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
*******************************************************************************
Thursday August 26, 2010
The Star
WE REFER to the report “Group mulls legal action against Penang govt” (The Star, Aug 24) and wish to express our support for the state government’s initiative to move swiftlet farming away from the city.
My family stays in George Town. About seven years ago, someone set up a swiftlet farm two units away from our pre-war house. Later, several popped up in the vicinity as well and since then, we have to endure the ceaseless noise from the artificial bird sounds broadcast throughout most of the day.
This has severely affected our quality of life. On weekends, when we look forward to just relaxing at home, we have to put up with the aural assault.
The farm owners claim that the noise levels are within approved limits even though to us, it certainly doesn’t sound like it. Please imagine listening to your favourite piece of music, can you tolerate listening to it non-stop for hours, days and months? What more if it is high-pitched shrills.
Research has shown that prolonged and continuous exposure to unwanted noise can have a detrimental effect on one’s stress levels and mental health.
Most of these farm owners don’t stay in or even near the farms they own, yet they have no feelings that their actions are affecting dozens of households. There is an irony here as well. If claims by the Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) that the success rate of swiftlet farming is just 30% are true, that would mean the people living near the other 70% of swiftlet farms are suffering for nothing!
Now we have farm owners like ASNI Penang president threatening to sue the Penang government if they are evicted. But what about the suffering neighbours? Can we sue the swiftlet farm owners for creating a public nuisance?
Dr Kenneth Khoo talks about the 2005 guidelines like it was something set in stone and can never be changed. Many things have changed since. George Town has been granted heritage status, investors both local and abroad have been buying up pre-war buildings and conservation and renovation projects have picked up pace all over the city. With this, businesses and residents will slowly but surely return. George Town has the ability to become a choice destination again.
Swiftlet farm owners in the town area should look beyond their own self-interest. If they are allowed to continue operating, what is there to stop anyone else from setting up another farm? Do you want to see the beautiful George Town turned into a hollowed out city like some smaller towns in Malaysia where most of the residents are swiftlets?
Furthermore, the state government is not even talking about banning swiftlet farming in the state, it is merely trying to move it to a more appropriate area where disturbance to the general public can be minimised.
ELISE LEE,
George Town.
Showing posts with label sound. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sound. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Not so chirpy residents - Country Heights BirdHouse
By PRIYA MENON
priya@thestar.com.my Photo by M. AZHAR | Jul 2, 2010
Massive: The three-storey structure built on a hill next to Country Heights Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.
RESIDENTS of Country Heights Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, are resenting the bird calls they hear every day and night from an illegal bird nest building next door.
The massive three-storey structure built on a hill near the posh neighbourhood has been there for more than six months and attracts a large number of swiftlets into the building.
At first, residents were puzzled by the constant noise from the jungle that never ceased until they discovered the activity.
“We were surprised that the jungle was so noisy, then we found out that an electronic musical sound mimicking birds had been placed inside the building to attract the swiftlets,” said Pete Meehan.
He added that people bought the RM8mil to RM10mil homes to enjoy peace and quiet only to be disturbed by the sound of birds.
According to another resident, Ang Kim Jhew, they have made at least six complaints to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) since April.
“We were later told the problem is under the Department of Environment (DoE) and we complained to them as well. DoE later sent a letter to the DBKL supporting our complaint,” added Ang.
However, no action has been taken so far. They are also worried about environmental issues, including the droppings.
The residents contacted Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng to help them in their task.
“I have checked with the DBKL and they told me that there has been no permit for bird’s nest harvesting in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
Lim and StarMetro visited the site and found another structure being built.
When asked, the Indonesian workers who declined to be named, said the new structure was a section of rooms to be rented out.
The bird’s nest building was also locked and the workers said they did not have the keys to the building.
“We have not harvested the nests yet but there have been many birds coming and in out of the building,” said the worker.
Lim said he would lodge an official statement with the DBKL on behalf of the residents and would give the council two weeks to resolve the problem.
“I will ask that the man running the business be served a notice to close down the place and if the structure is illegal the owner will have to tear that down as well,” he added.
When contacted, DBKL’s corporate communications unit said they were aware of the problem and that the structure was illegal as it was built without a development order.
DBKL confirmed it will be taking action against the businessman as soon as possible.
