Friday January 21, 2011
The Star
LABIS: Swiftlet breeding premises must have a computer chip detailing their locations so that the authorities can identify them if the public lodges complaints about noise and health pollution.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong said the tracking system, which was imposed following the introduction of the National Swiftlet Industry Guidelines approved by the Cabinet recently, would enable the ministry to track them via GPS (global positioning system).
“It will be difficult to locate the premises if the chip is not installed because many do not have details of their addresses, including road names.
“The ministry has received many complaints from the public.
“They are worried about the impact of these premises on their health.
“Such places can create environment and noise pollution, too,” he said after closing a swiftlet industry seminar yesterday.
Chua said swiftlet breeders in Negri Sembilan had started to install the chip and he hoped all industry members would follow suit in the next three years.
“Malaysia’s current export of bird’s nest is expected to reach RM5bil by 2020 and it is important that the industry be regulated to meet all the requirements to allow healthy growth,” he added.
Chua said swiftlet operators must also seek certification from the Veterinary Services Department before they could export their produce.
He added that China, one of the largest importers of bird’s nest from Malaysia, wanted regulations to be in place to ensure proper product quality control was maintained.
Chua said the guidelines also covered other aspects like the location of premises, processing of bird’s nest, importing and exporting procedures, and the creation of environment-friendly premises.
Showing posts with label swiftlet farming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label swiftlet farming. Show all posts
Friday, January 21, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Sarawakians going into swiftlet farming in a big way
Monday January 17, 2011
The Star
By JACK WONG
jackwong@thestar.com.my
KUCHING: Sarawakians are flocking to the lucrative swiftlet farming business as more and more bird houses are being set up in the state.
Sarawak Bird's Nest Suppliers Association secretary Colin Wong Chung Onn said there was an estimated 5,000 swiftlet houses statewide with many more under construction.
“The number of swiftlet houses has more than doubled compared with a year ago,” he told StarBiz.
About 60% of these houses are found in the Mukah and Sarikei divisions in central Sarawak mostly along the coastal areas.
Unprocessed swiftlet nests have a market price of between RM3,000 and RM5,000 per kg compared with at least RM7,000 per kg for processed nests.
Unlike Peninsula Malaysia, Sarawak is a late starter in commercial swiftlet farming.
It is learnt that the state authorities, in consultation with the industry players, are drafting comprehensive guidelines to regulate the development of the industry.
Acting on environmental and health concerns, the state authorities had investigated more than 400 illegal farms last year, said Sarawak Assistant Minister for Planning and Resource Management Naroden Majais.
He said the construction of swiftlet farms was being closely monitored to prevent illegal operations.
Naroden said two licences were needed for commercial swiftlet farming - one to construct the building for the swiftlets to nest and the second for the rearing of the birds.
Some 250 licences to construct buildings and a handful to rear the birds have been approved.
Wong said big-time investors were constructing double or three-storey concrete shophouses to rear the swiftlets while the smaller ones, like farmers and fishermen, were building wooden houses.
Unoccupied or under-utilised shophouses and residential houses have been converted into swiftlet farms.
He said it would cost about RM400,000 (excluding land), to build a three-storey shophouse (36ft x 76ft) for swiftlet farming.
Sarawak's first swiftlet eco-park, a RM40mil joint-venture between state Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Borneo Resources Synergy Sdn Bhd is expected to be ready in Balingian, Mukah division within the Sarawak Corridor for Renewable Energy by next year.
The park will have 40 three-storey units and 15 three-storey bungalow units.
The SEDC has been tasked by the Sarawak government to spearhead the development of swiftlet farming on a well-planned, sustainable and eco-friendly manner.
Similar eco-parks have been planned for other parts of the state.
Wong said some pioneer swiftlet houses in Paloh, Mukah division could each produce up to 3kg of swiftlet nests a month.
“Unprocessed swiftlet nests fetch a market price of between RM3,000 and RM5,000 per kg compared with at least RM7,000 per kg for the processed nests.”
Some of the raw nests are being sold by middlemen to Indonesia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
He said based on a conservative estimate of the 5,000 bird houses producing an average 0.5kg of nests a month, this would mean a yearly production of 3,000kg. At an average market price of RM3,500 per kg, it would generate RM10.5mil per annum for the Sarawak economy.
Sarawak's production of swiftlet nests, Naroden said was 2,854kg last year, up from 2,095kg in 2008.
For the first 10 months of last year, 1,757kg valued at RM7mil were produced.
Naroden said China was the biggest market for edible swiftlet nests, followed by Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia.
Wong said the production of swiftlet nests from caves, like Niah Cave in Miri, had been on the decline over the years because of over-harvesting.
Although swiftlet farming is potentially lucrative, he said there were investors who had not been successful in their ventures due to several factors.
“Choosing the right location to site the swiftlet houses is vital, otherwise it will take a longer time to attract the birds.
“Other important factors are the design and conditions, like temperature and humidity, of the houses,” he added.
According to an investor, the returns from successful swiftlet farming was comparatively higher than most businesses.
He said a two-storey swiftlet house (20ft x 60ft which costs between RM250,000 and RM300,000 to build) could produce between 36kg and 48kg of nests a year (worth between RM144,000 and RM192,000 based on RM4,000 per kg) from the fourth year of operation.
“Once in operation,it will take at least 18 months for the first collection of the nests. Production will gradually increase with more swiftlets nesting,” he added.
For the most successful operator, it would take about five years to fully recover the costs to build the swiftlet houses and related facilities, adding that from then on, the profits would be high.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Guidelines on swiftlet farming being drawn
Jan 25, 2011
The Starg
SANDAKAN: Sabah is preparing policy guidelines for swiftlet farming in the state following a decision last April to ban the activity in major urban centres.
State Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai said the guidelines were being drawn up.
He said this during a Chinese New Year walkabout at Bandar Ramai Ramai by Parti Bersatu Sabah leaders recently.
The minister was replying to a question from New Sabah Times on the existence of swiftlet farming activities in urban areas despite the ban.
To another question whether the ban was in force, Yee said he was not aware of it as the guidelines for bird’s nest farming in the state was being drawn.
Last April, Dr Yee announced the state government’s ban on swiftlet farming in urban centres statewide was for environmental, health and cleanliness purposes.
Friday, December 31, 2010
No new permits for swiftlet breeding in Kajang
Friday December 31, 2010
The Star
By OH ING YEEN
ingyeen@thestar.com.my
THE Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) will not approve new applications for swiftlet breeding in commercial and residential areas until the Selangor government’s guidelines are drawn out, council president Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman said.
