one successful farm can enrich you for life.”

■ Information sourced from ‘Make Millions from Swiftlet Farming: A Definitive Guide’ by Dr Christopher Lim.

Swift fortunes await

Sunday August 23, 2009
By CHIN MUI YOON

The swiftlet that creates those much-in-demand edible nests are indigenous to this part of the world. We even have a long history of collecting the nests for consumption dating back to the last century. So why aren’t we doing as well as our neighbours in making money from this natural resource?

FORTUNES can be made harvesting the bounty of the earth or sea. But if you farm birds’ nests, your fortune lies in the skies.

Dr Christopher Lim with a load of freshly harvested birds’ nests that can fetch up to RM4,000, unprocessed. – Photos by ART CHEN / The Star
Every evening, such farmers all over the country eagerly turn their eyes upwards, hoping to see swiftlets entering the “caves” that are their farms, which are actually converted shoplots or custom-built bungalows.

The saliva produced by these swiftlets – of the species Aerodramus fuciphagus – to form their nests is considered one of the five elite foods highly prized by the Chinese; the others are abalone, fish maw, ginseng, and shark’s fin. All of these foods fetch lucrative prices.
In fact, while the price of gold and other commodities has fluctuated throughout the last century, the price of edible birds’ nests has simply grown steadily higher. From US$10 a kilo in 1975, prices soared to US$400 in 1995. In 2002, a kilo cost US$1,600 (RM5,600) and today, the nests can go for up to US$2,700 (RM9,450) a kilo!

The industry in Malaysia alone commands RM1bil annually, according to the 2007 Malaysian Swiftlet Farming Industry Report by Hameed Sultan Merican, former chairman of the agricultural and agro-based businesses sub-committee of the SMI Association of Penang.
The report notes that a kilogramme of top quality, unprocessed nests (which works out to about 90 to 120 nests) fetched between RM4,500 and RM6,000 in 2006. After processing, retail prices went as high as RM15,000 to RM25,000 per kilo.

It helps that China, the largest market for edible birds’ nests, cannot produce its own supply, as these non-migratory birds reside only in South-East Asia. Breeding them doesn’t work, as it results in genetic mutations.

Indonesia commands the lion’s share of the market at 70%, followed by Thailand at 20% with Malaysia trailing in at 6%.

The Malaysian Government has noted this promising market. Both Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, have encouraged entrepreneurs to venture into this industry.

Chairman of the Malaysian Federation of Associations of Birds Nests Merchants Datuk Beh Heng Seong says Malaysia has the potential to increase its current production level three to five times.
“Studies show that Indonesia is saturated,” he said at an interview last week. “Malaysia still has the capacity to grow.

“Prices fell by nearly half in November last year due to negative economic sentiments, but there’s still a strong demand in China. Whether they have ever consumed a bird’s nest or not, all Chinese know the words ‘birds’ nest’!”

Nests with baby swiftlets in them should be left alone so a new generation of birds will return to the farm to nest again. – Reuters

Universiti Putra Malaysia Assoc Prof (of the Nephrology Department) Dr Christopher Lim, 36, agrees. The kidney specialist became fascinated with swiftlet farming when he came across mention of it at an agricultural exhibition in Johor Baru in 2004.

“Malaysia can easily raise its market share, as we are located right in the middle of the swiftlets’ breeding grounds,” he says.

Dr Lim is now a noted swiftlet authority, author of the popular Make Millions from Swiftlet Farming: A Definitive Guide (Publisher: TrueWealth Sdn Bhd, ISBN: 9833364721), and presenter of well-attended seminars on the subject.

The doctor belongs to a new breed of farmer that enthusiastically advocates a more professional development of this industry led by farmers equipped with the correct knowledge and ethical practices.

“Swiftlet farming is perfectly legal after you’ve obtained permits from local councils and have attended a Veterinary Services Department course,” explains Dr Lim.

Farmers must also adhere to the department’s Good Animal Husbandry Practices Guide. Other rules apply, like using only non-residential areas and not using heritage buildings.

“A swiftlet landlord can generate RM10,000 to RM20,000 from a standard 20x70-foot (6m x 20m) shoplot by harvesting 2kg to 4kg of birds’ nests monthly!” says Dr Lim.

“But I would only encouage swiftlet farming if you’re hands-on and armed with the correct knowledge because the failure rate is 70% to 80%!”