The man, who did not want to be named, refused to talk to the press.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Ban all swiftlet farming activities
Wednesday May 5, 2010
The Star
SAHABAT Alam Malaysia (SAM) refers to the proposed move by the Penang Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow to move swiftlet breeding activities out of the urban areas.
The problem of swiftlet farming in urban areas has been happening for a long time. However, the problem lies not with the birds but with people when they convert buildings in urban areas into swiftlet farms to harvest the nests. The main issue affecting swiftlet farming operators in the various states is a combination of big profits and a lack of legislation governing the industry, which has seen countless swiftlet farms established illegally in populated areas.
Swiftlet farmers simulate the conditions of a cave in their buildings by installing humidifiers and boarding up vents and windows, leaving only small holes for the swiftlets to enter and exit. Speakers are installed to broadcast bird calls which help lure the swiftlets into the buildings to set up nests.
This has raised the ire of residents affected by the loud noise while the setting up of swiftlet farms in towns may also disrupt business, particularly those in the food business.
Many of these illegal farm operators, in a rush to make a fortune from the swifltet nests, often neglect the welfare and well-being of the birds. Due to their slow breeding cycle, edible nest swiftlets take about one month to build their nests and six weeks for their eggs to hatch.
Some impatient swiftlet farmers may not wait that long and they remove the nests even before the laying and hatching of eggs, or for the fledglings to mature. Causing unnecessary pain, stress or distress to the birds is an offence under the Animal Act 2006. There is hardly any monitoring of the activities of bird nest collectors by either the Veterinary Services department or the Wildlife Department, so how could these two departments ensure that harvesting is done without disturbances to the birds and their young? Moreover, since many are operating without licences, it is difficult to monitor their practices.
Monitoring and inspections are crucial to ensure that taking of nests are done without causing harm to the birds, their eggs and young. Many of these ignorant and irresponsible farmers may not conform to good farming practices to ensure that birds are not deprived of the basic necessities or subjected to cruelty or abuse and mishandling.
In view of all these concerns, SAM reiterates its stand for a ban on swiftlet farming activities and to allow the birds to live in their natural habitat.
SM MOHD IDRIS,
President, Sahabat Alam Malaysia, Penang.
The Star
SAHABAT Alam Malaysia (SAM) refers to the proposed move by the Penang Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow to move swiftlet breeding activities out of the urban areas.
The problem of swiftlet farming in urban areas has been happening for a long time. However, the problem lies not with the birds but with people when they convert buildings in urban areas into swiftlet farms to harvest the nests. The main issue affecting swiftlet farming operators in the various states is a combination of big profits and a lack of legislation governing the industry, which has seen countless swiftlet farms established illegally in populated areas.
Swiftlet farmers simulate the conditions of a cave in their buildings by installing humidifiers and boarding up vents and windows, leaving only small holes for the swiftlets to enter and exit. Speakers are installed to broadcast bird calls which help lure the swiftlets into the buildings to set up nests.
This has raised the ire of residents affected by the loud noise while the setting up of swiftlet farms in towns may also disrupt business, particularly those in the food business.
Many of these illegal farm operators, in a rush to make a fortune from the swifltet nests, often neglect the welfare and well-being of the birds. Due to their slow breeding cycle, edible nest swiftlets take about one month to build their nests and six weeks for their eggs to hatch.
Some impatient swiftlet farmers may not wait that long and they remove the nests even before the laying and hatching of eggs, or for the fledglings to mature. Causing unnecessary pain, stress or distress to the birds is an offence under the Animal Act 2006. There is hardly any monitoring of the activities of bird nest collectors by either the Veterinary Services department or the Wildlife Department, so how could these two departments ensure that harvesting is done without disturbances to the birds and their young? Moreover, since many are operating without licences, it is difficult to monitor their practices.
Monitoring and inspections are crucial to ensure that taking of nests are done without causing harm to the birds, their eggs and young. Many of these ignorant and irresponsible farmers may not conform to good farming practices to ensure that birds are not deprived of the basic necessities or subjected to cruelty or abuse and mishandling.
In view of all these concerns, SAM reiterates its stand for a ban on swiftlet farming activities and to allow the birds to live in their natural habitat.
