Swiftlet industry players urged to follow guideline

July 13, 2010, Tuesday

KUALA LUMPUR: Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar has urged swiftlet industry players to follow the guideline approved by the Cabinet. He said approval of the swiftlet industry guideline (1GP) means that 50,000 swiftlet premises will have to be registered with the Veterinary Services Department (JPV).

The National Council On Local Government meeting on Friday was chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. The first of its kind in the world, the swiftlet industry guideline will also be implemented in Sabah and Sarawak.

Noh said it is aimed at addressing issues like smell, noise and diseases while developing the RM1 billion industry in a holistic manner. “Swiftlet industry players must ready to register with JPV. I can understand if they feel uneasy about the guideline as they have been doing the business for decades.

“Under the guideline, they are certain things that they can’t do. We are giving ample notice as we don’t want to burden the people,” Noh added. Swiftlet industry players can register swiftlet premises via the website http://www.burungwalit.com.my  which can be accessed starting yesterday. — Bernama