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.
Showing posts with label towns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label towns. Show all posts
Friday, October 15, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Group mulls legal action against Penang govt
Is the Penang govt barking up the wrong tree ? Has UNESCO demanded that there be no swiftlet birdhouse in Georgetown or else its World Heritage Status would be revoked? The birdhouse were already there when Georgetown was given the award so shouldn't they remain as part of Georgetown?
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Tuesday August 24, 2010
The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) is considering legal action against the state government if it proceeds to evict bird farms from commercial buildings in the town centre.
Penang branch president Carole Loh said its members would lose up to RM77.91mil if they were evicted from the premises - some of which were situated in the heritage zone.
“This is our last resort. We need to protect the interests of our members,” she said in an interview.
There are 147 registered swiftlet farmers in the commercial zones within George Town, and most of them have invested a minimum renovation cost of RM50,000 in the pre-war buildings where the swiftlets are bred.
Small and Medium Industries Association of Penang secretary-general Dr Kenneth Khoo, who supported ASNI, said the farms were not within residential areas.
The 2005 guidelines for operators states that farming activities for bird nests must be conducted away from residential areas.
“There are legitimate expectations when the council made the 2005 guidelines public, and the birdhouse owners complied with the guidelines by setting up the birdhouses in commercial areas,” Dr Khoo said.
State Religious, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim has reportedly said the state would review current policies on bird nest farming.
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Tuesday August 24, 2010
The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) is considering legal action against the state government if it proceeds to evict bird farms from commercial buildings in the town centre.
Penang branch president Carole Loh said its members would lose up to RM77.91mil if they were evicted from the premises - some of which were situated in the heritage zone.
“This is our last resort. We need to protect the interests of our members,” she said in an interview.
There are 147 registered swiftlet farmers in the commercial zones within George Town, and most of them have invested a minimum renovation cost of RM50,000 in the pre-war buildings where the swiftlets are bred.
Small and Medium Industries Association of Penang secretary-general Dr Kenneth Khoo, who supported ASNI, said the farms were not within residential areas.
The 2005 guidelines for operators states that farming activities for bird nests must be conducted away from residential areas.
“There are legitimate expectations when the council made the 2005 guidelines public, and the birdhouse owners complied with the guidelines by setting up the birdhouses in commercial areas,” Dr Khoo said.
State Religious, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim has reportedly said the state would review current policies on bird nest farming.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Guidelines On Swiftlet Farming In Sabah Out By Year End
June 19, 2010 18:49 PM
Bernama
KOTA KINABALU, June 19 (Bernama) -- The guidelines on proper swiftlet farming in all the 24 districts in Sabah will be issued before end of the year.
Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor said the ministry, with the cooperation of government agencies, like the Wildlife Department, was in the process of formulating the guidelines.
"I'll call a meeting with the departments and agencies involved soon to fine tune the guidelines before they are given to swiftlet breeders," he told reporters after opening the 'Bah Futsal Kita' carnival, organised by the Sabah Broadcasting department and Telekom Malaysia Berhad here Saturday.
Last April 8, State Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai announced a ban on swiftlet farming in the town areas on grounds that the activity posed health and environmental hazards as well as public nuisance.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
KOTA KINABALU, June 19 (Bernama) -- The guidelines on proper swiftlet farming in all the 24 districts in Sabah will be issued before end of the year.
Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor said the ministry, with the cooperation of government agencies, like the Wildlife Department, was in the process of formulating the guidelines.
"I'll call a meeting with the departments and agencies involved soon to fine tune the guidelines before they are given to swiftlet breeders," he told reporters after opening the 'Bah Futsal Kita' carnival, organised by the Sabah Broadcasting department and Telekom Malaysia Berhad here Saturday.
Last April 8, State Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai announced a ban on swiftlet farming in the town areas on grounds that the activity posed health and environmental hazards as well as public nuisance.
-- BERNAMA
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.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Guidelines on swiftlet farming to be drawn up
Thursday April 22, 2010
The STar
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is drawing up guidelines on swiftlet farming as the state attempts to soothe ruffled feathers following a ban on birds’ nest ranching in towns.