SM MOHD IDRIS,
President, Sahabat Alam Malaysia, Penang.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Industry players want more govt support
Friday October 30, 2009
The Star
By THO XIN YI
SWIFTLET farming is gaining popularity in the country with many entrepreneurs setting up houses for the birds.
In Selangor alone, there are about 2,000 “hotels” for the swiftlets to build their nests.
One striking feature of the multistorey buildings is the absence of doors and ventilation holes.
Malaysian Federation of Associations of Bird’s Nests Merchants secretary Mah Swee Lye said the industry made its presence felt in the country about 10 years ago.
“Swiftlets began inhabiting vacant shoplots, to the surprise of the owners.
“Gradually, we picked up the know-how from our Indonesian counterparts, who have been in the business for at least 80 years, and brought the knowledge back here,” he said.
Currently, Indonesia still tops the bird’s nest supply chain by catering to 80% of the demand worldwide, followed by Malaysia, Thailand and other South-East Asian countries.
“The competition is intense. A swiftlet farmer needs both expertise and luck to succeed,” Mah said.
The owners of the bird houses do not actually rear the swiftlets.
Instead, they only set up the ‘hotel’ with the right temperature (28°C) and humidity (85%) to provide a suitable habitat, and then install the swiftlet tweeters to attract the birds.
“The swiftlets usually leave the house in the morning to hunt for food, and then return in the evening.
“They can live in the same house for generations,” Mah said.
He added that harvesting the nests did not deprive the birds of a place to stay.
“Swiftlets build nests only when it is time to lay eggs and once the birds learn to fly, the nests can safely be harvested.
“The birds do not sleep in the nests but perch vertically on the wooden planks.
“If their nests have been harvested, they will make new ones when it is time for another reproductive cycle,” Mah said.
The noise and hygiene issues of the industry often draw criticism and objections from the public, but Mah said a responsible farmer could eliminate these potential problems.
“The speakers should be positioned in such a way that they face the sky instead of the opposite buildings, and they should be switched off at night.
“A bird house should also be cleaned every two weeks to clear the faeces but some operators have the misconception that the smell attracts more birds,” he said.
Mah said the bird droppings made good fertiliser.
Nevertheless, the federation is pushing for the new guidelines to be implemented to achieve a win-win situation for the operators and the public.
“The federation’s chairman, Datuk Beh Heng Seong, has recently launched the guidelines in Kedah.
“One of the clauses is that new bird houses can only be constructed in light industrial areas, agricultural land and city outskirts,” Mah said.
He also hoped that the federal government could support and legalise the industry nationwide as the operators had difficulty in obtaining bank loans to start this business.
The Star
By THO XIN YI
SWIFTLET farming is gaining popularity in the country with many entrepreneurs setting up houses for the birds.
In Selangor alone, there are about 2,000 “hotels” for the swiftlets to build their nests.
One striking feature of the multistorey buildings is the absence of doors and ventilation holes.
Malaysian Federation of Associations of Bird’s Nests Merchants secretary Mah Swee Lye said the industry made its presence felt in the country about 10 years ago.
“Swiftlets began inhabiting vacant shoplots, to the surprise of the owners.
“Gradually, we picked up the know-how from our Indonesian counterparts, who have been in the business for at least 80 years, and brought the knowledge back here,” he said.
Currently, Indonesia still tops the bird’s nest supply chain by catering to 80% of the demand worldwide, followed by Malaysia, Thailand and other South-East Asian countries.
“The competition is intense. A swiftlet farmer needs both expertise and luck to succeed,” Mah said.
The owners of the bird houses do not actually rear the swiftlets.
Instead, they only set up the ‘hotel’ with the right temperature (28°C) and humidity (85%) to provide a suitable habitat, and then install the swiftlet tweeters to attract the birds.
“The swiftlets usually leave the house in the morning to hunt for food, and then return in the evening.
“They can live in the same house for generations,” Mah said.
He added that harvesting the nests did not deprive the birds of a place to stay.
“Swiftlets build nests only when it is time to lay eggs and once the birds learn to fly, the nests can safely be harvested.
“The birds do not sleep in the nests but perch vertically on the wooden planks.
“If their nests have been harvested, they will make new ones when it is time for another reproductive cycle,” Mah said.
