Monday August 23, 2010

Consumers fall for Nest-y scam

By NG CHENG YEE
chengyee@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: “Blood nest” – a much sought after variety of bird’s nest – is actually tainted with dangerous chemicals to deceive consumers into paying double the price for a premium grade.

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.

Traders justify the exorbitant price by claiming the “blood nest” is a premium grade of the Chinese delicacy.

In exposing this scam on Saturday, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong said these tainted bird’s nests were dangerous to health and may even be fatal when consumed by humans.

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.

“Some also use karya gum (from a soft wooded tree) to give the bird’s nest its reddish colour,” he told The Star.

Chua advised the public against purchasing bird’s nest from dubious traders and urged the industry to practise self-regulation to ensure the quality and safety of the product.

He said that all bird’s nests must have a Veterinary Service Department health certificate before they could be exported.

Federation of Bird’s Nest Merchants Asso­ciations chairman Datuk Beh Heng Seong said the term “blood nest” was coined by conmen and that there was “no such thing”.

“Bird’s nest is made up of the saliva of swiflets and is ivory in colour. It is impossible for bird’s nest to be red in colour.

“The so-called blood nests have high levels of nitrates from the artificial red colouring added to it,” Beh said, admitting that many consumers had been deceived into paying a high price for the dangerous product.

He said a kilo of bird’s nest costs between RM8,000 and RM10,000 in the market depending on the grade while a kilo of the “blood nest” was between RM15,000 and RM20,000.

Beh said Malaysia produced some 240 tonnes of bird’s nest worth RM1bil a year and 90% of it was exported to China.

Asked whether the federation, comprising 19 associations and 10,000 members nationwide, had tried to rein in those who were cheating consumers, he said they were looking at educating consumers on bird’s nests and coming up with guidelines for the industry.

Meanwhile, Fomca secretary-general Muhd Sha’ani Abdullah urged the Health Ministry to issue guidelines on what a genuine bird’s nest was and to warn consumers of bird’s nests with added colouring.

He said so far, they have not received any complaint from consumers on the so-called “blood nest” but added that could be because consumers were unaware of tainted products in the market.

He suggested that the Health Ministry issue certificates for untainted products.

“Traders should also be responsible by making sure no harmful chemicals are used in their products,” said Muhd Sha’ani.

Source: thestar.com.my

Wednesday September 2, 2009

Swiftlets are a real hygenic lot

I WOULD like to refute the claims made in “It’s time to ban farming of swiftlets” (The Star, Aug 28).

While I am not a swiftlets expert nor a degree holder in nutritional science, I do have enough knowledge on this matter since my dad has been involved in swiftlets farming for the past eight years.

Furthermore, with Sitiawan being my hometown, I can confidently say that I have been closer to swiftlets than most people ever will. Regarding bird flu, there has been no reports or slightest evidence of any strain of avian flu virus among the swiftlets. This is mainly due to the practise of good hygiene carried out by the bird itself.

As every one should know by now, these birds feed on insects and get their water supply from the moisture in the air. An interesting fact that most people do not know is that these birds never touch the ground until they die.

The only time it uses its legs is to cling onto its nest when inside the birdhouse. Therefore, it’s safe to say that these birds are indeed very hygienic and should cause no harm to humans. These birds have existed for a long time and its nests have been of far more beneficial than harm to mankind.

The claim that droppings will be a problem to the environment is false. Swiftlets are very hygienic and only defecate when they are inside the birdhouse.

Any experienced swiftlets farmer know this, as this is the method commonly used to roughly estimate the number of swiftlets in their “hotel”. Therefore, the irritating bird poop on your car windscreen or the building windows does not belong to the swiftlets.

Last but not least is the harvesting of the nests. Most owners will wait until the young swiftlets fledge before harvesting the nests, hoping that the young generation will return and build nests there, just as turtles lay their eggs at the same spot.

However, some greedy farmers may harvest the nests before the young swiftlets fly away, leaving them to die. This act is unethical, not cruel. This will cause future swiftlets to shy away from that particular “hotel” as the survival of their species is not guaranteed.