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Nor said the guidelines would be drawn up with the Wildlife Department with the aim of encouraging a systematic development of the lucrative birds’ nest industry.
“I want to stress that the ban on swiftlet farms in urban centres is not a move against the industry. We are very aware of the economic potential,” he told the state assembly.
He stressed that the state government wanted the industry to be regulated in a systematic manner.
“Our decision to ban such farming activities is for environmental, health and cleanliness purposes in the city and towns.”
The state, he said, had meant well in banning the farming of swiftlets in shophouses, commercial centres and other urban centres as it had the public’s welfare in mind.
However, the ban drew flak from businesses involved in the industry who complained about loss of income
The STar
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is drawing up guidelines on swiftlet farming as the state attempts to soothe ruffled feathers following a ban on birds’ nest ranching in towns.
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Nor said the guidelines would be drawn up with the Wildlife Department with the aim of encouraging a systematic development of the lucrative birds’ nest industry.
“I want to stress that the ban on swiftlet farms in urban centres is not a move against the industry. We are very aware of the economic potential,” he told the state assembly.
He stressed that the state government wanted the industry to be regulated in a systematic manner.
“Our decision to ban such farming activities is for environmental, health and cleanliness purposes in the city and towns.”
The state, he said, had meant well in banning the farming of swiftlets in shophouses, commercial centres and other urban centres as it had the public’s welfare in mind.
However, the ban drew flak from businesses involved in the industry who complained about loss of income
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sabah moves to streamline swiftlet farming policy
Published: Tuesday April 20, 2010 MYT 2:38:00 PM
Updated: Tuesday April 20, 2010 MYT 2:49:42 PM
The Star
By MUGUNTAN VANAR
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is moving to draw up policy guidelines on swiftlet farming as the state seeks to soothe ruffled feathers following its ban on bird nest farming in towns.
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Nor said that the guidelines would be drawn up with Wildlife Department to put in place to encourage a systematic development of the lucrative birds nest industry.
''I want to stress that the ban on swiftlet farms in urban centres was not a move against the swiftlet industry as we are very aware of the economic potential, he told the house during question hour when the issue of the ban was raised.
''We want the industry to be regulated in a systematic manner. Our decision to ban such farming activities was for environmental, health and cleanliness purposes in the city and towns, he added.
He said the government had good intentions in banning the farming of swiftlets at shophouses, commercial centres and other urban centres in all towns as it was done in the greater interest of the general public in term of cleanliness and health issues.
The state cabinet decided to ban ranching of birds in all town areas statewide but the move drew flak as industry players urged the government reconsider the decision that would affect incomes of scores of people harvesting bird nests
Updated: Tuesday April 20, 2010 MYT 2:49:42 PM
The Star
By MUGUNTAN VANAR
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is moving to draw up policy guidelines on swiftlet farming as the state seeks to soothe ruffled feathers following its ban on bird nest farming in towns.
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Nor said that the guidelines would be drawn up with Wildlife Department to put in place to encourage a systematic development of the lucrative birds nest industry.
''I want to stress that the ban on swiftlet farms in urban centres was not a move against the swiftlet industry as we are very aware of the economic potential, he told the house during question hour when the issue of the ban was raised.
''We want the industry to be regulated in a systematic manner. Our decision to ban such farming activities was for environmental, health and cleanliness purposes in the city and towns, he added.
He said the government had good intentions in banning the farming of swiftlets at shophouses, commercial centres and other urban centres in all towns as it was done in the greater interest of the general public in term of cleanliness and health issues.
The state cabinet decided to ban ranching of birds in all town areas statewide but the move drew flak as industry players urged the government reconsider the decision that would affect incomes of scores of people harvesting bird nests
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Rural areas could be bird’s nests goldmine
Borneo Post
February 24, 2010, Wednesday
LIMBANG: Rural areas could be a bird’s nests goldmine through the state government’s efforts to promote swiftlet rearing outside urban centres.Assistant Minister of Tourism and Heritage Datuk Talib Zulpilip said the industry has a bright future due to the lucrative returns and larger areas in villages to set up swiftlet nesting homes.