A potential gold mine

The high risk of failure hasn’t deterred more people from venturing into the industry of late. Gone are the days when swiftlet farmers were retirees with free time. Many in today’s industry are educated professionals seeking an alternative or additional source of income.

A sign of this industry’s growing popularity here is the fact that Dr Lim’s monthly seminars, which he bases on research and observation, are always fully booked. Participants come from throughout Malaysia as well as from Indonesia, Taiwan, and Thailand, all hoping to unlock the secrets of swiftlet farming.

We attend one seminar where we meet a young IT engineer called Kent Ho who has flown in all the way from California.

“Swiftlet farming is a young but promising industry in my homeland of Vietnam,” he says. “I hope to start a farm in Danang, a coastal town south of Hanoi that has potential. It was hard getting solid information on starting out so I’m grateful for this seminar.”

Another participant is Malaysian Dr Mahmood Kechik, an urologist who is building a five-storey “bird bungalow” in his hometown of Kelantan.

“I’ve been monitoring the growth of swiftlet farming for four years and I’m convinced there’s potential. Previously, only royalty could enjoy this delicacy. Nowadays, every Chinese can consume birds’ nests, so there is a huge demand,” he says, adding with a laugh that, “studies show that birds’ nests can benefit pregnant mothers and are also an aphrodisiac!”

Dr Lim, perched on a ladder, using a paint scraper to gently lift up the edges of the nest until he can pluck it off the beam.

Manjung, a small town in Perak, has experienced an exponential boom in swiftlet farming; so much so that the world’s first custom-built accommodation for swiftlets was put up last year.
“We sold all 36 units, some even before we launched the project,” says Loke Yeu Loong, managing director of the Perak Swiftlet Eco Park, which was jointly developed by the Perak State Development Corp and Bio Research Centre (M) Sdn Bhd.

The 7m x 22m (25x75 foot) units, built into a three-storey structure, are priced at RM398,000 each; also available are 18 units of 18m x 32m (60x105 foot) three-storey, semi-detached houses costing RM678,000 each.

“We have identified new sites throughout Malaysia; one each in Pahang, Negri Sembilan, and Selangor; two in Johor; and three in Terengganu. We had thought of venturing into Thailand and Vietnam, but Malaysia will keep us busy for five years!”

Consumer concerns
Despite the viability of swiftlet farming, the industry is clouded in controversy in Malaysia. This is largely due to bad practices by ignorant and irresponsible farmers, and a prevailing idea that consuming birds’ nests is cruel and unhygienic.

Magazine editor Susie Chong, 34, recalls that she was ticked off by an irate reader after writing that she maintains good health and skin by eating birds’ nests.

“This lady angrily asked me, ‘How can you be so cruel as to eat birds’ nests? Where are the poor baby birds going to stay?’,” Chong says.

This is where ethical practices play their part, says Dr Lim.

It is actually in the farmer’s interest to not disturb a nest with young in it; swiflets, like turtles, have a habit of returning to the same place they were born in to breed. By ensuring baby birds grow up safely and leave the nest, a farmer can encourage several generations of the birds to nest in his farm.

What of hygiene concerns? As the birds do not defecate in the nests, and that their food source is insects, this really shouldn’t be a worry, says the doctor. Besides, to eat the nests, one has to double boil them.

Some people also have environmental concerns, as the swiflets are a protected species.
However, Dr Lim adds that farmers are actually doing their bit to preserve the birds by offering alternative breeding grounds to those in the wild that are slowly being eroded by development.
But some are unethical, he admits: “Some farmers wanting to get rich quickly harvest the nest before the eggs are laid, in hopes that the poor mother bird will create a new one. This is silly and risky not to mention being unethical to a creature that is enriching you.”

The doctor has created his own principles for bird nest farming, which he teaches to all his seminar participants: I will not harvest nests that have eggs inside; I will not harvest nests with young birds inside; and I will not cause any form of physical or psychological harm to the birds.
Another common complaint is the noise caused by the artificial chirping relayed through speakers to attract birds to nest.

“I always enjoyed returning to my hometown, Tanjung Sepat (Selangor), for its sea breeze and good food,” says engineer Martin Khoo, 40. “Lately, though, I was horrified to find that many of the upper floors of the shoplots in town, and even some houses, have been converted into swiftlet hotels!