Lastly, I believe the local council had played its part in controlling the nuisance caused by the tweeters inside the birdhouses. Most birdhouses now play the “music” in accordance with the guidelines - from 7am to 7pm.

All in all, with proper management by the farmers, correct techniques used, and with support from the Government, swiftlets farming can definitely be the next big thing in Malaysia, which in turn will serve as a big boost to the country’s economy.

DENNIS GONG W.J.

Sitiawan, Perak.

Source: thestar.com.my

Friday August 28, 2009

It’s time to ban farming of swiftlets

THE mushrooming and highly-lucrative swiftlet nests industry in peninsular Malaysia has led to public complaints without much response from the authorities.

The situation is bad as most of the swiftlet farms are located in shoplots and commercial areas.

Noisy recorders are installed to lure the swallows from dawn till late at night, causing disturbances to those living in the surrounding areas. The noise pollution is something the people in residential areas has to tolerate daily and it would be most annoying when exposed to the noise for days on end.

Under the local council guidelines, the loudspeakers should be positioned 60 degrees upwards and broadcasts of bird noises should not exceed 40 decibels, but the noise comes daily from 7am to late at night and it is the long exposure to this noise that upsets the public.

Regarding health hazards, there have been complaints from residents in Seberang Perai who suffered from rashes when insects from the nests come into contact with them.

In another case, hundreds of nearby residents located near a bird hotel in Kuala Terengganu also complained of itchiness, rashes and frequent colds.

Concerns over bird flu have been raised too. SAM would like to know that should bird flu strike, will all the swiftlets be exterminated during an outbreak?

Bird droppings will hasten the destruction of building materials, interior ornamentation and embellishments and mars the beautiful façade of heritage buildings. Moisture in an enclosed environment will also cause decay to timber ceilings, brick walls and plaster.

SAM expresses concern over the actual harvesting of the nests by collectors, the methods used and timing of harvests. Nests are removed when these are supposed to be left for the brood, depriving the birds of a chance to raise their young. So far, harvesting patterns of home farming of swiftlets are not well-documented by the authorities.

A question raised is whether there is any monitoring by the Wildlife Department during harvesting to ensure no killing of fledgelings.

In view of these problems, SAM would like to call for a ban on all farming of swiftlets. All species of swiftlets should be made totally protected under Schedule I of the Protection of Wildlife Act to prevent further exploitation of the birds’ nests.

S.M. MOHD IDRIS,

President, Sahabat Alam Malaysia.

Source: www.hmetro.com.my

Rezeki ‘emas putih’

Oleh Norfaisal Jahuri
am@hmetro.com.my

INDUSTRI sarang burung walet bukan baru di negara ini tetapi tidak ramai pengusahanya, terutama Bumiputera disebabkan kekurangan informasi mengenainya walaupun mampu memberi pulangan jutaan ringgit setiap tahun.

Atas alasan itu, Presiden Persekutuan Persatuan Pedagang Sarang Burung Malaysia (PPPSBM) dengan kerjasama Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar (JPV) mengadakan pameran sempena Hari Peladang, Penternak dan Nelayan Kebangsaan (HPPNK) 2009 di Pusat Perdagangan Antarabangsa Melaka (MITC) di Ayer Keroh, Melaka, baru-baru ini.

Timbalan Presiden Persekutuan Persatuan Pedagang Sarang Burung Malaysia (PPPSBM), Datuk Tok Teng Sai, berkata PPPSBM buat julung kalinya bersama JPV mengadakan pameran perusahaan sarang burung walet di HPPNK.

Menurutnya, orang ramai dapat melihat sendiri dengan lebih dekat demonstrasi membersih sarang burung walet serta kaedah memelihara haiwan itu.

“Perusahaan ini mempunyai potensi untuk memperolehi keuntungan besar kerana sarang burung walet boleh mencecah RM4,000 bagi setiap satu kilogram yang belum dibersihkan dan RM7,000 yang sudah dibersihkan.