Councillor S.T. Chandramohan added that no action would be taken against existing swiftlet breeders.
“However, under the council’s Street, Drainage and Building Act, breeding of animals is not allowed in commercial and residential areas.
“Under the same Act, swiftlet breeders in commercial and residential areas are also at fault for the misuse of premises,” Chandramohan said.
On the issue on under-performing contractors, he said although a contractor is blacklisted, he might apply for jobs through another company.
“The council’s new policy is that when a particular contractor does not perform, he should not be given new projects,” he said.
It was also highlighted at the meeting that a stop-work order was issued to the owner of the Hulu Langat MCA branch building.
“We received complaints that illegal extensions were built and the council’s building unit have verified this. They applied for a fourth floor to be added and it was rejected for several reasons but they continued building it. They will have to demolish it,” Chandramohan said.
He added that until now the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has yet to approve the building plans as this did not follow requirements.
“DID advised them to strengthen the river banks but instead of doing that, one part of the wall has encroached the river.”
Kajang assemblyman Lee Kim Sin added that this affected the river flow.
Chandramohan also pointed out that a stop-work order was issued earlier because they had built a substation in the car park.
Meanwhile, in response to the state’s decision to ban the 1Malaysia logo, the council is covering those found at bus stops in the municipality.
“We will place bus schedules over the logo,” Hassan Nawawi said.
It was also announced at the meeting that upgrading work for 96 bus stops have been completed.
Funds for the project amounting to RM2.3mil were allocated by the Federal Government.
The Star
By OH ING YEEN
ingyeen@thestar.com.my
THE Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) will not approve new applications for swiftlet breeding in commercial and residential areas until the Selangor government’s guidelines are drawn out, council president Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman said.
Councillor S.T. Chandramohan added that no action would be taken against existing swiftlet breeders.
“However, under the council’s Street, Drainage and Building Act, breeding of animals is not allowed in commercial and residential areas.
“Under the same Act, swiftlet breeders in commercial and residential areas are also at fault for the misuse of premises,” Chandramohan said.
On the issue on under-performing contractors, he said although a contractor is blacklisted, he might apply for jobs through another company.
“The council’s new policy is that when a particular contractor does not perform, he should not be given new projects,” he said.
It was also highlighted at the meeting that a stop-work order was issued to the owner of the Hulu Langat MCA branch building.
“We received complaints that illegal extensions were built and the council’s building unit have verified this. They applied for a fourth floor to be added and it was rejected for several reasons but they continued building it. They will have to demolish it,” Chandramohan said.
He added that until now the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has yet to approve the building plans as this did not follow requirements.
“DID advised them to strengthen the river banks but instead of doing that, one part of the wall has encroached the river.”
Kajang assemblyman Lee Kim Sin added that this affected the river flow.
Chandramohan also pointed out that a stop-work order was issued earlier because they had built a substation in the car park.
Meanwhile, in response to the state’s decision to ban the 1Malaysia logo, the council is covering those found at bus stops in the municipality.
“We will place bus schedules over the logo,” Hassan Nawawi said.
It was also announced at the meeting that upgrading work for 96 bus stops have been completed.
Funds for the project amounting to RM2.3mil were allocated by the Federal Government.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Temporary licences for swiftlet farms
Wednesday December 22, 2010
The Star
By ELAN PERUMAL
elan@thestar.com.my
OPERATORS of swiftlet farms in Selangor have been asked to apply for temporary licences from their respective local authorities.
The Selangor Government has decided to legalise swiftlet farms in a temporary move while awaiting the standard guidelines to be ready.
State local government committee chairman Ronnie Liu said they were finalising the details of the licensing conditions.
He said the standard guidelines would be ready in six months.
He added that the move was necessary for the local authorities to collect licensing fee from the operators.
“The swiftlet operators have been operating farms without paying any form of licensing fees and this has resulted in a loss of income for the local authorities.
“Now, the local authorities will be able to get some revenue from the swiflet breeders.
“We are also working closely with the Veterinary Department on the details of the licensing conditions,’’ he said.
Liu said applications from those operating at high-density areas, including towns, would not be entertained.
“However, consideration will be given to those who are operating at remote areas,’’ he said.
The Star
By ELAN PERUMAL
elan@thestar.com.my
OPERATORS of swiftlet farms in Selangor have been asked to apply for temporary licences from their respective local authorities.
The Selangor Government has decided to legalise swiftlet farms in a temporary move while awaiting the standard guidelines to be ready.
State local government committee chairman Ronnie Liu said they were finalising the details of the licensing conditions.
He said the standard guidelines would be ready in six months.
He added that the move was necessary for the local authorities to collect licensing fee from the operators.
“The swiftlet operators have been operating farms without paying any form of licensing fees and this has resulted in a loss of income for the local authorities.
“Now, the local authorities will be able to get some revenue from the swiflet breeders.
“We are also working closely with the Veterinary Department on the details of the licensing conditions,’’ he said.
Liu said applications from those operating at high-density areas, including towns, would not be entertained.
“However, consideration will be given to those who are operating at remote areas,’’ he said.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Investing in less well-known asset classes
Saturday November 27, 2010
By JEEVA ARULAMPALAM
jeeva@thestar.com.my
TO part with one's hard-earned money is painful but to lose it completely in an investment gone awry is heartbreaking. With various investment tools and schemes coming to market, investors are inundated with choices.
While many investors opt for more well-known asset classes such as equities, bonds, properties and money markets, there are also those who are game to try a less popular option interest schemes.
According to the Companies Commission of Malaysia, interest schemes have been in existence for more than 20 years in Malaysia.
The commission says that properly registered and well-managed interest schemes could play a major role in contributing to the growth of the Malaysian economy and provide an alternative mode of fund raising through participation in a variety of business models.
There are seven types of registered interest schemes in Malaysia the sale of memberships by golf clubs, recreational clubs, marinas, time-sharing, fitness clubs, the sale of license for use of urns and burial plots by memorial parks, and the sale of growers' plot in share-farming schemes.
Local investors may be familiar with two registered share-farming schemes Country Heights Grower Scheme and Golden Palm Growers Scheme which allow investors to reap returns by purchasing oil palm plantation plots.
The latest edition to join the two existing share-farming schemes is Malaysia's first legalised edible-birdnest Swiftlet Ranching Share Farming Interest Scheme by Swiflet Eco Park Bhd.
According to the scheme's prospectus dated Sept 9, the management company plans to set up an interest scheme for a 35 year duration that involves edible-birdnest swiflet ranching and offer units for sale to the public. Some 2,060 interest scheme units will be sold to the public at RM10,000 per unit.
