Capitalise on Swiftlet Farming

The Star Malaysian Newspaper found at: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/17/nation/19499658&sec=nation

Saturday November 17, 2007


Capitalise on bird’s nest industry, says Johor assemblyman

By FARIK ZOLKEPLI

JOHOR BARU:

Bird's nest harvesting is a lucrative business, worth some RM240mil in the state annually. However many of the 5,000-odd breeders involved in the business are operating illegally.

Datuk Tee Siew Kiong (BN-Pulai Sebatang) said only 12 premises had licences at the Johor State Assembly yesterday.

“The breeders have complained the industry is not gaining much attention from the authorities.

“This is a lucrative business with nests fetching between RM4,000 and RM30,000,” he added.

Tee also had the state assembly in stitches after he said the breeders made more money than an assemblyman.

He urged the state government to prepare guidelines for this industry, which would benefit both the breeders and the government.

Tee added that the state government should also look into enabling a more centralised breeding method at a particular location such as the one at the “Eco-Park” in Manjung, Perak.

State Agriculture, Heritage, and Rural Development Committee chairman Ahmad Zahri Jamil told Chun Yoon Fook (BN-Senai) that the state government was planning to build an Aerodramus (Burung Walit) Eco-Park in Mersing.

“We are also formulating guidelines,” he said, adding that most breeders were operating in Mersing.

Ahmad Zahri said the breeders would have to move their businesses out of cities and towns, as it was part of the state government’s plan to streamline the industry.