“Sebab itulah pengusaha sarang burung walet menggelar sarang unggas itu sebagai ‘emas putih’ kerana nilainya tinggi dalam pasaran tempatan dan antarabangsa.

“Dengan hanya menjadikan tempat perlindungan burung untuk bersarang pada saiz sebesar rumah, pengusahanya mampu memperolehi sarangnya pada jumlah antara tiga hingga 10 kilogram setiap bulan,” katanya kepada Metro Ahad.

Pada masa ini, kata Tok, perusahaan terbabit dimonopoli masyarakat Cina membabitkan 99 peratus.

Disebabkan pembabitan orang Melayu boleh dikira dengan jari, beliau hanya mengenali seorang pengusaha sarang burung Melayu di Kuantan, Pahang.

“Dia hanya mempunyai satu rumah untuk pembiakan burung itu, namun keuntungan diperolehi setiap tahun RM1.2 juta,” katanya.

Menurutnya, jika seseorang pengusaha mempunyai rumah sarang burung yang banyak, sudah tentu mampu memungut keuntungan lebih besar.

Katanya, perusahaan sarang burung walet tidak memerlukan modal besar seperti pekerja serta kos penyelenggaraan.

“Mereka hanya perlu bersabar untuk menarik burung bersarang di tempat disediakan dan hanya menuai hasilnya selepas itu,” katanya.

Setakat ini, Malaysia hanya menyumbangkan 10 peratus kadar pengeluaran sarang burung walet untuk pasaran antarabangsa berbanding Indonesia (70 peratus) dan Thailand (20 peratus).

Beliau berkata, jika diperluas dan dilakukan dalam skala besar, industri sarang burung walet mampu menjadi penyumbang utama kepada ekonomi negara dan setanding dengan pengeluaran kelapa sawit dan getah.

“Setakat ini, ada 50,000 rumah dijadikan sebagai tempat perusahaan itu di seluruh negara. Jumlahnya masih sedikit berbanding perusahaan dijalankan di Indonesia serta Thailand,” kata Tok.

Beliau menjelaskan masih ramai tidak mengetahui burung walet berbeza dengan burung layang-layang.

Walaupun fizikalnya hampir sama, tetapi burung layang-layang membuat sarang dengan bahan seperti rumput atau daun.

“Burung walet membuat sarangnya daripada air liur dan ia dibuat bukan untuk burung berkenaan tinggal di situ. Ia adalah untuk anaknya bertelur dan membesar saja,” katanya.

Sarang burung walet mempunyai pasaran luas di peringkat antarabangsa dan antaranya China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Jepun, Amerika Syarikat dan Kanada.

Menurut Tok, sarang burung walet mempunyai pelbagai khasiat untuk membantu menjaga kesihatan seperti awet muda dan kecergasan.

Majlis perasmian HPPNK 2009 disempurnakan Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Khamis lalu.

Selain pameran, aktiviti lain dijalankan adalah pertandingan menghias akuarium antara sekolah di seluruh negara, demonstrasi dan pertandingan masakan makanan hasil keluaran pertanian.

Acara lain membabitkan pameran sektor swasta, haiwan ternakan, ikan, jentera, Forum Perdana Hal Ehwal Islam dan Konvensyen Peladang, Penternak dan Nelayan 2009.

Sebanyak 340 gerai dan kios disediakan membabitkan penyertaan daripada agensi kerajaan selain usahawan tani dan peniaga untuk mempamerkan teknologi pertanian serta produk baru untuk dipromosikan.

Source: nst.com.my

Booming industry or health hazard?

2009/08/23

Thousands of bird 'motels' have opened across Malaysia to lure the swiftlets whose nests are harvested to make bird's nest soup, a costly delicacy in Chinese cuisine, writes M. JEGATHESAN

IN the heart of Klang, the owner of the Goldcourse Hotel has converted part of the multi-storey building into a swiftlet "motel".

To entice the swiflets to build their nests in the concrete structure -- and not their natural cave habitat -- a soundtrack of shrill bird noises, including mating calls, is blasted from speakers from dawn to dusk.