The noise and hygiene issues of the industry often draw criticism and objections from the public, but Mah said a responsible farmer could eliminate these potential problems.
“The speakers should be positioned in such a way that they face the sky instead of the opposite buildings, and they should be switched off at night.
“A bird house should also be cleaned every two weeks to clear the faeces but some operators have the misconception that the smell attracts more birds,” he said.
Mah said the bird droppings made good fertiliser.
Nevertheless, the federation is pushing for the new guidelines to be implemented to achieve a win-win situation for the operators and the public.
“The federation’s chairman, Datuk Beh Heng Seong, has recently launched the guidelines in Kedah.
“One of the clauses is that new bird houses can only be constructed in light industrial areas, agricultural land and city outskirts,” Mah said.
He also hoped that the federal government could support and legalise the industry nationwide as the operators had difficulty in obtaining bank loans to start this business.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
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.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
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.
.
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.
.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Sarawak cracks down on illegal swiftlet breeders
Wednesday February 18, 2009
By JACK WONG
By JACK WONG
KUCHING: Sarawak Forestry Corporation has launched a crackdown on over 1,500 unlicensed swiftlet breeders.
The operations, which started in major towns yesterday, came after the deadline to the breeders to dismantle their illegal operations expired on Dec 31.
Crackdown: An enforcement officer dismantling the lock to one of the shophouses during the operation against illegal swiftlet rearing in Kuching yesterday.
Forestry head of corporate communications Zulkifli Baba Noor said building owners would be asked to produce valid licences for swiftlet farming when enforcement officers check their premises.
“If they fail to produce the licences, the officers will have to remove the sound systems, nests and eggs,” he told The Star.
He said 732 applications for swiftlet farming had been received and the relevant agencies, including Natural Resources and Environment Board, were studying the applications.
There are now only two licensed farms statewide.
An enforcement team, accompanied by police and City South Council health and enforcement
officers, began its operations at a row of four-storey shophouses at Three Hills Park, Jalan Foochow, here. Most of the upper floors of the shophouses have been used for swiftlet farming.
Sarawak Birdnest Imports and Exports Association president Tsai Mui Leong, one of the affected breeders, appealed for a five-year grace period to relocate their operations.
He said many breeders applied three months ago for licences to relocate but had yet to obtain the approvals.
“Give us the licences and we will comply with the various conditions.
“The authorities can come and inspect our operations monthly. This would be a win-win situation,” he told reporters.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
One-year reprieve for swiflet breeders
Saturday December 20, 2008
The Star
THE state government has brought good as well as bad news to swif-let breeders operating in residential premises in Penang.
They can continue with their operations for another one year as it has extended the three-year moratorium which will expire end of the month.
This, said State Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, is to enable the state to review the current industry policies and guidelines.
However, he said the breeders in George Town’s heritage area must put a stop to the playing of the swiftlet song recordings.
“They must also tear down all illegal extensions.
“During the extension period, all new applications for swiftlet breeding licenses will be frozen until new guidelines and policies are formulated,” he said in a statement yesterday. Abdul Malik said the one-year extension was decided by the newly-established Swiftlet Industry Management Committee which met on Dec 11.
He said the extension was to enable the committee to study the current guidelines and policies and make the necessary amendments.
He said two new sub-committees had also been created to study the short and long-term management of the swiftlet industry.
“The Swiftlet Industry Technical Management Committee (short term) will be handled by the state’s Local Government unit and will concentrate on helping swiftlet operators deal with the new deadline.
“The long-term committee, on the other hand, will be put under the Veterinary Services Depart-ment and it will be responsible for studying the relocation of swiftlet breeding areas to more appropriate locations like an eco-park or agricultural zone,” he said.
A ban on swiftlet breeding activities in residential premises was announced in November 2005 and operators who could not comply with the regulations were given three years to relocate.
There are currently more than 100 breeders still operating from houses in George Town.
The Star
THE state government has brought good as well as bad news to swif-let breeders operating in residential premises in Penang.
They can continue with their operations for another one year as it has extended the three-year moratorium which will expire end of the month.
This, said State Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, is to enable the state to review the current industry policies and guidelines.
However, he said the breeders in George Town’s heritage area must put a stop to the playing of the swiftlet song recordings.
“They must also tear down all illegal extensions.