“The swiftlet industry has shifted out of town now and there is growing potential to expand this promising industry in villages and rural areas,” he said when officiating at the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) course on swiftlet rearing yesterday.
Among those present were Deputy Limbang Resident (Social Development) Stephen Kalong and Limbang District Council chairman Sufian Mohat.
Talib, who is also SEDC chairman, said Sarawak’s bird’s nests quality has long been renowned throughout the country and internationally, including in China, as experts recognize its special characteristics.
This presents many opportunities for those interested to diversify their economic activities, he said.
The huge demand for bird’s nests and vast agricultural land in the state, particularly outside urban centres, is a golden opportunity for Bumiputeras, he added.
Talib explained that although the start-up capital expenditure may vary between RM40,000 and RM50,000, the handsome returns made the investment worthwhile.
“A kilogramme, depending on the grade, can fetch between RM4,500 and RM6,500 locally, while the highest price is between RM12,000 and RM24,000,” he said.
He said more studies need to be carried out to further develop the industry.
Meanwhile, Bukit Kota assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, in his speech, called for greater local involvement in higher value economic programmes to enable locals to raise their household incomes.
This should be the trend of communities in Limbang district as the government through SEDC, he said, could assist through a host of economic development programmes.
“When the people’s income and economic standards rise, it will have a knock-on effect on the country’s economic growth,” he pointed out.
He said this is the rationale behind the government’s optimism in encouraging the people to be positive-minded and determined to succeed in various fields.
“The society generally is highly determined to take on various fields that promise good returns, including the lucrative swiftlets rearing industry,” he added.
Swiftlet rearing is taking off in stages in Lawas District.
Two hundred participants from Limbang, Lawas and Ba Kelalan attended the one-day course.
February 24, 2010, Wednesday
LIMBANG: Rural areas could be a bird’s nests goldmine through the state government’s efforts to promote swiftlet rearing outside urban centres.Assistant Minister of Tourism and Heritage Datuk Talib Zulpilip said the industry has a bright future due to the lucrative returns and larger areas in villages to set up swiftlet nesting homes.
“The swiftlet industry has shifted out of town now and there is growing potential to expand this promising industry in villages and rural areas,” he said when officiating at the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) course on swiftlet rearing yesterday.
Among those present were Deputy Limbang Resident (Social Development) Stephen Kalong and Limbang District Council chairman Sufian Mohat.
Talib, who is also SEDC chairman, said Sarawak’s bird’s nests quality has long been renowned throughout the country and internationally, including in China, as experts recognize its special characteristics.
This presents many opportunities for those interested to diversify their economic activities, he said.
The huge demand for bird’s nests and vast agricultural land in the state, particularly outside urban centres, is a golden opportunity for Bumiputeras, he added.
Talib explained that although the start-up capital expenditure may vary between RM40,000 and RM50,000, the handsome returns made the investment worthwhile.
“A kilogramme, depending on the grade, can fetch between RM4,500 and RM6,500 locally, while the highest price is between RM12,000 and RM24,000,” he said.
He said more studies need to be carried out to further develop the industry.
Meanwhile, Bukit Kota assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, in his speech, called for greater local involvement in higher value economic programmes to enable locals to raise their household incomes.
This should be the trend of communities in Limbang district as the government through SEDC, he said, could assist through a host of economic development programmes.
“When the people’s income and economic standards rise, it will have a knock-on effect on the country’s economic growth,” he pointed out.
He said this is the rationale behind the government’s optimism in encouraging the people to be positive-minded and determined to succeed in various fields.
“The society generally is highly determined to take on various fields that promise good returns, including the lucrative swiftlets rearing industry,” he added.
Swiftlet rearing is taking off in stages in Lawas District.
Two hundred participants from Limbang, Lawas and Ba Kelalan attended the one-day course.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Lucrative but risky business
Wednesday January 13, 2010
The Star
By ANN TAN
THE bird nest industry may be booming within the George Town heritage enclave but it is still a trade secret among breeders.