“The chirping goes on incessantly even in the middle of the night. And it’s very unpleasant to tuck into bah-kut-teh while birds fly endlessly above your head,” he says crossly.
Loke of the Perak Swiftlet Eco Park points out that his company believes in housing bird farms on the outskirts of town to help lessen such complaints.

Lack of guidelines
Of course, it would help if there are guidelines to ensure that farms are sited where they won’t be a nuisance.

Even if there were, though, they would be difficult to enforce because no one knows exactly how many farms exist. Different sources give figures ranging from 25,000 to 40,000.

Many are unlicensed, poorly designed, and located incorrectly in residential areas or in heritage buildings.

Though it’s not surprising so many farms are unlicensed; Loke, from Perak’s eco park, points out that there are too many government departments, agencies, and local councils involved.
Beh, of the association of birds’ nests merchants, says there is a clear need for comprehensive guidelines applicable in every state in Malaysia. For instance, a yearly business license in Ipoh is RM120 while in Rompin, Pahang, it costs RM1,200.

Another problem that constrains this industry is that swiftlets are a protected species and, technically, their nests cannot be exported without a license. So most farmers sell their nests to middlemen and cannot reap the full profits.

Even tourists who buy nests legally from retailers cannot take them out of the country – some have had nests confiscated at airports. They must apply for permits from Perhilitan, which can take up to four days to process. And they cost RM200, with an additional export duty of RM100 per kilo.

“It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? Why would tourists want to go through that hassle?” points out Beh. “How can we encourage the purchase of Malaysian-made products when we have rulings like this?

“Surely it’s about time new regulations are made to accommodate this industry’s potential in modern times?”

Many people are also afraid that swiftlet farms will cause or spread bird flu.
But Dr Lim is quick to jump to the defence of his favourite birds: “No health official anywhere in the world has ever found a single strain of avian flu virus among swiftlets.”

He adds that, “Studies have shown that places that have swiftlet farms have reported fewer incidences of dengue fever. A well-run farm has no mosquitoes, as swiftlets consume insects.
“Swiftlets are very clean creatures. They are non-migratory and do not share food or water with other animals. They drink water droplets from the air (hence their penchant for nesting in humid caves) and feed on flying insects.

“I hope more professionals will speak up for swiftlet farming to add credibility to this industry.Knowledge and responsible farming will go far to ensure greater success in this industry.”

Are birdnests really healthy?

Article from The Star

WHILE the consumption of birds' nests has riled some and is misunderstood by others, the Chinese swear by the health properties of these nests created by swiftlets.

A gelatinous bowl of double-boiled birds' nests is believed to slow ageing, improve the complexion, cure coughs, and even improve your sex drive!

Are birds' nests really healthy or are they merely a status symbol prized by the Chinese – all the way since the Tang Dynasty (618CE-907CE), by the way.

"Extracts of birds' nests were found to have a direct stimulating effect on cell renewing and regeneration. They may also slow down the ageing process," says Dr Christopher Lim, kidney specialist, Universiti Putra Malaysia associate professor, and swiftlet farmer.

In Chinese traditional medicine, bird's nest is recommended for a dry, heaty, chronic cough with blood stained phlegm. – File photo courtesy of Eu Yan Sang

Research conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong has discovered that the soluble glycol protein and amino acids (aspartic acid, glutamic acid, praline, theonine, and valine) in the saliva the swiftlets use to construct their nests could strengthen the human immune system and promote good skin.

One of the major components of the carbohydrates found in the saliva is sialic acid. It has been found that exogenous (originating outside the body) sources of sialic acid may contribute to neurological and intellectual advantages in infants.

The birds' saliva also contains glucosamine, a substance that reportedly protects joints from degenerating.

Researchers at the University of Shizuoka in Japan have discovered that extracts from edible bird nests contain anti-flu properties.

Elderly people believe that cave nests are better as it takes up to three hours to double boil them while nests farmed in houses or other manmade structures take only 30 minutes. Dr Lim has a different view, though.

"If the proteins take three hours of double boiling to break down, they might not be easily digested in the human body," he says. "Furthermore, cave nests have a higher sodium and mineral content, which may be unsuitable for those with high blood pressure, kidney stones, or thalassemia.

"Birds' nests are one of the most nutritious organic foods available and are absolutely halal," he adds.
■ Some information sourced from ‘Make Millions from Swiftlet Farming: A Definitive Guide' by Dr Christopher Lim.