“During the extension period, all new applications for swiftlet breeding licenses will be frozen until new guidelines and policies are formulated,” he said in a statement yesterday. Abdul Malik said the one-year extension was decided by the newly-established Swiftlet Industry Management Committee which met on Dec 11.
He said the extension was to enable the committee to study the current guidelines and policies and make the necessary amendments.
He said two new sub-committees had also been created to study the short and long-term management of the swiftlet industry.
“The Swiftlet Industry Technical Management Committee (short term) will be handled by the state’s Local Government unit and will concentrate on helping swiftlet operators deal with the new deadline.
“The long-term committee, on the other hand, will be put under the Veterinary Services Depart-ment and it will be responsible for studying the relocation of swiftlet breeding areas to more appropriate locations like an eco-park or agricultural zone,” he said.
A ban on swiftlet breeding activities in residential premises was announced in November 2005 and operators who could not comply with the regulations were given three years to relocate.
There are currently more than 100 breeders still operating from houses in George Town.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Rising investments in swiftlet farming boost Malaysia’s bird nest exports
Saturday December 13, 2008
The Star
Stories By ERROL OH
ALL businesses are built on blood, sweat and tears, at least in the figurative sense. But one industry thrives on another bodily fluid – saliva. Bird saliva, that is. And not just any bird. It has to be the swiftlet, whose nests of hardened spit have been a delicacy treasured by the Chinese for centuries.
Depending on the quality, marketplace and timing, a kilogramme of unprocessed edible bird nest can fetch a few thousand ringgit.
The processing, a tedious and labour-intensive affair, typically doubles the value of the nests. Quoting a senior Sabah government official, a news report early last month says bird nest is sold at RM4,000 to RM18,000 per kg.
The global market is said to be worth billions of ringgit. Thanks to its head start of 20 years or so in swiftlet farming on a commercial scale, Indonesia supplies 70% to 80% of the bird nests consumed worldwide, mainly in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Macau, Singapore and North America.
Heng believes swiftlet farming is a great investment opportunity
However, swiftlet farming is an increasingly visible business in Malaysia. Given the high rate of innovation and adoption here, there is a good chance of Malaysia growing its current market share of about 10%.
(Some people use the words ranching or breeding instead of farming. Actually, none is accurate because the operators merely provide a nesting environment for the birds, which come and go freely. Perhaps a more appropriate term is swiftlet hosting.)
Dr Christopher Lim, a nephrologist who has succeeded as a part-time swiftlet farmer and has authored a how-to book on the subject, says there are about 22,000 swiftlet farms (also known as swiftlet hotels, swiftlet houses or birdhouses) in Malaysia. He estimates that there are 200 new ones every month.
This explains the increasing frequency of complaints from residents and business owners about birdhouses in their neighbourhoods.
If you happen to be near swiftlet farms, it will not take you long to notice them. You will hear loud, piercing chirps filling the sky. This comes from CDs that are played to attract the birds. And if you look around, you are likely to spot windowless buildings (usually shophouses) that have been renovated or built to host feathered occupants.
Birdhouse boom
The list of towns that have become known for this activity is lengthening. There are such places in just about every state. What these towns usually have in common are proximity to agricultural and forest land, and relatively low levels of industrial activity.
The first element is important because farms, plantations and jungles support the swiftlets’ diet of flying insects. The lack of factories in the vicinity matters because air pollution is anathema to the birds.
You can find many swiftlet farms in Perak (in Sitiawan, Ipoh, Teluk Intan and Taiping, for example), Pahang (Kuantan, Rompin, Pekan), Kelantan (Kota Baru, Tumpat), Terengganu (Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Besut) and Kedah (Sungai Petani).
Even the more developed states, such as Selangor, Johor and Penang have their share of areas that have attracted investments in swiftlet farming.
Mohammad says guidelines on acceptable practices in swiftlet farming are available
Until recently, the industry in Malaysia had maintained a low profile. The operators that were doing well were unwilling to share information and knowledge. The secrets to profitable swiftlet farming stayed within a tight circle and this was a major barrier to entry.
Still, there is no holding back the desire to make money. Despite the lack of transparency, the trickle of newcomers had eventually led to a critical mass that kicked the doors wide open some five years ago.