Association of Swiftlet Nests Industry (ASNI) president Carole Loh said there was no right formula in attracting the swiftlets and those who had found the technique would usually not teach others.
Loh looking up at the birds nests in one of the swiftlet houses in George Town.
“The business may look good on paper. It may bring high returns but it is a risky investment as the success rate is only 20% to 30%.
“To invest and buy a bird house, one has to obtain a bank loan as it involves a huge investment. Then, one may have to wait for up to three years before one can get some returns. So within this period, there is no income,” she said.
Loh said there were many cases where swiftlets had failed “set up shop” and the investors were forced to shut down because they were unable to service their bank loans.
“Swiftlets lay eggs three times a year and two eggs at a time. It takes between 30 and 45 days for them to build the nest and another 45 days for the chicks to mature,” she said.
A baby swiftlet in its nest.
“Prior to harvesting, the breeders must ensure that there are no eggs or chicks in it for them to have a chance to grow.
“The harvested bird nests are then soaked in water for it to expand so that the feathers and dirt could be separated. This is usually done by a middle man who would then sell the nutritious product to others.”
Eating the swiftlet’s nest is believed to help maintain skin tone, balance qi (life energy) and reinforce the immune system.
It is also believed to strengthen the lungs and prevent coughs, improve the constitution and prolong life.
Commenting on claims that the industry is health hazard and a threat to heritage, Loh said it was not justified to focus on a few errant swiftlet breeders.
“It has been estimated that at least 8.3% out of an estimated 3,500 abandoned pre-war buildings have been re-stored and rehabilitated by bird nest breeders.
Swiftlets flying to their nests on the ceiling beams.
“There are many swiftlet houses in pre-war buildings which have been beautifully restored in keeping with its heritage features,” she said.
A recent visit by The Star to the swiftlets’ breeding ground saw the houses well renovated and maintained. There was also no stagnant water in the premises as breeders used humidifier machines to control the humidity.
“Heritage has to be sustainable. It is not enough to have a heritage status if there are no businesses that will bring the right level of income to support and sustain heritage development,” she said.
On the matter of breeders using tweeters to attract the birds to the houses, Loh said the state government could come out with a directive to limit the decibel so that it would not disturb the neighbours.
“And the droppings that we see outside are actually that of the pigeons’ as swiftlets are very parti-cular and they only release their droppings in the house.
“The breeders clean the bird houses weekly as the swiftlets like a clean premises. The Health Department could issue breeders with a health certificate which can be revoked if the cleanliness is not maintained,” she said.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Swiftlets part of inner city’s heritage, say breeders
Sunday December 27, 2009
The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Swiftlets have been part of inner George Town even before the area was granted Unesco World Heritage status, according to Association of Swiftlet Nest Industry (ASNI) president Carole Loh.
“These birds are Penang’s ‘living heritage’, and the fact that George Town was granted the status despite their existence means they have no impact on Unesco’s decision,
“It is not fair for the state government to force the breeders to move when they were permitted to operate under the 2005 guidelines for the Application of Licence for Birds Nest Industry, Penang,” she said yesterday.
Loh was commenting on Friday’s report stating that the one-year extension given to swiftlet breeders in Penang to continue their operation until next December would jeopardise George Town’s heritage status.
Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Khoo Salma Nasution had said that the state government’s decision to extend the moratorium on the breeders would be a breach of Unesco’s heritage management guidelines.
However, Loh explained that it was a misconception that swiftlets’ droppings would destroy the facade of heritage buildings as they only defecated inside the bird houses.
The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Swiftlets have been part of inner George Town even before the area was granted Unesco World Heritage status, according to Association of Swiftlet Nest Industry (ASNI) president Carole Loh.
“These birds are Penang’s ‘living heritage’, and the fact that George Town was granted the status despite their existence means they have no impact on Unesco’s decision,
“It is not fair for the state government to force the breeders to move when they were permitted to operate under the 2005 guidelines for the Application of Licence for Birds Nest Industry, Penang,” she said yesterday.