Nearby, other entrepreneurs have opened competing ventures by turning four-storey shophouses into bird havens, and the cacophony and shower of bird droppings is alienating those living and working nearby.

"The sound is so loud and irritating, and the bird droppings can be harmful to our health," said local resident Abdul Hamid Abdullah as he watched the swiflets dart in and out of the buildings.

"These birds build their nests in caves. That is where they should be."

Malaysia's swiftlet industry began in the 1980s but gained momentum after the 1997 Asian financial crisis when entrepreneurs converted the interiors of abandoned properties into bird motels.

Fans of the gelatinous soup, which is popular in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said it could stave off ageing, boost sex drive, prevent lung disease and enhance the complexion.

Kenneth Khoo, from the Small and Medium Industries Association in Penang, said the global trade in raw bird's nests was estimated at RM20 billion.

"Swiftlet farming in Malaysia is a sunrise industry. Demand far exceeds supply as more wealthy Chinese emerge," he said, adding that bird's nest soup remained a status-booster on business menus in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

But as the industry expands along the east and west coasts of peninsular Malaysia, opposition to the swiflet farms is growing louder and environmentalists are demanding a complete ban.

There are also allegations of cruelty as some "farmers" reputedly destroy chicks and fertilised eggs in order to harvest the nests at times when prices are high.

Conservation group Friends of the Earth has condemned the trade and called on the government to close down the proliferating swiftlet farms.

"This rather impetuous booming industry has led to complaints from the public due to the nuisance, health hazards and the number of bird hotels coming up," said Mohamad Idris, president of the group's Malaysian branch.

"Collectors may not wait long enough for the young to fledge, often throwing the chicks onto the ground or leaving them to die after taking the nests.

"In view of the problems faced by many in the farming of swiftlets and from the welfare point of view of the birds, we would like to call for a ban on all farming of swiftlets." -- AFP


Mukhriz: Time to tap its potential

THE rearing of swiftlets should be made one of the industries in the country's agricultural sector because of its lucrative income, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said.

He said the technology in the rearing of swiftlets had changed.

"The birds can be bred using the hatchery process and reared for its nest," he said after opening an association for agriculture and agro-based industry entrepreneurs and a swiftlet rearing project in Kulim last week.

He said such a project was being carried out by the association at Kampung Sungai Tengas, near Kulim.

Some 8,000 birds were being reared in the project which, when fully operational, was expected to yield an income of RM120,000 a month. -- Bernama

Source: nst.com.my

Fortune nest

2009/08/23

The bird's nest industry is a money-spinner, which explains the sudden proliferation of swiftlet 'motels' in the country. The downside is that many are operating without licences, write HEIDI FOO and DHARSHINI BALAN.

THE edible bird's nest industry in Malaysia is a potentially lucrative one but not enough is being done to develop it.

Operators are hampered by confusing rules and guidelines, and this has resulted in 90 per cent of them operating without licences.

Currently, Malaysia is the third largest producer of the costly delicacy behind Indonesia and Thailand, which dominate the export market at 80 and 12 per cent respectively.

"Our share is only about eight per cent, which is worth RM1 billion per annum. We hope to increase our export market and generate some RM5 billion per annum within the next five years," says Datuk Beh Hee Seong, president of the Federation of Malaysian Edible-Nest Swiftlet Merchants Association.

The largest consumer of the interwoven strands of hardened bird's saliva is China, followed by the United States.

Beh said there were 40,000 operators in the country, but the majority were operating without licences.

The reason: the complicated hodgepodge of rules and guidelines set by local authorities in the districts.



As many are operating without licences, it is difficult to monitor their practices. This has resulted in public complaints and protests over the noise and unhygienic conditions of premises where the birds roost.

Beh admits that complaints over noise is a major issue. The operators use recorded bird sounds to attract the swiftlets to nest at their premises.

"The operators will turn up the volume or fail to turn it off after a certain time."

He suggests that licensed operators be given a sticker with a hotline number for complaints. They can affix the sticker on their premises.