The company has been conducting seminars across Malaysia on its interest scheme. The current prospectus will expire next March and a new prospectus will be issued every six months.
Swiftlet Eco Park is part of a holding company that is involved in the planning, development, construction and marketing of customed-built and licensed swiftlet farms.
According to the group's website, its first project in Manjung, Perak was developed in collaboration with the Perak State Development Corp. The group is developing 14 other similar projects all over Malaysia and targets to complete 25 projects with 1,000 licensed buildings over the next three years at a gross development value of RM500mil.
Aside from upstream activities of swiflet ranching, the group is also involved in the downstream business such as the collection and buying of raw bird's nest and its processing. It also does manufacturing, branding, wholesale, retail, direct selling, setting up chain stores and research and development.
The company's chief executive officer CH Tan tells StarBizWeek that the group is looking at an integrated approach of upstream and downstream business, given the global demand for the edible swiftlet nest industry.
It is estimated that there are some 50,000 (bird) buildings in this country and that is expected to double by 2015. The raw unprocessed edible-birdnest price ranges between RM4,000-RM5,000 per kg while the processed price ranges from RM11,000-RM19,000 per kg, he says.
It has been reported that Malaysia is looking to table a swiftlet industry guideline in Cabinet to provide a framework for the industry to operate in a sustainable manner and place the country ahead of leading bird's nest producers like Indonesia and Thailand.
Tan says the Swiftlet Ranching Share Farming scheme, which has drawn interest from foreign and local investors alike, has appointed PB Trustee Services Bhd as the trustee for investors' monies. The appointment of the trustee was verified by StarBizWeek.
The monies will be held by the trustee during the cooling-off period and upon release of the funds for the construction of the bird buildings, the land title, grant and buildings will be kept under the trustee, Tan adds.
The prospectus also highlights the various risks associated with the swiftlet industry such as the changes in world demand for edible birdnest, price fluctuations of edible birdnest, threat of bird flu and other disease outbreaks and changes in the regulatory and economic conditions.
As with all investments, financial services practitioners do caution investors to carry-out their own checks before investing.
Understandably, there are those who are also wary of such schemes. Some financial planners contacted say they would prefer to stay clear from interest schemes that pose high risk and have no means of safeguarding investors' capital.
It is important for potential investors to do some homework, as in all other forms of investments.
Among the fundamentals investors should check for include an investment's legitimacy, the underlying business model, the risks, whether their principal is intact and/or repaid, guarantees, authorities' approvals, the underlying founders/promoters, other competition or such schemes in the market, says NewAsia Capital Sdn Bhd associate director Sherilyn Foong.
Foong says that investors need to realise that with any investment scheme, there is no such thing as zero risk for high returns.
There are many such schemes with different underlying income-generating assets or businesses in the market. Investors should look at the scheme to detect any ponzi-like or pyramid features, she adds.
Her advice is simple if the investor is happy with the commensurate risks and returns as well as the potential worst case scenario, then the investor can proceed to invest.
By JEEVA ARULAMPALAM
jeeva@thestar.com.my
TO part with one's hard-earned money is painful but to lose it completely in an investment gone awry is heartbreaking. With various investment tools and schemes coming to market, investors are inundated with choices.
While many investors opt for more well-known asset classes such as equities, bonds, properties and money markets, there are also those who are game to try a less popular option interest schemes.
According to the Companies Commission of Malaysia, interest schemes have been in existence for more than 20 years in Malaysia.
The commission says that properly registered and well-managed interest schemes could play a major role in contributing to the growth of the Malaysian economy and provide an alternative mode of fund raising through participation in a variety of business models.
There are seven types of registered interest schemes in Malaysia the sale of memberships by golf clubs, recreational clubs, marinas, time-sharing, fitness clubs, the sale of license for use of urns and burial plots by memorial parks, and the sale of growers' plot in share-farming schemes.
Local investors may be familiar with two registered share-farming schemes Country Heights Grower Scheme and Golden Palm Growers Scheme which allow investors to reap returns by purchasing oil palm plantation plots.
The latest edition to join the two existing share-farming schemes is Malaysia's first legalised edible-birdnest Swiftlet Ranching Share Farming Interest Scheme by Swiflet Eco Park Bhd.
According to the scheme's prospectus dated Sept 9, the management company plans to set up an interest scheme for a 35 year duration that involves edible-birdnest swiflet ranching and offer units for sale to the public. Some 2,060 interest scheme units will be sold to the public at RM10,000 per unit.
The company has been conducting seminars across Malaysia on its interest scheme. The current prospectus will expire next March and a new prospectus will be issued every six months.
Swiftlet Eco Park is part of a holding company that is involved in the planning, development, construction and marketing of customed-built and licensed swiftlet farms.
According to the group's website, its first project in Manjung, Perak was developed in collaboration with the Perak State Development Corp. The group is developing 14 other similar projects all over Malaysia and targets to complete 25 projects with 1,000 licensed buildings over the next three years at a gross development value of RM500mil.
Aside from upstream activities of swiflet ranching, the group is also involved in the downstream business such as the collection and buying of raw bird's nest and its processing. It also does manufacturing, branding, wholesale, retail, direct selling, setting up chain stores and research and development.
The company's chief executive officer CH Tan tells StarBizWeek that the group is looking at an integrated approach of upstream and downstream business, given the global demand for the edible swiftlet nest industry.
It is estimated that there are some 50,000 (bird) buildings in this country and that is expected to double by 2015. The raw unprocessed edible-birdnest price ranges between RM4,000-RM5,000 per kg while the processed price ranges from RM11,000-RM19,000 per kg, he says.
It has been reported that Malaysia is looking to table a swiftlet industry guideline in Cabinet to provide a framework for the industry to operate in a sustainable manner and place the country ahead of leading bird's nest producers like Indonesia and Thailand.
Tan says the Swiftlet Ranching Share Farming scheme, which has drawn interest from foreign and local investors alike, has appointed PB Trustee Services Bhd as the trustee for investors' monies. The appointment of the trustee was verified by StarBizWeek.
The monies will be held by the trustee during the cooling-off period and upon release of the funds for the construction of the bird buildings, the land title, grant and buildings will be kept under the trustee, Tan adds.
The prospectus also highlights the various risks associated with the swiftlet industry such as the changes in world demand for edible birdnest, price fluctuations of edible birdnest, threat of bird flu and other disease outbreaks and changes in the regulatory and economic conditions.
As with all investments, financial services practitioners do caution investors to carry-out their own checks before investing.