The key attraction here is the lure of lucrative returns from a passive investment. The idea is simple – put up a well-designed and well-equipped swiftlet farm at the right spot, and the rest will fall in place. The birds will come and soon, you can keep harvesting their nests for many years.
“It’s a gold mine,” says Mohammad Azimullah, manager of Swiftlets Venture International (SVI), a consultancy outfit.
“You put in RM500,000 and if your location is good, you can net RM1mil a year within four years. Where else in the world can you find such a business?”
Kelvin Heng of Pearlnest, which does trading and consulting work, is convinced that swiftlet farming is currently the best investment opportunity in Malaysia.
He explains: “You invest only once. You don’t have to come out with money every month to pay maintenance and workers’ salaries. If the farm is successful, you can collect thousands of ringgit every month.”
On a wing and a prayer
There are, of course, a lot of ifs and buts to deal within this fledgeling industry. A lot of people have rushed into it and many of them have crashed and burned.
Lim reckons that about 80% of the birdhouses in Malaysia are failed projects.
Mohammad of SVI has a slightly different take. He says the failure rate is 60%, but adds that of the rest, half are considered only marginally successful.
The concept of swiftlet farming is uncomplicated, but the execution is technically challenging if the farmers do not understand what makes the birds tick.
Many parameters determine the suitability of a farm’s location, and these include food availability, weather and geographical conditions, and nearby industrial activities.
The design of the birdhouse can be equally tricky. In the wild, swiftlets nest in caves. So, the idea is to simulate a cave environment, which means temperature, lighting, humidity, smell and space are often make-or-break features.
In addition, well-designed birdhouses make it easy for the swiftlets to fly in and out and to nest. They should also be built in such a way so as to protect the birds from predators and to minimise antagonising the neighbours.
The last objective is crucial because many times, the local authorities have shut down swiftlet farming operations following objections from other rate-payers.
A common problem is the noise from the birdcall recordings. Lim blames this on the farmers’ ignorance.
“If you know how to properly design and run the farms, the neighbours won’t be bothered by the sounds. You want to attract birds, not humans,” he argues.
Heng of Pearlnest agrees: “The farmers turn up the volume like it’s karaoke. You have to be considerate. And you don’t have to play the sound the whole day. There’s no point in that anyway.”
SVI’s Mohammad points out that the Veterinary Services Department and some local authorities have already come up with guidelines on acceptable practices in swiftlet farming. Therefore, the best way for swiftlet farmers to safeguard their investments is to just stick to the rules.
He says: “People should go for purpose-built birdhouses. We never recommend building birdhouses in shophouses.” He foresees that in 10 years, the practice of converting shophouses into bird farms will be outlawed.
The Star
Stories By ERROL OH
ALL businesses are built on blood, sweat and tears, at least in the figurative sense. But one industry thrives on another bodily fluid – saliva. Bird saliva, that is. And not just any bird. It has to be the swiftlet, whose nests of hardened spit have been a delicacy treasured by the Chinese for centuries.
Depending on the quality, marketplace and timing, a kilogramme of unprocessed edible bird nest can fetch a few thousand ringgit.
The processing, a tedious and labour-intensive affair, typically doubles the value of the nests. Quoting a senior Sabah government official, a news report early last month says bird nest is sold at RM4,000 to RM18,000 per kg.
The global market is said to be worth billions of ringgit. Thanks to its head start of 20 years or so in swiftlet farming on a commercial scale, Indonesia supplies 70% to 80% of the bird nests consumed worldwide, mainly in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Macau, Singapore and North America.
Heng believes swiftlet farming is a great investment opportunity
However, swiftlet farming is an increasingly visible business in Malaysia. Given the high rate of innovation and adoption here, there is a good chance of Malaysia growing its current market share of about 10%.
(Some people use the words ranching or breeding instead of farming. Actually, none is accurate because the operators merely provide a nesting environment for the birds, which come and go freely. Perhaps a more appropriate term is swiftlet hosting.)
Dr Christopher Lim, a nephrologist who has succeeded as a part-time swiftlet farmer and has authored a how-to book on the subject, says there are about 22,000 swiftlet farms (also known as swiftlet hotels, swiftlet houses or birdhouses) in Malaysia. He estimates that there are 200 new ones every month.
