KUCHING: The Sarawak Bird’s Nest Traders Association is seeking the state government’s support for production and export of bird’s nests so that it can be better managed as a natural resource.
Government support will also protect revenue generation from this trade, said association president Loh Siaw Kuei.
“This is to compete effectively with neighbouring countries especially Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam in the production and export of bird’s nests, while at the same time remain relevant in the market.
“Thus, we want the government to consider bird’s nests as a natural resource and protect the revenue generation from the export of the product,” he said in a statement today.
Among the important matters submitted by stakeholders include better regulation, increased competitiveness, monitoring, protection and governance for both cave bird’s nest and domestic bird’s nest production.
“We are asking for a review of the gazetted legislation to clearly define the protection status of swiftlet species as this is also a conservation effort rather than the exploitation of swiftlet species.
“Secondly, breeders are willing to comply with rules and laws, including laws that regulate swiftlet breeding activities.
“However, the law needs to be reviewed for updates to match the latest swiftlet ecology and bird’s nest market conditions,” he said.
Loh also said that the government is recommended to recognise the production, processing and export of bird’s nests as an industry that realises wide employment opportunities for the local community.
In addition, the governing body of the bird’s nest industry should be independent from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and fully implemented by the proposed board to further improve the efficiency of licence application processing, approval, monitoring and enforcement.
“A bird’s nest industry handbook needs to be published to set out the rules, obligations and procedures of stakeholders to facilitate compliance and to avoid misconceptions and misunderstandings in promoting regulatory compliance.
“Furthermore, the board shall protect and champion the interests of Sarawak and its stakeholders as a whole by providing guidance, dissemination of information and education, research and publication.
“It is recommended that the executive members of the board should obey state agencies and representatives of relevant stakeholders,” added Loh.
In relation to the aspects of integrity and accountability, he noted that all foreigners without valid business registration, licence or personal legal status shall be prohibited from owning, associating, operating, selling, importing, exporting Sarawak bird nests.
“The swiftlet farming industry involves all ethnic groups with the appearance of small swiftlet houses in towns, villages and longhouses, throughout Sarawak.
“Thus, if properly developed, this valuable natural commodity can benefit all the people of Sarawak,” he said.
This was in response to the SFC’s raid on four business premises and the confiscation of bird’s nests valued about RM2.5 million.