Understandably, there are those who are also wary of such schemes. Some financial planners contacted say they would prefer to stay clear from interest schemes that pose high risk and have no means of safeguarding investors' capital.
It is important for potential investors to do some homework, as in all other forms of investments.
Among the fundamentals investors should check for include an investment's legitimacy, the underlying business model, the risks, whether their principal is intact and/or repaid, guarantees, authorities' approvals, the underlying founders/promoters, other competition or such schemes in the market, says NewAsia Capital Sdn Bhd associate director Sherilyn Foong.
Foong says that investors need to realise that with any investment scheme, there is no such thing as zero risk for high returns.
There are many such schemes with different underlying income-generating assets or businesses in the market. Investors should look at the scheme to detect any ponzi-like or pyramid features, she adds.
Her advice is simple if the investor is happy with the commensurate risks and returns as well as the potential worst case scenario, then the investor can proceed to invest.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Swiftlet farms not allowed on reserve land
Tuesday November 16, 2010
The Star
ELAN PERUMAL and STUART MICHAEL at the Selangor state assembly
WITH increasing encroachment by swiftlet farm operators in Kapar Tambahan Forest Reserve area, the Selangor Forestry Department will notify the Kuala Selangor Land Office to get the operators out of the area.
According to state agriculture, natural resources and entrepreneurial development committee chairman Yaakob Sapari, the Kuala Selangor land office had made a mistake in giving out Temporary Occupancy Land (TOL) inside the Kapar Tambahan Forest Reserve.
“This was not supposed to happen as it is under Forestry Land and the Forestry Department is unable to take any action due to this.
“The Selangor Forestry Department will submit a working paper to cancel the TOL on the land.
“Then, the Selangor Forestry Department can start replanting the area with forest trees,’’ said Yaakob, who was asked by Saari Sungib (PR-Hulu Kelang) on the illegal swiftlet farms at the Forest Reserve areas in Selangor and other forms of encroachment.
The Star
ELAN PERUMAL and STUART MICHAEL at the Selangor state assembly
WITH increasing encroachment by swiftlet farm operators in Kapar Tambahan Forest Reserve area, the Selangor Forestry Department will notify the Kuala Selangor Land Office to get the operators out of the area.
According to state agriculture, natural resources and entrepreneurial development committee chairman Yaakob Sapari, the Kuala Selangor land office had made a mistake in giving out Temporary Occupancy Land (TOL) inside the Kapar Tambahan Forest Reserve.
“This was not supposed to happen as it is under Forestry Land and the Forestry Department is unable to take any action due to this.
“The Selangor Forestry Department will submit a working paper to cancel the TOL on the land.
“Then, the Selangor Forestry Department can start replanting the area with forest trees,’’ said Yaakob, who was asked by Saari Sungib (PR-Hulu Kelang) on the illegal swiftlet farms at the Forest Reserve areas in Selangor and other forms of encroachment.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Bird’s nest production rises 36% last year
Wednesday November 3, 2010
By SHARON LING
sharonling@thestar.com.my
SARAWAK’s production of swiftlet nests rose by 36% from 2,095kg in 2008 to 2,854kg last year, with an export value of RM8.37mil and RM11.41mil respectively.
Planning and Resource Management Assistant Minister Naroden Majais said the increase showed that the industry had the potential to be successfully developed in the state.
He added that, as of October this year, the production was 1,757kg valued at RM7mil.
“Swiftlet farming is a potentially lucrative industry. The market price for swiftlet nests ranges from RM3,000 to RM10,000 per kg depending on the quality and grade of the nests.
“China is our biggest market for edible swiftlet nests, followed by Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia,” he told the State Assembly in Kuching in reply to Julaihi Narawi (BN - Sebuyau), Datuk Wan Abdul Wahab Wan Sanusi (BN - Sadong Jaya) and Abu Seman Jahwie (BN - Jemoreng).
Naroden said that two licences were needed for commercial swiftlet farming, one to construct the building for the swiftlets to nest in and one for the rearing of the birds.
He said the state received 1,111 applications for swiftlet farming from 2008 to Oct this year. Of this, 248 licences to construct buildings and two to rear swiftlets were approved while the rest were still being evaluated.
He added that the construction of swiftlet farms was continuously monitored to prevent illegal farming operations.
“The Forest Department and Sarawak Forestry Corporation conducted two inspections between 2009 and March this year, from which 418 swiftlet farming premises are being investigated.
“The state has also issued warnings to owners of illegal swiftlet farms. They are advised to submit the necessary applications,” he said.
By SHARON LING
sharonling@thestar.com.my
SARAWAK’s production of swiftlet nests rose by 36% from 2,095kg in 2008 to 2,854kg last year, with an export value of RM8.37mil and RM11.41mil respectively.
Planning and Resource Management Assistant Minister Naroden Majais said the increase showed that the industry had the potential to be successfully developed in the state.
He added that, as of October this year, the production was 1,757kg valued at RM7mil.
“Swiftlet farming is a potentially lucrative industry. The market price for swiftlet nests ranges from RM3,000 to RM10,000 per kg depending on the quality and grade of the nests.
“China is our biggest market for edible swiftlet nests, followed by Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia,” he told the State Assembly in Kuching in reply to Julaihi Narawi (BN - Sebuyau), Datuk Wan Abdul Wahab Wan Sanusi (BN - Sadong Jaya) and Abu Seman Jahwie (BN - Jemoreng).
Naroden said that two licences were needed for commercial swiftlet farming, one to construct the building for the swiftlets to nest in and one for the rearing of the birds.
He said the state received 1,111 applications for swiftlet farming from 2008 to Oct this year. Of this, 248 licences to construct buildings and two to rear swiftlets were approved while the rest were still being evaluated.
He added that the construction of swiftlet farms was continuously monitored to prevent illegal farming operations.
“The Forest Department and Sarawak Forestry Corporation conducted two inspections between 2009 and March this year, from which 418 swiftlet farming premises are being investigated.
“The state has also issued warnings to owners of illegal swiftlet farms. They are advised to submit the necessary applications,” he said.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
RM5mil for swiftlet farming
hmmm.... RM10,000 grant to start swiftlet farming, just wondering what you can do with this amount. This is really going to be fun or havoc, imagine 10 or more families pooling their grant together to start swiftlet farming or some individuals building a swiftlet farm with RM10,000. I wonder if bigger premises are really more productive.
Jackie
Sunday October 31, 2010
The Star
RM5mil for swiftlet farming
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has allocated RM5mil to involve the country’s hardcore poor in the swiftlet farming industry.
