SWITLFETS make their nests using interwoven strands of their saliva. The gelatinous and semi-transparent substance is much sought after by the Chinese for its rich nutrients that are said to enhance one’s health and beauty.
They are easily available in most Chinese medicine halls as bottled nests in sugary soup and boxes of whole nests. Malaysian Federation of Associations of Bird’s Nests Merchants secretary Mah Swee Lye, shared some tips on how to choose the bird’s nests
First and foremost, no two bird’s nests are the same. “If they are genuine ones made by the swiftlets, their shapes and sizes vary,” he said. Secondly, they retain a fishy smell.
“Flies are attracted to the pile of nests we harvested, showing that genuine bird’s nests really do have an odour,” Mah said. Thirdly, the whiter it is, the more cautious one should be because it might have been bleached.
“It’s okay if the nest contains tiny bits of feather — this is a sure sign that the nest is made by swiftlets,” Mah said. While it is not easy to differentiate genuine and fake bird’s nests just by looking, he advised consumers to shop for reliable brands.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Meda on returns from swiftlet farming
PETALING JAYA: Swiftlet farming, which is a relatively new industry in the country, may see an investor reap returns on investments of about RM965,500 after a seven-year period by investing RM688,000 in a swiftlet house.
According to Meda Inc Bhd director Vincent Tiew, with the rapidly emerging bird’s nest market globally, the demand for bird’s nests had grown tremendously. “The market demand for quality bird’s nests is increasing in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Korea,” he told reporters after the signing ceremony between Sri Lingga Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Meda Inc Bhd, and Golden Swift Resources Sdn Bhd (GSR) to launch an integrated eco-development named Nusa Swiftlet Eco-City yesterday. “As long as there are Chinese in the world, bird’s nests will be consumed,” he said.
Nusa Swiftlet is the only swiftlet house development in Malaysia that has obtained permission from the local authority, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. “This kind of modern swiftlet cultivation integrated project is still uncommon in Malaysia,” he said.
Each unit is a three-storey swiftlet house built on a one-acre land with built-up area of 22 ft by 72 ft. “Any extra land could be utilised for fruit or organic vegetable farming,” he said.
, adding that every single unit consists of reinforced concrete double walls and other swiftlet cultivation devices.” A total of 52 units are for sale at RM688,000 each. “You can do swiftlet cultivation on one acre of land and the yield way surpasses what you can do with one other long-standing industries,” he said.
Currently, Malaysia is the second largest exporter of bird’s nests, with annual production of about 135 tonnes. The price of bird’s nests has risen tremendously over the years. Currently, it ranges between RM2,000 and RM4,800 per kg for unprocessed nests and RM8,500 for processed nests while premium grade can reach RM10,000 to RM15,000. Tiew said investors could manage swiftlet houses themselves or assign the responsibility to GSR.
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news
According to Meda Inc Bhd director Vincent Tiew, with the rapidly emerging bird’s nest market globally, the demand for bird’s nests had grown tremendously. “The market demand for quality bird’s nests is increasing in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Korea,” he told reporters after the signing ceremony between Sri Lingga Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Meda Inc Bhd, and Golden Swift Resources Sdn Bhd (GSR) to launch an integrated eco-development named Nusa Swiftlet Eco-City yesterday. “As long as there are Chinese in the world, bird’s nests will be consumed,” he said.
Nusa Swiftlet is the only swiftlet house development in Malaysia that has obtained permission from the local authority, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. “This kind of modern swiftlet cultivation integrated project is still uncommon in Malaysia,” he said.
Each unit is a three-storey swiftlet house built on a one-acre land with built-up area of 22 ft by 72 ft. “Any extra land could be utilised for fruit or organic vegetable farming,” he said.
, adding that every single unit consists of reinforced concrete double walls and other swiftlet cultivation devices.” A total of 52 units are for sale at RM688,000 each. “You can do swiftlet cultivation on one acre of land and the yield way surpasses what you can do with one other long-standing industries,” he said.