Loh was commenting on Friday’s report stating that the one-year extension given to swiftlet breeders in Penang to continue their operation until next December would jeopardise George Town’s heritage status.
Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Khoo Salma Nasution had said that the state government’s decision to extend the moratorium on the breeders would be a breach of Unesco’s heritage management guidelines.
However, Loh explained that it was a misconception that swiftlets’ droppings would destroy the facade of heritage buildings as they only defecated inside the bird houses.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Swiftlet industry in Sarawak ruffles feathers
Friday December 11, 2009 MYT 12:39:28 PM
The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The edible swiftlet nest industry in this country is a highly lucrative one with the annual turnover reaching RM1bil.
However, a critical issue pertaining to the licensing of the swiftlet farms within buildings located in towns may retard the industry if no solution is found.
Local authorities are against the idea of having swiftlet farms in towns as they can cause nuisance to the public and pollute the environment.
But places like Sarawak, though the swiftlet farms are forbidden in towns, still has to find a solution for more than 1,500 illegal swiftlet farms. Any attempt to eradicate the illegal swiftlet farms will bring negative impact to the industry.
So what is the best option in solving this problem to ensure that the effort to boost the industry is not derailed? The licensing issue cropped up in October last year after the authorities conducted an exercise to clear up illegal swiftlet farms in Mukah town.
The move by the authorities has put many swiftlet farm owners in a quandary and raised many questions on the way the exercise was carried out.
During the exercise the swiftlet chicks protected under the Wildlife Act 1972 were left to die in the nests that were confiscated by the authorities. Those annoyed with the move even posted the video on the chicks' fate on the popular video sharing website Youtube.
The action taken by the local authorities has certainly ruffled some feathers, especially the swiftlet farmers.
Thus the Swiftlet Merchant Association in Mukah requested Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to help find a solution. The same request from the counterparts in Sibu and Sarikei followed suit.
The bottom line is that the farm owners wanted to continue operations in the existing premises with most of them being shoptlots.
But the local authorities are steadfast with their stand. Despite the edible swiftlet nest's huge commercial potential, Sarawak's 1998 Wildlife Protection Ordinance prohibits the species from being bred in other than its natural habitat like the caves and this has made things difficult for the industry.
The director of Sarawak's Forestry Department who is also the Wildlife Controller for Sarawak Datuk Len Talif Salleh stressed that the state government wanted the industry to be developed in a controlled manner in accordance with the existing laws.
Len Talif pointed out about 100 licenses have been approved from the 600 to 700 applications received since May.
"Most of the licenses approved are for the "oldplayers" who conform to the prerequisites.
"The rest were rejected as their proposed swiftlet farms are in towns," he said adding that enforcement measures would be taken against illegal swiftlet farms.
The licenses were issued for swiftlet farming in Mukah, Bintulu, Kuching, Kota Samarahan and Sarikei with all of the swiftlet farms in agricultural areas. Nonetheless, the industry views the issuance of the licence as a positive development when in May, only two of the more than 1,500 swiftlet farms in the state were licensed.
Swiftlet farming also needs approval from agencies like the Land and Survey Department, the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and the local authorities.
And the good news is that the state government is to build three swiftlet ecoparks in Mukah, Sarikei and Bintulu respectively with lots to be sold and rented out to those who are keen.
However, many are sceptical that the bird will nest at the ecopark and feared the bureaucratic hassle.
Thus this scepticism has prompted a big number of swiftlet farm owners to seek exemptions and continue with their activities in the existing premises in towns.
The swiftlet nest entrepreneurs also hope to adopt guidelines like the Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for the swiftlets, so that they will be allowed to ply their trade within towns as done by their counterparts in Peninsula.
"We will follow this guideline," noted the protem chairman for the Sarikei Swiftlet Nest Merchants' Association Wong Hua Ting, which is in opposition to the state government's stand that the swiflet farming should only be carried out at agricultural areas or the proposed ecopark.
Swiftlet farming in populated areas could create pandemonium among the public especially when there are diseases involving this species of bird.