The Veterinary Services Department has identified 500 families under the e-Kasih database who are eligible to receive an RM10,000 grant each to set up swiftlet premises.
“We will encourage them to collaborate with each other in joint swiftlet farming as bigger premises are more productive and will generate a higher income for them,” said department director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin.
He also announced that the swiftlet industry guidelines would be unveiled next month to govern the licensing, farming, processing as well as import and export of bird’s nest.
The industry, which is an entry point project under the Economic Transformation Programme, is expected to capture 30% of the global market and generate revenue of up to US$1.45bil (RM4.5bil) by 2020.
“We are encouraging the participation of bumiputras in this industry as they currently only make up 20% of swiftlet farmers in the country,” he said after launching the 7th series of seminars on swiftlet farming at a hotel here yesterday.
Swiftlet farmers are required to attend the one-day seminar before they can be licensed.
Jackie
Sunday October 31, 2010
The Star
RM5mil for swiftlet farming
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has allocated RM5mil to involve the country’s hardcore poor in the swiftlet farming industry.
The Veterinary Services Department has identified 500 families under the e-Kasih database who are eligible to receive an RM10,000 grant each to set up swiftlet premises.
“We will encourage them to collaborate with each other in joint swiftlet farming as bigger premises are more productive and will generate a higher income for them,” said department director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin.
He also announced that the swiftlet industry guidelines would be unveiled next month to govern the licensing, farming, processing as well as import and export of bird’s nest.
The industry, which is an entry point project under the Economic Transformation Programme, is expected to capture 30% of the global market and generate revenue of up to US$1.45bil (RM4.5bil) by 2020.
“We are encouraging the participation of bumiputras in this industry as they currently only make up 20% of swiftlet farmers in the country,” he said after launching the 7th series of seminars on swiftlet farming at a hotel here yesterday.
Swiftlet farmers are required to attend the one-day seminar before they can be licensed.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
M’sia aims for 30% of global birds nest market by 2020
Published: Saturday October 30, 2010 MYT 5:58:00 PM
Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to capture 30% of the global birds nest market, which is worth US$1.5bil (RM4.7bil) annually, by 2020 under the government's Economic Transformation Programme.
Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Jamaluddin said of the figure, 70% would be food and drink products and the rest as raw material.
"The government has classified birds nest production as a high impact industry that can generate lucrative returns," he told reporters after opening a seminar on the industry organised by Global Excellent Marketing Sdn Bhd and Kelab Usahawan Tani Malaysia, here Saturday.
The department, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry are spearheading the industry's growth.
The industry is categorised as an entry point project under the ETP. - Bernama
Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to capture 30% of the global birds nest market, which is worth US$1.5bil (RM4.7bil) annually, by 2020 under the government's Economic Transformation Programme.
Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Jamaluddin said of the figure, 70% would be food and drink products and the rest as raw material.
"The government has classified birds nest production as a high impact industry that can generate lucrative returns," he told reporters after opening a seminar on the industry organised by Global Excellent Marketing Sdn Bhd and Kelab Usahawan Tani Malaysia, here Saturday.
The department, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry are spearheading the industry's growth.
The industry is categorised as an entry point project under the ETP. - Bernama
Saturday, October 23, 2010
China complains about 2 M’sian bird’s nest factories using dangerous chemicals
Published: Saturday October 23, 2010 MYT 12:37:00 PM
Bernama
SEREMBAN: Two swiftlet nest processing factories have been using dangerous chemicals to make the nests look reddish so that it can be categorised as top quality.
However, China, the main importer of the nests, spotted the bid by the factories to cheat buyers and filed a complaint with Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry, according to the ministry’s deputy minister Chua Tee Yong.
He said the factories have been ordered to stop operations and action would soon be taken over the use of the chemical, which could cause cancer.
Speaking to reporters after opening a course on swiftlet farming here Saturday, he also said that a guideline on swiftlet farming would be introduced this year to facilitate regulation by authorities on the industry.
He said there were about 6,000 swiftlet farming operators registered with the ministry, but believed the actual number of operators involved was twice the number. – Bernama
Bernama
SEREMBAN: Two swiftlet nest processing factories have been using dangerous chemicals to make the nests look reddish so that it can be categorised as top quality.
However, China, the main importer of the nests, spotted the bid by the factories to cheat buyers and filed a complaint with Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry, according to the ministry’s deputy minister Chua Tee Yong.
He said the factories have been ordered to stop operations and action would soon be taken over the use of the chemical, which could cause cancer.
Speaking to reporters after opening a course on swiftlet farming here Saturday, he also said that a guideline on swiftlet farming would be introduced this year to facilitate regulation by authorities on the industry.
He said there were about 6,000 swiftlet farming operators registered with the ministry, but believed the actual number of operators involved was twice the number. – Bernama
Friday, October 15, 2010
Fine tuning the national guidelines
Good to know that Sarawak is taking the lead to formulate a new set of guidelines instead of blindly following the national guidelines. Hopefully this will help fine tune the national guideline into one that will really help to preserve as well as develop the swiftlet industry in Malaysia.
Jackie
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Saturday October 16, 2010
Swiftlet industry players in Sarawak want their own set of rules
By PHILIP HII
philiphii@thestar.com.my
SWIFTLET industry players in Sarawak are planing to formulate a separate set of guidelines for the state instead of following the national guidelines.
Sarawak Bird Nest Suppliers Association deputy president Jesse Tang said yesterday the decision to have a separate set of guidelines was reached after a two-day emergency meeting attended by representatives from seven bird’s nests merchants and bird’s nests suppliers associations in Sarawak.
Tang said his association would prepare the new guidelines which would be more suitable for the development of the swiftlet industry in Sarawak and present them to the Chief Minister’s Department and Sarawak Forestry Department soon.
The meeting also resolved to urge the authorities to allow swiftlet farmers to maintain the existing bird houses which were built in urban centres.
Tang, however, advised the farmers to maintain the original outlook of the buildings (normally shophouses) which they had converted into bird houses and also to ensure the noise level of the bird calls was within the government approved level at 40 decibel (dB).
He advised swiftlet farmers not to build water ponds inside the bird houses which could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Tang said his association was willing to assist anyone interested in swiftlet farming.
“We would like to share and impart the knowledge, wealth and benefits derived from swiftlet farming to anyone interested, regardless of race,” he said.
He estimated that there were now 5,000 bird houses in the state and they produced at least 2,500kg of raw bird’s nests valued at about RM8.8mil a month.