Currently, Malaysia is the second largest exporter of bird’s nests, with annual production of about 135 tonnes. The price of bird’s nests has risen tremendously over the years. Currently, it ranges between RM2,000 and RM4,800 per kg for unprocessed nests and RM8,500 for processed nests while premium grade can reach RM10,000 to RM15,000. Tiew said investors could manage swiftlet houses themselves or assign the responsibility to GSR.
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news
Saturday, November 14, 2009
KELANTAN PRODUCED 1000KG BIRD'S NEST PER MONTH
Kelantan estimated to produced 1000kg of bird's nest per month. That equivalent of RM 3 millions.The council also happily collect about RM 1000 per premis.
Please see all the picture.
Do you know beside this, any other state produce that nuch?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
S’wak Bird’s Nests Suppliers Association to be launched
SIBU: The Sarawak Bird’s Nests Suppliers Association (SBNSA) will be officially launched on Nov 15 at RH Hotel at 9.30am.Its pro tem deputy chairman Jesse Tang said SBNSA recently received an approval letter from the Registrar of Societies (ROS) confirming its official registration. “As such we invite all swiftlet farmhouse investors throughout the state to join the association,” he said at a press conference yesterday. Tang said SBNSA currently had over 1,000 members from Kuching to Miri.“There are at least 1,000 swiftlet farmhouse operators out there who have yet to join the association. We sincerely call on them to join the association and to get all the benefits which the members enjoy,” he said.
Members can attend courses and workshops at a minimal fee on bird’s nest processing and other techniques like ranching as well as ways to improve their farmhouses. “We provide all the updates on techniques and processing skills to our members to help them equip themselves on swiftlet farming,” he said.
Tang said not all swiftlet farmers are fully aware of swiftlet ranching techniques and that was why over 70 per cent of those who ventured into the business failed. “Operating a swiftlet farms is equivalent to operating a bank. Obviously, there will be no customers if you set up your bank in the middle of the jungle and likewise, if you operate the farmhouses in the jungle, the birds will not come either,” he said.
Tang reminded investors against rushing into the business without confirming the viability of their projects, which is the key for all investments. “It’s not the approval from the respective authorities that counts but it’s the investment location that holds the key to the success in the bird’s nests business,” he said.
According to Tang, Sarawak currently produces about three tonnes of bird’s nests per month.
“Sarikei ranks top, followed by Mukah, Bintulu, Kuching, Sibu and so forth,” he said.
Nationwide, he said the country exported about RM1 million worth of bird’s nests per annum, making it one of the country’s largest export earners. As such, Tang said the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is concerned about farmhouse operators and the production of high quality bird’s nests.
“We may not be able to overtake Indonesia, which is the world’s biggest supplier of bird’s nests, but we can build ourselves to become one of the major suppliers of high quality bird’s nests in the world,” he added.
From www.theborneopost.com
Members can attend courses and workshops at a minimal fee on bird’s nest processing and other techniques like ranching as well as ways to improve their farmhouses. “We provide all the updates on techniques and processing skills to our members to help them equip themselves on swiftlet farming,” he said.
Tang said not all swiftlet farmers are fully aware of swiftlet ranching techniques and that was why over 70 per cent of those who ventured into the business failed. “Operating a swiftlet farms is equivalent to operating a bank. Obviously, there will be no customers if you set up your bank in the middle of the jungle and likewise, if you operate the farmhouses in the jungle, the birds will not come either,” he said.
Tang reminded investors against rushing into the business without confirming the viability of their projects, which is the key for all investments. “It’s not the approval from the respective authorities that counts but it’s the investment location that holds the key to the success in the bird’s nests business,” he said.
According to Tang, Sarawak currently produces about three tonnes of bird’s nests per month.
“Sarikei ranks top, followed by Mukah, Bintulu, Kuching, Sibu and so forth,” he said.
Nationwide, he said the country exported about RM1 million worth of bird’s nests per annum, making it one of the country’s largest export earners. As such, Tang said the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is concerned about farmhouse operators and the production of high quality bird’s nests.
“We may not be able to overtake Indonesia, which is the world’s biggest supplier of bird’s nests, but we can build ourselves to become one of the major suppliers of high quality bird’s nests in the world,” he added.