As for the business being messy and unhygienic, Beh says the converse is true.

"The public is ill-informed. They think that the birds put them at risk of diseases such as dengue. But with the technology available, most operators are using humidity controllers.

"The swiftlets also eat mosquitoes and flies and only excrete inside the building."

He said the association had proposed that only those who could show a letter of support from residents in the vicinity of the bird motel, be given a licence.

Beh said an operator was considered successful if he could produce 100 bird's nests in a year from one premise.

"For every 1kg of bird's nest, they can get between RM5,000 and RM18,000, depending on the grade of the product," he adds.

Fortunately, the government has given an undertaking to look into the problems faced by the industry.

It has set up a committee to coordinate activities as well as come up with standard rules and regulations for those who want to venture into the business.

Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin admitted that at present, there was an overlapping of local government by-laws, the Animals Act and also the Wildlife Protection Act.

"The role of this technical committee will be to look into the issues faced by the breeders and work with them to come up with standard rules and regulations which will be applicable for the entire industry.

"However, this will take time and for now, we will do our best to assist breeders obtain approval to run their businesses."

He said the cabinet had acknowledged that the industry was highly profitable and had tasked the department with developing it.

"We have started work on a blueprint for the industry and expect it to be ready by the end of the year."

Dr Aziz said there has also been complaints about red tape and problems in applying for a licence.

"We have been informed that there are discrepancies in the export procedures and this eventually leads to the smuggling of the products. We are also looking into a product grading system."

Dr Aziz said the department would help operators obtain the necessary certification, including the halal label.

"This will make their products more marketable, especially in Organisation of Islamic Conference member countries."

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak would be meeting operators soon at a forum in Pekan.

"We are fully supportive of this industry and encourage more people, especially Bumiputeras to venture into it."

He said the department was also looking into the possibility of captive breeding and providing feed throughout the year.

"This way, the birds will be ensured food throughout the year. This kind of environment will also help the birds produce better quality nests.

"However, this method is still being researched. Once we obtain a grant from the government, we will proceed with our pioneer project."


Chinese delicacy for over 400 years

EDIBLE bird's nest is among the most expensive animal product in the world. They have been used in traditional Chinese cooking for more than 400 years.

The nests are built by the male swiftlet over a period of 35 days during the breeding season. It takes the shape of a shallow cup and is stuck to the walls of a cave or building.

The nests consist of interwoven strands of salivary laminae cement and have high levels of calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium.

Negri Sembilan Association of Bird's Nest Traders president Datuk Lee Yuen Fong said the nests were harvested thrice a year, with each harvesting period lasting for up to three months.

"Swiftlets are monogamous birds and both partners take turns caring for the nestlings. The average life span of a swiflet is between 15 and 18 years."

Traditionally, the nests were harvested from limestone caves such as Niah Caves at Niah National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak. However, over the years, businessmen have turned houses into breeding grounds for swiftlets.

To lure the birds, which breed in colonies, recorded sounds of chirping females are played constantly on speakers.

Lee said it was important to be able to distinguish between genuine and fake bird's nest.

"One of our problems is the increasing number of fake bird's nest in the market."

He said anyone who was familiar with the product would be able to tell them apart.

"Swiftlets build their nests with their saliva. These strands of saliva will detach from each other when soaked in water and will be of different lengths and sizes.

"The strands in a fake product will be identical in size."

He said genuine high quality bird's nests would expand to double its size after being soaked and cooked.

"This is a multi-million ringgit industry and because of this there are many unscrupulous parties trying to cash in."

Source: thestar.com.my

Friday December 5, 2008

Swiftlet business soaring high in Pahang

By ROSLINA MOHAMAD

KUANTAN: A total of 1,489 swiftlet premises have been developed by 1,036 operators in Pahang.

Kuantan topped the list with 700 premises managed by 500 operators followed by Rompin, Pekan, Temerloh, Jerantut, Bera, Bentong and Raub.