Jackie
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Saturday October 16, 2010
Swiftlet industry players in Sarawak want their own set of rules
By PHILIP HII
philiphii@thestar.com.my
SWIFTLET industry players in Sarawak are planing to formulate a separate set of guidelines for the state instead of following the national guidelines.
Sarawak Bird Nest Suppliers Association deputy president Jesse Tang said yesterday the decision to have a separate set of guidelines was reached after a two-day emergency meeting attended by representatives from seven bird’s nests merchants and bird’s nests suppliers associations in Sarawak.
Tang said his association would prepare the new guidelines which would be more suitable for the development of the swiftlet industry in Sarawak and present them to the Chief Minister’s Department and Sarawak Forestry Department soon.
The meeting also resolved to urge the authorities to allow swiftlet farmers to maintain the existing bird houses which were built in urban centres.
Tang, however, advised the farmers to maintain the original outlook of the buildings (normally shophouses) which they had converted into bird houses and also to ensure the noise level of the bird calls was within the government approved level at 40 decibel (dB).
He advised swiftlet farmers not to build water ponds inside the bird houses which could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Tang said his association was willing to assist anyone interested in swiftlet farming.
“We would like to share and impart the knowledge, wealth and benefits derived from swiftlet farming to anyone interested, regardless of race,” he said.
He estimated that there were now 5,000 bird houses in the state and they produced at least 2,500kg of raw bird’s nests valued at about RM8.8mil a month.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Terengganu to introduce law on swiftlet farming
Published: Monday September 27, 2010 MYT 3:00:00 PM
The Star
KUALA TERENGGANU: Operators of swiftlet farming in Terengganu will be required to register their bird-houses with the Veterinary Service Department under a new law to be introduced soon.
State veterinary director, Dr Azizol Mohd Sharom, said a workshop was being held to review guidelines on swiftlet farming which had been introduced by the cabinet with a view of adapting them to the state's needs.
The guidelines issued by the cabinet were too general and they would be modified to meet local condition, he told Bernama here on Monday.
He said the three-day workshop, which began Monday, was attended by about 100 participants, comprising officials from the Health Department, the National Park and Wildlife Department, the local authorities and representatives from the swiftlet farmers association.
Dr Azizol said the department would also introduce a model swiftlet-breeding house that would be cheaper.
A model of the bird-house, costing about RM28,000, has been built at the Jerangau Veterinary Center in Dungun, he added. - Bernama
The Star
KUALA TERENGGANU: Operators of swiftlet farming in Terengganu will be required to register their bird-houses with the Veterinary Service Department under a new law to be introduced soon.
State veterinary director, Dr Azizol Mohd Sharom, said a workshop was being held to review guidelines on swiftlet farming which had been introduced by the cabinet with a view of adapting them to the state's needs.
The guidelines issued by the cabinet were too general and they would be modified to meet local condition, he told Bernama here on Monday.
He said the three-day workshop, which began Monday, was attended by about 100 participants, comprising officials from the Health Department, the National Park and Wildlife Department, the local authorities and representatives from the swiftlet farmers association.
Dr Azizol said the department would also introduce a model swiftlet-breeding house that would be cheaper.
A model of the bird-house, costing about RM28,000, has been built at the Jerangau Veterinary Center in Dungun, he added. - Bernama
Friday, September 24, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
‘Give us alternative site’
Surprise, surprise that swiftlet farmers are willing to relocate even if given new sites. Most likely these are new bh where there is not many birds. The established one will certainly find it impossible to move without losing all the birds.
Jackie
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Wednesday September 15, 2010
The Star
OPERATORS of swiflet farms in the heritage enclave in George Town are willing to relocate if the authorities identify a new location for them.
Association for Swiftlet Nest Industries (ASNI) president Carole Loh said there should be proper planning just like the relocation of hawkers and squatters.
“We are only requesting that we’re treated fairly in the relocation process,” she said when contacted yesterday.
She was commenting on the statement by state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow that the state government would hold a meeting next week to work out a mechanism to implement the three-year grace period for swiftlet farms to move out of the George Town heritage enclave.
Chow said the meeting would involve ASNI, Penang Heritage Trust and other related organisations.
He was quoted as saying it was up to the state government to decide when the grace period would begin.
The issue of relocation arose after the National Council for Local Government had agreed on Sept 3 for swiftlet farms to move out of the Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Loh said the operators were awaiting details on the relocation plan.
“It is almost impossible to move out without affecting the swiftlets as putting the birds in cages and moving them out is not the right way.
“Swiftlets will return to their nests as soon as they are released from the cage,” she said.
Jackie
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Wednesday September 15, 2010
The Star
OPERATORS of swiflet farms in the heritage enclave in George Town are willing to relocate if the authorities identify a new location for them.
Association for Swiftlet Nest Industries (ASNI) president Carole Loh said there should be proper planning just like the relocation of hawkers and squatters.
“We are only requesting that we’re treated fairly in the relocation process,” she said when contacted yesterday.
She was commenting on the statement by state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow that the state government would hold a meeting next week to work out a mechanism to implement the three-year grace period for swiftlet farms to move out of the George Town heritage enclave.
Chow said the meeting would involve ASNI, Penang Heritage Trust and other related organisations.
He was quoted as saying it was up to the state government to decide when the grace period would begin.
The issue of relocation arose after the National Council for Local Government had agreed on Sept 3 for swiftlet farms to move out of the Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Loh said the operators were awaiting details on the relocation plan.
“It is almost impossible to move out without affecting the swiftlets as putting the birds in cages and moving them out is not the right way.
“Swiftlets will return to their nests as soon as they are released from the cage,” she said.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Move ruffles feathers
The response from ASNI to the opening salvo from the National Council for Local Government. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that you cannot relocate the swiftlets. One way is perhaps to "buy out" the swiftlet farm owners - renovation cost plus RM1000 per nest in the birdhouse? Even that might not solve the problem because a lot of owners are very emotionally attached to their birds and the birdhouse eg. yours truly.
Again I asked the question. Is UNESCO asking for the birdhouse to be moved out ? afterall the birdhouse were there when the World Heritage status was awarded to Georgetown and Melaka.
Jackie
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Wednesday September 8, 2010
The Star
By ANDREA FILMER
andrea@thestar.com.my
GEORGE TOWN: The Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) Penang branch is crying foul over the ban on swiftlet farming in the Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Branch president Carole Loh (pic) claimed the association was getting “mixed signals” over the issue as a Heritage Zone Swiftlet Premises Regulation Committee had been set up at the national level to regulate swiftlet operators in heritage zones.
“The last meeting of the committee was held in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 23 and it was chaired by Heritage Commissioner Prof Emeritus Datin Zuraina Majid.