From www.theborneopost.com
Consortium To Develop Country’s Bird’s Nest Industry
The Borneo Post http://theborneopost.com.my
SIBU: A consortium comprising businessmen in the local edible bird’s nest industry has been initiated to further develop the industry and strengthen its position in the world market especially China.The protem deputy president of the newly formed Sarawak Bird’s Nest Supplier’s Association (SBNSA), Jesse Tang Yu Hang, said the consortium known as the Chun Yan Fang will launch a membership drive nationwide this month.
Tang said its present members now were from Sarawak as well as from Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan, Terengganu, Johor, Pahang and Penang and that they were looking forward for members from Perak and Kedah. He said an investment of RM2.5 billion had been injected for the consortium to carry out the groundwork including setting up headquarters and carrying out promotions in China.
It is not easy for individual Malaysian businessmen to carry out promotions and sales of birdnest in China as the competition there is very strong, Tang said. “Our consortium will focus on developing world class quality coming from Malaysia and not to compete on the price or quantity. “We need to pool our resources together. We cannot afford to fight among ourselves or others as we only produce 10 per cent of the world market while Indonesia is the world’s leading producer,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
A kilogramme of processed birdnest currently could cost up to RM10,000 in the market.
Tang said that by joining the consortium, members will also get to know the latest breeding culture, post harvest processing techniques for greater value and have access to more markets besides having their rights and interests protected.
He said in the current scenario where Sarawak prohibited the setting up of birdnest houses in cities and towns for health reasons, those interested could invest in Peninsular Malaysia where the laws were different.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is very supportive of the industry as he is aware of its very high potential as another top revenue earner for the country, Tang said.
On the recent development in the industry, he said: “Our parliament recently endorsed for the industry to come under the purview of the Agriculture Ministry.
The Federal Veterinary Department will act as the lead agency to develop a blueprint on rules and regulations and guidelines and research and development to take it to greater heights.
“We are waiting for a ‘1 Malaysia 1 Bird’s Nest Industry’ policy to be tabled soon,” he said.
Investment in the local industry is now worth over RM10 billion, mainly in infrastructure development while export value per year is around RM1 billion, Tang said. “We expect the figure to grow especially from China where consuming bird’s nest is already a culture and which now accounts for 80 per cent of the world’s demand. “With a growing affluent population, we envisage the demand to increase.”
On the consortium’s plans, he said it would set up more selling outlets and franchises in major Chinese provinces and cities.“We have planned for 40 of which 10 are already confirmed. Besides the birdnest business, we hope to promote Malaysia to more Chinese tourists too,” he said.
The consortium also has plans to tackle the markets of Taiwan, Hong Kong and other Asian countries.
Meanwhile, Tang said the Sarawak Bird’s Nest Supplier’s Association which had about 1,000 members would be the third such association approved in the state. It is expected to be officially launched here on Nov 15 where the consortium would also be promoted towards getting more members from Sarikei, which is the state’s leading producer of bird’s nest, as well as from Kuching, Miri and Bintulu.
Sarawak currently produces about three tonnes of birdnest every month but has the capacity to generate about RM1 billion worth in the near future, Tang said.“Sarawak is basically very big, still pristine and free from many heavy industries. “There are plenty for the birds to eat. When more people join in the industry they will indirectly come to care for the environment,” he said, adding that when the environment is threatened, the birds would be affected. This in turn will affect the industry, he said. On the state law which only allows the construction of birdnest houses in outskirt areas, he said there seemed to be some confusion about the bird species.
A veterinarian Dr Koh Ung Leong, who was also present at the press conference, said only the house swiflets or ‘Aerodromas Fuciphagus’ and the ‘Aerodromas Maximus’ or cave swiflets produce the edible nest. “The ones that cause the nuisance in towns and cities with their droppings and sheer numbers are the barn swallows, house swallows and the Starlings.
“Infact if we are to allow the building of birdnest houses in such settings, the species will compete with the three types for insects,” he said. He claimed that the number of the “nuisance” birds had greatly decreased in Sarikei town where there were more birdnest houses compared with other areas in the state.
