Sabah to develop bird’s nest industry to help the poor

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will develop the bird’s nest industry to help improve the incomes of rural people, particularly the poor.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin said that 60 people from among the poor would be picked for a project undertaken by the federal Veterinary Services Department to develop the industry nationwide.

Yahya, who is also state Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, told the state assembly that the programme was part of other plans to develop the industry.

He also said the state’s Veterinary Services and Animal Husbandry Department as well as Sabah Rural Development Corporation were applying for funds under the 10th Malaysia Plan to develop the industry in rural areas.

He added that the state was participating as a member in formulation of policy and guidelines for the swiftlet industry.

To a question, Yahya said the traditional swiftlet industry at Guamuntong and Madai caves would not be affected by the encouragement of the swiflet farming industry in the state.