“ASNI is disappointed and confused that an announcement has been made (on the banning of swiftlet far-ming in heritage areas) when this committee is still in existence to evaluate swiftlet operators on a case-by-case basis,” said Loh, who is also the ASNI national secretary.
She claimed that the members of the regulation committee had already been selected, with some being present at the meeting.
“The Veterinary Department, Penang and Malacca Town and Country Planning departments, George Town World Heritage Incorporated, Malacca World Heritage Office and ASNI are members and most were represented.
“It was also decided that the Agriculture Ministry and Information, Communication and Culture Ministry would be included in the committee,” she said.
On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the National Council for Local Government had decided that swiftlet farming would be prohibited in Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Muhyiddin added, however, that a three-year grace period would be given to current operators.
The Penang Government subsequently announced that a meeting would be held after Hari Raya to work out a mechanism to implement the grace period for swiftlet farms to move to agriculture areas.
Loh reiterated that it would be difficult for swiftlet operators to move.
“There is no way for us to move. The birds roam freely and build nests in the pre-war houses.
“We do not feed them or confine them,” Loh said.
Again I asked the question. Is UNESCO asking for the birdhouse to be moved out ? afterall the birdhouse were there when the World Heritage status was awarded to Georgetown and Melaka.
Jackie
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Wednesday September 8, 2010
The Star
By ANDREA FILMER
andrea@thestar.com.my
GEORGE TOWN: The Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) Penang branch is crying foul over the ban on swiftlet farming in the Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Branch president Carole Loh (pic) claimed the association was getting “mixed signals” over the issue as a Heritage Zone Swiftlet Premises Regulation Committee had been set up at the national level to regulate swiftlet operators in heritage zones.
“The last meeting of the committee was held in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 23 and it was chaired by Heritage Commissioner Prof Emeritus Datin Zuraina Majid.
“ASNI is disappointed and confused that an announcement has been made (on the banning of swiftlet far-ming in heritage areas) when this committee is still in existence to evaluate swiftlet operators on a case-by-case basis,” said Loh, who is also the ASNI national secretary.
She claimed that the members of the regulation committee had already been selected, with some being present at the meeting.
“The Veterinary Department, Penang and Malacca Town and Country Planning departments, George Town World Heritage Incorporated, Malacca World Heritage Office and ASNI are members and most were represented.
“It was also decided that the Agriculture Ministry and Information, Communication and Culture Ministry would be included in the committee,” she said.
On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the National Council for Local Government had decided that swiftlet farming would be prohibited in Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Muhyiddin added, however, that a three-year grace period would be given to current operators.
The Penang Government subsequently announced that a meeting would be held after Hari Raya to work out a mechanism to implement the grace period for swiftlet farms to move to agriculture areas.
Loh reiterated that it would be difficult for swiftlet operators to move.
“There is no way for us to move. The birds roam freely and build nests in the pre-war houses.
“We do not feed them or confine them,” Loh said.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
end game for swiftlet farmers in Georgetown
This is going to be tough. All eyes will be on this one. A potentially explosive situation that needs cool heads.
the swiftlets birdhouse were already there before Penang was awarded its World Heritage status. It is suppose to benefit the people there but in this case would it become a curse for the birdhouse farmers? Is UNESCO asking for the birdhouse to be removed for George Town to retain its heritage status?
The birdhouse owners feels that they have helped maintain the old vacant and idled buildings and stopped them from falling apart by putting the money in to renovate them into birdhouse. Now they are told that they are a nuisance by the councils.
If they are asked to move out then the repercussion would be that other councils around the country would use that as a precedent and ask the birdhouse owners in their area to move out of town. It will affect some 100,000 birdhouse owners and their families. This is going to be a real political mine field.
Jackie Chow
Saturday September 4, 2010
Swiftlet farms to shift out of city
GEORGE TOWN: The state government will hold a meeting after Hari Raya to work out a mechanism to implement the three-year grace period for swiftlet farms to move out of the heritage enclave here.
State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said that the meeting would involve the Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI), Penang Heritage Trust and related organisations.
“We will work out a mechanism to implement the decision by the council. It is also up to us to decide when to begin the grace period,” he said.
It was reported yesterday that the National Council for Local Government came up with the grace period after it decided to prohibit swiftlet farming in Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Asked about possible legal action by ASNI against the state for enforcing the eviction, he said it could take whatever action it wanted.
“The farms will be moved to agricultural areas but we will discuss this first at the meeting,” he said.
the swiftlets birdhouse were already there before Penang was awarded its World Heritage status. It is suppose to benefit the people there but in this case would it become a curse for the birdhouse farmers? Is UNESCO asking for the birdhouse to be removed for George Town to retain its heritage status?
The birdhouse owners feels that they have helped maintain the old vacant and idled buildings and stopped them from falling apart by putting the money in to renovate them into birdhouse. Now they are told that they are a nuisance by the councils.
If they are asked to move out then the repercussion would be that other councils around the country would use that as a precedent and ask the birdhouse owners in their area to move out of town. It will affect some 100,000 birdhouse owners and their families. This is going to be a real political mine field.
Jackie Chow
Saturday September 4, 2010
Swiftlet farms to shift out of city
GEORGE TOWN: The state government will hold a meeting after Hari Raya to work out a mechanism to implement the three-year grace period for swiftlet farms to move out of the heritage enclave here.
State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said that the meeting would involve the Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI), Penang Heritage Trust and related organisations.
“We will work out a mechanism to implement the decision by the council. It is also up to us to decide when to begin the grace period,” he said.
It was reported yesterday that the National Council for Local Government came up with the grace period after it decided to prohibit swiftlet farming in Penang and Malacca heritage enclaves.
Asked about possible legal action by ASNI against the state for enforcing the eviction, he said it could take whatever action it wanted.
“The farms will be moved to agricultural areas but we will discuss this first at the meeting,” he said.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Not all Red nests are fakes
hello, hello.. the term "blood nest" has been used by Chinese for centuries in reference to red coloured nests. The term was not coined by any conmen. Red nests do occur naturally in caves or in swiftlet houses. There might be unscrupulous people trying to cash in on the demands with fakes but consumers should also not be mislead to believe that all red nests are fake.
The nests comes in many other colours as well, black, brown, orange, yellow etc. Black nests are common in Indonesia as well. They are cheaper and many traders bleach them and sell them as white nests as well. So does that means that consumers stop buying white nests as well?
At the end of the day, consumers should be made aware of the different types of nests and the credibility of the source of the nests they are buying from. Saying that all red nests are fake is likened to saying that all white nests are fakes as well.