State Agriculture, Agro-based Industries and Felda Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Tan Aminuddin Ishak said the high demands for swiftlet nests in the Chinese community made it a lucrative business.

The migration of the birds from caves to towns helped people set up new business ventures, he said.

“The annual trade in Malaysia is estimated to be worth RM500mil. In Pahang alone it is worth RM36mil,” he said here recently.

Tan Aminuddin said the bird’s raw nest could fetch between RM1,000 and RM2,000 per kilogram.

Interest in the industry was so high that commercial buildings and homes had been converted into nesting places, he added.

However, there were certain issues which needed attention, especially the risk of disease, bird droppings, cleanliness of towns, noise pollution, price of property devalued and depreciation in quality of life, Tan Aminuddin said.

In view of this, the Veterinary Services Department was committed in providing training on good animal husbandry practice, he added.

“This practice had been made a requirement under local government by-laws before the issuance of licences.

“The department has organised courses on this practice for operators to enable them to get the permits,” he said.

Tan Aminuddin also said the department would carry out checks from time to time to ensure the premises were free of diseases and did not pose risks to the public and the birds.

“The swiftlet industry has great potential for farmers in the state but there is a need to check its development to avoid conflicts and health risks.

“If properly managed, the industry can contribute to the state’s coffers with farmers earning good incomes,” he added.

Source: thestar.com.my

Sunday August 23, 2009

Home sweet home

By CHIN MUI YOON

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

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

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

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

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

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

The way to attract these birds is to provide an environment that closely resembles the swiftlets’ natural habitat, which are traditionally caves. The right humidity and temperature are vital for the bird to feel at home; and if humidity is insufficient, nests won’t be able to cling to the walls.

Another vital factor is the appropriate sound system. Long range speakers must be positioned correctly and must sound the right chirps to attract birds from the surrounding area, and then another set of tweeters must get them to nest in the farm.

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

“The sounds only need to be projected from 7am to 7pm – birds do not hear them at night.”

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

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

Source: thestar.com.my

Sunday August 23, 2009

Farming nests

EARLY one Sunday, Kuala Lumpur-based Dr Christopher Lim sets off on his monthly visit to his swiftlet farm in Ipoh, and we tag along.

The farm is in a shoplot but has been carefully designed to avoid disturbing neighbouring shops and prevent theft. Entrances for the birds are so well concealed that passers-by have no idea a swiftlet farm is located on the uppermost floor.

Passerbys would never realise there’s a swiftlet farm on the upper floors of this shoplot as it has been so neatly and responsibly designed.

The cacophony of chirping is deafening as we make our way through the dark interior. It’s so humid, we’re all instantly drenched in sweat. But the many swiftlets who call this their urban home find it comfortable enough to make nests, lay eggs, and raise their young.

Dr Lim checks the amount of faeces on the ground, which is a rough indicator of the number of birds that visited. And feathers are happy signs of mating rituals, he explains. He looks up at the many wooden beams neatly attached to the ceiling and smiles, for affixed to the beams are several white nests.

Faeces on the floor is an indication of the number of swiftlets in residence.

He clambers up a ladder and checks a nest to make sure there are no baby birds or eggs present (if there are, the nest is left alone). Then, using a paint scraper, he gently scrapes at its edges until he can pluck it off the beam.

We stare at the whitish nest with lots of tiny grey feathers sticking out. This tiny, hardened cup of bird saliva will fetch RM55 on the market or double that after processing (drying, cleaning, and removing the feathers manually).

“There are several grades of bird nests. A perfect concave, or cup-shaped, nest in a pleasing shape is Grade A,” says Dr Lim.

Source: thestar.com.my

Sunday August 23, 2009

Swift fortunes await

By CHIN MUI YOON

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

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

Dr Christopher Lim with a load of freshly harvested birds’ nests that can fetch up to RM4,000, unprocessed. – Photos by ART CHEN / The Star

Every evening, such farmers all over the country eagerly turn their eyes upwards, hoping to see swiftlets entering the “caves” that are their farms, which are actually converted shoplots or custom-built bungalows.