Those wishing to know more about the association and the consortium can contact Dr Koh at 012-8861516 and Andy Tiang at 012-8041610. — Bernama
SIBU: A consortium comprising businessmen in the local edible bird’s nest industry has been initiated to further develop the industry and strengthen its position in the world market especially China.The protem deputy president of the newly formed Sarawak Bird’s Nest Supplier’s Association (SBNSA), Jesse Tang Yu Hang, said the consortium known as the Chun Yan Fang will launch a membership drive nationwide this month.
Tang said its present members now were from Sarawak as well as from Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan, Terengganu, Johor, Pahang and Penang and that they were looking forward for members from Perak and Kedah. He said an investment of RM2.5 billion had been injected for the consortium to carry out the groundwork including setting up headquarters and carrying out promotions in China.
It is not easy for individual Malaysian businessmen to carry out promotions and sales of birdnest in China as the competition there is very strong, Tang said. “Our consortium will focus on developing world class quality coming from Malaysia and not to compete on the price or quantity. “We need to pool our resources together. We cannot afford to fight among ourselves or others as we only produce 10 per cent of the world market while Indonesia is the world’s leading producer,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
A kilogramme of processed birdnest currently could cost up to RM10,000 in the market.
Tang said that by joining the consortium, members will also get to know the latest breeding culture, post harvest processing techniques for greater value and have access to more markets besides having their rights and interests protected.
He said in the current scenario where Sarawak prohibited the setting up of birdnest houses in cities and towns for health reasons, those interested could invest in Peninsular Malaysia where the laws were different.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is very supportive of the industry as he is aware of its very high potential as another top revenue earner for the country, Tang said.
On the recent development in the industry, he said: “Our parliament recently endorsed for the industry to come under the purview of the Agriculture Ministry.
The Federal Veterinary Department will act as the lead agency to develop a blueprint on rules and regulations and guidelines and research and development to take it to greater heights.
“We are waiting for a ‘1 Malaysia 1 Bird’s Nest Industry’ policy to be tabled soon,” he said.
Investment in the local industry is now worth over RM10 billion, mainly in infrastructure development while export value per year is around RM1 billion, Tang said. “We expect the figure to grow especially from China where consuming bird’s nest is already a culture and which now accounts for 80 per cent of the world’s demand. “With a growing affluent population, we envisage the demand to increase.”
On the consortium’s plans, he said it would set up more selling outlets and franchises in major Chinese provinces and cities.“We have planned for 40 of which 10 are already confirmed. Besides the birdnest business, we hope to promote Malaysia to more Chinese tourists too,” he said.
The consortium also has plans to tackle the markets of Taiwan, Hong Kong and other Asian countries.
Meanwhile, Tang said the Sarawak Bird’s Nest Supplier’s Association which had about 1,000 members would be the third such association approved in the state. It is expected to be officially launched here on Nov 15 where the consortium would also be promoted towards getting more members from Sarikei, which is the state’s leading producer of bird’s nest, as well as from Kuching, Miri and Bintulu.
Sarawak currently produces about three tonnes of birdnest every month but has the capacity to generate about RM1 billion worth in the near future, Tang said.“Sarawak is basically very big, still pristine and free from many heavy industries. “There are plenty for the birds to eat. When more people join in the industry they will indirectly come to care for the environment,” he said, adding that when the environment is threatened, the birds would be affected. This in turn will affect the industry, he said. On the state law which only allows the construction of birdnest houses in outskirt areas, he said there seemed to be some confusion about the bird species.
A veterinarian Dr Koh Ung Leong, who was also present at the press conference, said only the house swiflets or ‘Aerodromas Fuciphagus’ and the ‘Aerodromas Maximus’ or cave swiflets produce the edible nest. “The ones that cause the nuisance in towns and cities with their droppings and sheer numbers are the barn swallows, house swallows and the Starlings.
“Infact if we are to allow the building of birdnest houses in such settings, the species will compete with the three types for insects,” he said. He claimed that the number of the “nuisance” birds had greatly decreased in Sarikei town where there were more birdnest houses compared with other areas in the state.