Jackie
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Saturday August 28, 2010
Shops still selling blood nests
The Star
By CHAN LI LEEN, ANDREA FILMER and LEE YUK PENG
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: Some shops have stopped selling the controversial “blood nest” while those who are still selling it are adamant that it is premium quality bird’s nest.
The Star had on Monday reported that “blood nest” – a much sought-after variety of bird’s nest – was actually tainted with chemicals.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong who exposed the scam last week, said the red tainted bird’s nest was dangerous to health.
Federation of Bird’s Nest Merchants Associations chairman Datuk Beh Heng Seong said the term “blood nest” was coined by conmen and the tainted item was priced up to RM20,000 a kilo or twice the price of genuine ivory-coloured bird’s nest.
A shop selling different varieties of bird’s nest here, including the “blood nest”, had insisted that their “red nest” was a natural product from Indonesia.
“It is priced higher than the rest because it is more nutritious,” said an employee of the shop, claiming that the dark red bird’s nest was harvested from caves in Indonesia, and no chemicals were added.
In Penang, the area manager for the Eu Yan Sang branch in Lebuh Chulia, Anny Wang, said: “We stopped selling the red bird’s nest a few years ago but I am not sure why.
“There have been a few calls from concerned people asking about dyed bird’s nests, but our products are all certified to be without chemicals, preservatives and sulphur,” she said.
Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry Penang branch president Carole Loh condemned sellers who profiteered by dyeing their bird’s nests red, saying that it was unethical and gave the industry a bad reputation.
In Ipoh, Chinese medicine shop owner in Ipoh, Lian Kim Keong, insisted that “blood nest” had existed for centuries.
“It has been around from the time when people did not know of the chemicals claimed to have been used to make the bird’s nest appear red,” said Lian who is also Malaysia Entrepreneurs’ Development Association (Perak) chairman.
He said “blood nests” were from Thailand, while the ivory-coloured bird’s nests were harvested in Malaysia and the yellow “flower nests” were from Indonesia.
The nests comes in many other colours as well, black, brown, orange, yellow etc. Black nests are common in Indonesia as well. They are cheaper and many traders bleach them and sell them as white nests as well. So does that means that consumers stop buying white nests as well?
At the end of the day, consumers should be made aware of the different types of nests and the credibility of the source of the nests they are buying from. Saying that all red nests are fake is likened to saying that all white nests are fakes as well.
Jackie
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Saturday August 28, 2010
Shops still selling blood nests
The Star
By CHAN LI LEEN, ANDREA FILMER and LEE YUK PENG
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: Some shops have stopped selling the controversial “blood nest” while those who are still selling it are adamant that it is premium quality bird’s nest.
The Star had on Monday reported that “blood nest” – a much sought-after variety of bird’s nest – was actually tainted with chemicals.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong who exposed the scam last week, said the red tainted bird’s nest was dangerous to health.
Federation of Bird’s Nest Merchants Associations chairman Datuk Beh Heng Seong said the term “blood nest” was coined by conmen and the tainted item was priced up to RM20,000 a kilo or twice the price of genuine ivory-coloured bird’s nest.
A shop selling different varieties of bird’s nest here, including the “blood nest”, had insisted that their “red nest” was a natural product from Indonesia.
“It is priced higher than the rest because it is more nutritious,” said an employee of the shop, claiming that the dark red bird’s nest was harvested from caves in Indonesia, and no chemicals were added.
In Penang, the area manager for the Eu Yan Sang branch in Lebuh Chulia, Anny Wang, said: “We stopped selling the red bird’s nest a few years ago but I am not sure why.
“There have been a few calls from concerned people asking about dyed bird’s nests, but our products are all certified to be without chemicals, preservatives and sulphur,” she said.
Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry Penang branch president Carole Loh condemned sellers who profiteered by dyeing their bird’s nests red, saying that it was unethical and gave the industry a bad reputation.
In Ipoh, Chinese medicine shop owner in Ipoh, Lian Kim Keong, insisted that “blood nest” had existed for centuries.
“It has been around from the time when people did not know of the chemicals claimed to have been used to make the bird’s nest appear red,” said Lian who is also Malaysia Entrepreneurs’ Development Association (Perak) chairman.
He said “blood nests” were from Thailand, while the ivory-coloured bird’s nests were harvested in Malaysia and the yellow “flower nests” were from Indonesia.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Health Ministry to conduct checks on bird’s nest
Tuesday August 24, 2010
By LEE YUK PENG and CHRISTINA TAN
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry’s Food and Safety Department will collect samples of bird’s nest on sale in the market to check for contamination with dangerous chemicals.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said this came in the wake of reports of traders adding chemicals to bird’s nest to turn them into red “blood’s nest” to mark up the price.
He warned traders that those found guilty of using non-permitted colouring could be jailed up to five years or fined up to RM100,000 or both under the Food Act.
Liow said the image of the billion ringgit a year bird’s nest industry must not be tarnished especially when most of the production were for export.
He said the ministry had yet to receive any complaints on tainted bird’s nest.
The Star reported yesterday that “blood nest” — a much sought after variety of bird’s nest — was actually tainted with chemicals.
While the normal bird’s nest, which is ivory in colour, can fetch up to RM10,000 a kilo, the reddish “blood nest” fetches up to RM20,000 a kilo.
In exposing the scam, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong said this tainted bird’s nests was dangerous to health.
He said the nests were either sprayed with iodine or stored at premises where there was high ammonia content to give them a uniform bright-red colour.
By LEE YUK PENG and CHRISTINA TAN
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry’s Food and Safety Department will collect samples of bird’s nest on sale in the market to check for contamination with dangerous chemicals.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said this came in the wake of reports of traders adding chemicals to bird’s nest to turn them into red “blood’s nest” to mark up the price.
He warned traders that those found guilty of using non-permitted colouring could be jailed up to five years or fined up to RM100,000 or both under the Food Act.
Liow said the image of the billion ringgit a year bird’s nest industry must not be tarnished especially when most of the production were for export.
He said the ministry had yet to receive any complaints on tainted bird’s nest.
The Star reported yesterday that “blood nest” — a much sought after variety of bird’s nest — was actually tainted with chemicals.
While the normal bird’s nest, which is ivory in colour, can fetch up to RM10,000 a kilo, the reddish “blood nest” fetches up to RM20,000 a kilo.
In exposing the scam, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong said this tainted bird’s nests was dangerous to health.
He said the nests were either sprayed with iodine or stored at premises where there was high ammonia content to give them a uniform bright-red colour.
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.
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.
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