The saliva produced by these swiftlets – of the species Aerodramus fuciphagus – to form their nests is considered one of the five elite foods highly prized by the Chinese; the others are abalone, fish maw, ginseng, and shark’s fin. All of these foods fetch lucrative prices.

In fact, while the price of gold and other commodities has fluctuated throughout the last century, the price of edible birds’ nests has simply grown steadily higher. From US$10 a kilo in 1975, prices soared to US$400 in 1995. In 2002, a kilo cost US$1,600 (RM5,600) and today, the nests can go for up to US$2,700 (RM9,450) a kilo!

The industry in Malaysia alone commands RM1bil annually, according to the 2007 Malaysian Swiftlet Farming Industry Report by Hameed Sultan Merican, former chairman of the agricultural and agro-based businesses sub-committee of the SMI Association of Penang.

The report notes that a kilogramme of top quality, unprocessed nests (which works out to about 90 to 120 nests) fetched between RM4,500 and RM6,000 in 2006. After processing, retail prices went as high as RM15,000 to RM25,000 per kilo.

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

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

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

Chairman of the Malaysian Federation of Associations of Birds Nests Merchants Datuk Beh Heng Seong says Malaysia has the potential to increase its current production level three to five times.

“Studies show that Indonesia is saturated,” he said at an interview last week. “Malaysia still has the capacity to grow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A potential gold mine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Manjung, a small town in Perak, has experienced an exponential boom in swiftlet farming; so much so that the world’s first custom-built accommodation for swiftlets was put up last year.

“We sold all 36 units, some even before we launched the project,” says Loke Yeu Loong, managing director of the Perak Swiftlet Eco Park, which was jointly developed by the Perak State Development Corp and Bio Research Centre (M) Sdn Bhd.

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

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

Consumer concerns

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some people also have environmental concerns, as the swiflets are a protected species.

However, Dr Lim adds that farmers are actually doing their bit to preserve the birds by offering alternative breeding grounds to those in the wild that are slowly being eroded by development.

But some are unethical, he admits: “Some farmers wanting to get rich quickly harvest the nest before the eggs are laid, in hopes that the poor mother bird will create a new one. This is silly and risky not to mention being unethical to a creature that is enriching you.”

The doctor has created his own principles for bird nest farming, which he teaches to all his seminar participants: I will not harvest nests that have eggs inside; I will not harvest nests with young birds inside; and I will not cause any form of physical or psychological harm to the birds.

Another common complaint is the noise caused by the artificial chirping relayed through speakers to attract birds to nest.

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

“The chirping goes on incessantly even in the middle of the night. And it’s very unpleasant to tuck into bah-kut-teh while birds fly endlessly above your head,” he says crossly.

Loke of the Perak Swiftlet Eco Park points out that his company believes in housing bird farms on the outskirts of town to help lessen such complaints.

Lack of guidelines

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

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

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

Though it’s not surprising so many farms are unlicensed; Loke, from Perak’s eco park, points out that there are too many government departments, agencies, and local councils involved.

Beh, of the association of birds’ nests merchants, says there is a clear need for comprehensive guidelines applicable in every state in Malaysia. For instance, a yearly business license in Ipoh is RM120 while in Rompin, Pahang, it costs RM1,200.

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

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

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

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

Many people are also afraid that swiftlet farms will cause or spread bird flu.

But Dr Lim is quick to jump to the defence of his favourite birds: “No health official anywhere in the world has ever found a single strain of avian flu virus among swiftlets.”

He adds that, “Studies have shown that places that have swiftlet farms have reported fewer incidences of dengue fever. A well-run farm has no mosquitoes, as swiftlets consume insects.

“Swiftlets are very clean creatures. They are non-migratory and do not share food or water with other animals. They drink water droplets from the air (hence their penchant for nesting in humid caves) and feed on flying insects.

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

Source: thestar.com.my

Sunday August 23, 2009

Are they really healthy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Birds’ nests are one of the most nutritious organic foods available and are absolutely halal,” he adds.

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