The Veterinary Services Department (VSD) has conducted more than 5,000 tests on the birds and have confirmed that the swiflet are free from bird flu and Newcastle disease.
The department is also preparing the guidelines on swiftlet farming and the draft proposals will be forwarded to the Steering Committee for the National Swiftlet Industry on Dec 14. The guideline known as "1GP" makes it compulsory for swiftlet breeding premises to be registered with department.
However, before the guideline could be adopted by the local authorities, it would be brought to the attention of the National Council on Local Government chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, which is expected to meet March next year.
"The guideline will set the standard for all local governments. It will help traders and swiftlet farm owners to venture into this field in a more organised manner," said the chairman of the Federation of Swiftlet Nest Merchants' Associations Datuk Beh Heng Seong.
Regarding the guideline, Len Talif noted that the Sarawak state government is ready to adopt it as long as it does not contradict with the state ordinance which would be continuously enforced.
He also gave assurance that in future the nests would not be confiscated and instead a compound will be issued and only the equipment used will be confiscated.
This development is seen as a positive indication pertaining to enforcement but this does not mean it has opened the doors for all to start swiftlet farms without authorisation.
The government wants to see 100,000 swiftlet farms producing 500 tonnes of the bird's nest annually worth RM5 billion by 2020.
The swiftlet nest from this country is of high quality and is highly sought after in China and Arab with the prices fetching up to RM10,000 per kilogram. Thus the solution for this licensing issue is highly pertinent and all parties involved should work hand in hand to ensure that the edible bird nest industry remains vibrant and the nation stands at par with Indonesia and Thailand, the leading producers. - Bernama
The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The edible swiftlet nest industry in this country is a highly lucrative one with the annual turnover reaching RM1bil.
However, a critical issue pertaining to the licensing of the swiftlet farms within buildings located in towns may retard the industry if no solution is found.
Local authorities are against the idea of having swiftlet farms in towns as they can cause nuisance to the public and pollute the environment.
But places like Sarawak, though the swiftlet farms are forbidden in towns, still has to find a solution for more than 1,500 illegal swiftlet farms. Any attempt to eradicate the illegal swiftlet farms will bring negative impact to the industry.
So what is the best option in solving this problem to ensure that the effort to boost the industry is not derailed? The licensing issue cropped up in October last year after the authorities conducted an exercise to clear up illegal swiftlet farms in Mukah town.
The move by the authorities has put many swiftlet farm owners in a quandary and raised many questions on the way the exercise was carried out.
During the exercise the swiftlet chicks protected under the Wildlife Act 1972 were left to die in the nests that were confiscated by the authorities. Those annoyed with the move even posted the video on the chicks' fate on the popular video sharing website Youtube.
The action taken by the local authorities has certainly ruffled some feathers, especially the swiftlet farmers.
Thus the Swiftlet Merchant Association in Mukah requested Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to help find a solution. The same request from the counterparts in Sibu and Sarikei followed suit.
The bottom line is that the farm owners wanted to continue operations in the existing premises with most of them being shoptlots.
But the local authorities are steadfast with their stand. Despite the edible swiftlet nest's huge commercial potential, Sarawak's 1998 Wildlife Protection Ordinance prohibits the species from being bred in other than its natural habitat like the caves and this has made things difficult for the industry.
The director of Sarawak's Forestry Department who is also the Wildlife Controller for Sarawak Datuk Len Talif Salleh stressed that the state government wanted the industry to be developed in a controlled manner in accordance with the existing laws.
Len Talif pointed out about 100 licenses have been approved from the 600 to 700 applications received since May.
"Most of the licenses approved are for the "oldplayers" who conform to the prerequisites.
"The rest were rejected as their proposed swiftlet farms are in towns," he said adding that enforcement measures would be taken against illegal swiftlet farms.
The licenses were issued for swiftlet farming in Mukah, Bintulu, Kuching, Kota Samarahan and Sarikei with all of the swiftlet farms in agricultural areas. Nonetheless, the industry views the issuance of the licence as a positive development when in May, only two of the more than 1,500 swiftlet farms in the state were licensed.