This explains the increasing frequency of complaints from residents and business owners about birdhouses in their neighbourhoods.
If you happen to be near swiftlet farms, it will not take you long to notice them. You will hear loud, piercing chirps filling the sky. This comes from CDs that are played to attract the birds. And if you look around, you are likely to spot windowless buildings (usually shophouses) that have been renovated or built to host feathered occupants.
Birdhouse boom
The list of towns that have become known for this activity is lengthening. There are such places in just about every state. What these towns usually have in common are proximity to agricultural and forest land, and relatively low levels of industrial activity.
The first element is important because farms, plantations and jungles support the swiftlets’ diet of flying insects. The lack of factories in the vicinity matters because air pollution is anathema to the birds.
You can find many swiftlet farms in Perak (in Sitiawan, Ipoh, Teluk Intan and Taiping, for example), Pahang (Kuantan, Rompin, Pekan), Kelantan (Kota Baru, Tumpat), Terengganu (Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Besut) and Kedah (Sungai Petani).
Even the more developed states, such as Selangor, Johor and Penang have their share of areas that have attracted investments in swiftlet farming.
Mohammad says guidelines on acceptable practices in swiftlet farming are available
Until recently, the industry in Malaysia had maintained a low profile. The operators that were doing well were unwilling to share information and knowledge. The secrets to profitable swiftlet farming stayed within a tight circle and this was a major barrier to entry.
Still, there is no holding back the desire to make money. Despite the lack of transparency, the trickle of newcomers had eventually led to a critical mass that kicked the doors wide open some five years ago.
The key attraction here is the lure of lucrative returns from a passive investment. The idea is simple – put up a well-designed and well-equipped swiftlet farm at the right spot, and the rest will fall in place. The birds will come and soon, you can keep harvesting their nests for many years.
“It’s a gold mine,” says Mohammad Azimullah, manager of Swiftlets Venture International (SVI), a consultancy outfit.
“You put in RM500,000 and if your location is good, you can net RM1mil a year within four years. Where else in the world can you find such a business?”
Kelvin Heng of Pearlnest, which does trading and consulting work, is convinced that swiftlet farming is currently the best investment opportunity in Malaysia.
He explains: “You invest only once. You don’t have to come out with money every month to pay maintenance and workers’ salaries. If the farm is successful, you can collect thousands of ringgit every month.”
On a wing and a prayer
There are, of course, a lot of ifs and buts to deal within this fledgeling industry. A lot of people have rushed into it and many of them have crashed and burned.
Lim reckons that about 80% of the birdhouses in Malaysia are failed projects.
Mohammad of SVI has a slightly different take. He says the failure rate is 60%, but adds that of the rest, half are considered only marginally successful.
The concept of swiftlet farming is uncomplicated, but the execution is technically challenging if the farmers do not understand what makes the birds tick.
Many parameters determine the suitability of a farm’s location, and these include food availability, weather and geographical conditions, and nearby industrial activities.
The design of the birdhouse can be equally tricky. In the wild, swiftlets nest in caves. So, the idea is to simulate a cave environment, which means temperature, lighting, humidity, smell and space are often make-or-break features.
In addition, well-designed birdhouses make it easy for the swiftlets to fly in and out and to nest. They should also be built in such a way so as to protect the birds from predators and to minimise antagonising the neighbours.
The last objective is crucial because many times, the local authorities have shut down swiftlet farming operations following objections from other rate-payers.
A common problem is the noise from the birdcall recordings. Lim blames this on the farmers’ ignorance.
“If you know how to properly design and run the farms, the neighbours won’t be bothered by the sounds. You want to attract birds, not humans,” he argues.
Heng of Pearlnest agrees: “The farmers turn up the volume like it’s karaoke. You have to be considerate. And you don’t have to play the sound the whole day. There’s no point in that anyway.”
SVI’s Mohammad points out that the Veterinary Services Department and some local authorities have already come up with guidelines on acceptable practices in swiftlet farming. Therefore, the best way for swiftlet farmers to safeguard their investments is to just stick to the rules.
He says: “People should go for purpose-built birdhouses. We never recommend building birdhouses in shophouses.” He foresees that in 10 years, the practice of converting shophouses into bird farms will be outlawed.
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