Those wishing to know more about the association and the consortium can contact Dr Koh at 012-8861516 and Andy Tiang at 012-8041610. — Bernama
Monday, November 2, 2009
First swiftlet rearing zone to be in Mukah, Sarawak
Extract From The Borneo Post
KUCHING: The state will soon have a swiftlet rearing zone, and for that a piece of land in Balingian in Mukah has been identified.Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Naroden Majais said yesterday the project would be managed by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
Without disclosing the size of the land, Naroden assured that the project would not be close to the town or residential areas. “The swiftlet rearing zone in Mukah will start soon, and will be equipped with infrastructure to meet the request of the people,” Naroden told reporters.
He had earlier officiated at the closing of a two-day Sarawak Land Seminar for Southern Zone (Kuching/Samarahan/Sri Aman/Betong) at a hotel here. He pointed out that the piece of land in Mukah that had been earmarked for the project belonged to the state, and it was the first project approved by the government.
Naroden, who is also Assistant Minister of Planning and Resource Management, pointed out that the project in Mukah was due to “popular demand” from the people. With the implementation of the project, people who were involved and interested in rearing swiftlets would be absorbed into the area, he explained. According to him, there is also great demand for such projects in Sarikei and Bintulu, and it would be up to SEDC whether to establish the projects in the two areas.
Naroden also said about 200 applications had been received from the people who were interested in swiftlet rearing business.
At that moment, only two applications had been approved to individuals, he said, adding that the others were still at various processing stage. He pointed out that applications would have to be made through the Forest Department which would coordinate with the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and the Land and Survey Department.
The assistant minister stressed that there were various criteria to follow before the licence was approved. In view of this, he advised those who were interested to apply for the licence to get information from the Forest Department.
Earlier, when closing the seminar, Naroden said NCR landowners, whose land were developed for oil palm plantations, would not lose their right over their land. He said before the land was developed, an agreement would be signed between the developer and the land owners for a certain period of time, after which the land would be returned to the owners after the period lapsed.
Among those present at the function were Land Development Assistant Minister Datuk Francis Harden, Environment Assistant Minister Dr Abang Rauf Abang Zen and Land and Survey Department director Datu Sudarsono Osman.
KUCHING: The state will soon have a swiftlet rearing zone, and for that a piece of land in Balingian in Mukah has been identified.Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Naroden Majais said yesterday the project would be managed by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
Without disclosing the size of the land, Naroden assured that the project would not be close to the town or residential areas. “The swiftlet rearing zone in Mukah will start soon, and will be equipped with infrastructure to meet the request of the people,” Naroden told reporters.
He had earlier officiated at the closing of a two-day Sarawak Land Seminar for Southern Zone (Kuching/Samarahan/Sri Aman/Betong) at a hotel here. He pointed out that the piece of land in Mukah that had been earmarked for the project belonged to the state, and it was the first project approved by the government.
Naroden, who is also Assistant Minister of Planning and Resource Management, pointed out that the project in Mukah was due to “popular demand” from the people. With the implementation of the project, people who were involved and interested in rearing swiftlets would be absorbed into the area, he explained. According to him, there is also great demand for such projects in Sarikei and Bintulu, and it would be up to SEDC whether to establish the projects in the two areas.
Naroden also said about 200 applications had been received from the people who were interested in swiftlet rearing business.
At that moment, only two applications had been approved to individuals, he said, adding that the others were still at various processing stage. He pointed out that applications would have to be made through the Forest Department which would coordinate with the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and the Land and Survey Department.
The assistant minister stressed that there were various criteria to follow before the licence was approved. In view of this, he advised those who were interested to apply for the licence to get information from the Forest Department.
Earlier, when closing the seminar, Naroden said NCR landowners, whose land were developed for oil palm plantations, would not lose their right over their land. He said before the land was developed, an agreement would be signed between the developer and the land owners for a certain period of time, after which the land would be returned to the owners after the period lapsed.
Among those present at the function were Land Development Assistant Minister Datuk Francis Harden, Environment Assistant Minister Dr Abang Rauf Abang Zen and Land and Survey Department director Datu Sudarsono Osman.
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