Swiftlet farming also needs approval from agencies like the Land and Survey Department, the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and the local authorities.
And the good news is that the state government is to build three swiftlet ecoparks in Mukah, Sarikei and Bintulu respectively with lots to be sold and rented out to those who are keen.
However, many are sceptical that the bird will nest at the ecopark and feared the bureaucratic hassle.
Thus this scepticism has prompted a big number of swiftlet farm owners to seek exemptions and continue with their activities in the existing premises in towns.
The swiftlet nest entrepreneurs also hope to adopt guidelines like the Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for the swiftlets, so that they will be allowed to ply their trade within towns as done by their counterparts in Peninsula.
"We will follow this guideline," noted the protem chairman for the Sarikei Swiftlet Nest Merchants' Association Wong Hua Ting, which is in opposition to the state government's stand that the swiflet farming should only be carried out at agricultural areas or the proposed ecopark.
Swiftlet farming in populated areas could create pandemonium among the public especially when there are diseases involving this species of bird.
The Veterinary Services Department (VSD) has conducted more than 5,000 tests on the birds and have confirmed that the swiflet are free from bird flu and Newcastle disease.
The department is also preparing the guidelines on swiftlet farming and the draft proposals will be forwarded to the Steering Committee for the National Swiftlet Industry on Dec 14. The guideline known as "1GP" makes it compulsory for swiftlet breeding premises to be registered with department.
However, before the guideline could be adopted by the local authorities, it would be brought to the attention of the National Council on Local Government chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, which is expected to meet March next year.
"The guideline will set the standard for all local governments. It will help traders and swiftlet farm owners to venture into this field in a more organised manner," said the chairman of the Federation of Swiftlet Nest Merchants' Associations Datuk Beh Heng Seong.
Regarding the guideline, Len Talif noted that the Sarawak state government is ready to adopt it as long as it does not contradict with the state ordinance which would be continuously enforced.
He also gave assurance that in future the nests would not be confiscated and instead a compound will be issued and only the equipment used will be confiscated.
This development is seen as a positive indication pertaining to enforcement but this does not mean it has opened the doors for all to start swiftlet farms without authorisation.
The government wants to see 100,000 swiftlet farms producing 500 tonnes of the bird's nest annually worth RM5 billion by 2020.
The swiftlet nest from this country is of high quality and is highly sought after in China and Arab with the prices fetching up to RM10,000 per kilogram. Thus the solution for this licensing issue is highly pertinent and all parties involved should work hand in hand to ensure that the edible bird nest industry remains vibrant and the nation stands at par with Indonesia and Thailand, the leading producers. - Bernama
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Birds raid Batang Berjuntai
Saturday October 31, 2009
The Star
Story and photos by ELAN PERUMAL
SOME shoplots in Batang Berjuntai town in Kuala Selangor has been turned into homes for swiflets by breeders who seem to be capitalising on every available space for their activity.
Besides turning empty shoplots into swiflet breeding grounds, these breeders have also converted the back portion of shophouses as homes for the birds.
Almost all the shophouses along Jalan Kuala Selangor, which is the main road, have become swiflets breeding grou-nds.
There are several multi-storey buildings with massive extensions at the back where breeders conduct their activity.
Besides the town, the Bestari Jaya business centre has been also conqured by the swiflet breeders.
The breeders have converted the first floor of the vacant two-storey shoplots into breeding grounds. Some have also built an additional floor on the rooftop of the buildings to lure more birds.
A few of these breeders have also put signboards outside the building claiming that they are members of the swiflet breeding association.
Restaurant operator Rosli Sukiman, 45, said the swiflets were causing a lot of inconvenience to the people in the area.
Besides the noise pollution, he said, their droppings were also found all over the place, including on the vehicles that were parked outside the shops.
“Many of the vacant shoplots in the township have been turned into swiflet breeding spots,’’ he said
Another trader, who wished to be remain anonymous, said the presence of the swiflets was not good for the image of the town.
He said more and more business operators were closing their business and moving to other areas due to the situation.
“I hope the authorities will find a way to stop breeders from operating from shophouses,’’ he added.
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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