NOTICE TO SWIFTLET FARMERS IN SARAWAK

NOTICE TO SWIFTLET FARMERS

Forest Department's Sarawak State to operate swiftlets farming, get  licence from the Controller of Wildlife,  as provided under the Wild Life Protection Ordinance, 1998, Wild Life Protection Rules, 1998 and the Wild Life Protection (Edible Bird's Nests) Rules 1998.

3. For any queries please contact Forest Department Sarawak Headquarters telephone no. 082-442180/319102/319103 during office hours only.

CONTROLLER OF WILD LIFE
SARAWAK
Swiftlet Farm Licences
Application forms:

1. License to build, erect or maintain any building or structure for swiftlet farms.
Building plan is to be submitted to the local council only after this licence is issued by the Controller of Wild Life.
Form WL(EBN)1/2007 in pdf format.

2. Licence to own or maintain Commercial wild Life Farm.
This licence could only be issued after the building had been completed and certificate of fitness or equivlent has been issued by the relevant local councils.
Form (WL) 3/2002 in pdf format.

Please contact our Licence Unit,
1st floor, Wisma Sumber Alam,
Petra Jaya, 93660 Kuching
Telephone No. 082-319228 for further details.

http://www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my/forweb/swiftlet/index.html

Agriculture NKEA

Posted on December 22, 2010, Wednesday

KUCHING: The Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, the lead ministry for the Agriculture National Key Economic Area (NKEA), has announced that the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has received approval to develop of a Herbal Cultivation Park in Terengganu.

Datuk Seri Noh Omar

In a statement from Kuala Lumpur yesterday, the ministry stated that a 461-hectare land in Pasir Raja, Terengganu would be used to cultivate seven types of herbs in high demand. The herbs are ‘tongkat Ali’ (Eurycoma longifolia), ‘kacip Fatimah’ (Labissa pumila), ‘misai kucing’ (Orthosiphon aristatus), ‘dukung anak’ (Phyllanthus Niruri), ‘hempedu bumi’ (Andrographis paniculata), agarwood (Aquilara malaccencis) and lemon myrtle.

It stated that tongkat Ali would be expected to reap the highest annual revenue, estimated at RM225,000 per hectare, followed by dukung anak at an estimated RM136,500 per hectare. “The global trade of natural products amounted to RM777 billion in 2006, and is projected to triple to over RM2 trillion by 2020. “This project, which will create 285 jobs, is a crucial step to ensure the availability of a ready source of raw material as Malaysia moves up the value chain to become a leader in the production of nutraceuticals and botanical drugs,” said Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Datuk Seri Noh Omar in the statement.

ECERDC would also be planning to develop two additional herbal parks in Chegar Perah and Rantau Manis, due expectedly to take off in 2011 and 2013, respectively. “The global demand for agriculture produce is expanding rapidly and there are many niches that Malaysia can exploit, given our natural advantages. We aim to double the agriculture sector’s contribution to the GNI (gross national income) by expanding the production of high-value items and increasing the percentage of raw produce that is made into downstream products. “Through better infrastructure, management techniques and technology, we also target to increase productivity to enable farmers participating in our projects to more than double the monthly income that they receive,” added Noh.

Meanwhile, the Department of Veterinary Services under the ministry would be releasing the Malaysia Edible-Birdnest Industry Guidlines (1GP) to the public this week. The announcement would be seen as a timely move, given the nation’s status as the second largest global producer with an estimated RM1.5 billion worth in sales and annual growth of 20 per cent in the industry. Currently, the annual global market for edible-birdnest is estimated to be worth RM10.2 billion. The much anticipated guidelines would cover Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP MS2273:2009) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP MS2333:2010), as well as the Malaysia Standard (MS). The 1GP would also touch on import export, traceability, registration

and licensing procedures of EBN industry. 

On the other end, the ministry had also identified 11 potential areas including one in Tasik Temenggor, Perak, for its integrated cage aquaculture trial programme. Slated for both marine and freshwater, the programme would be aimed at promoting large-scale, anchor-company driven cage-farming that would focus on three high export-value species: grouper, sea bass and tilapia. As such, a joint-venture between Department of Fisheries and Trapia Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Trapia) called ‘Synergy Farming Programme’ had been established with the aim of creating new entrepreneurs in this industry. Trapia, a joint-venture company between local company and a Norwegian company, Genomar, had been selected as the anchor company to head this Entry Point Project (EPP).

The venture would enable the transfer of technology from Norway to Malaysia while creating an export market presently estimated at 7,500 metric tonnes (mt) of ‘Genomar Supreme’ tilapia fillet worth RM32.25 million annually. The project would also create a niche for contract jobs and employment for locals. Additionally, the Synergy Farming Programme would be contributing 2,500mt of tilapia to the anchor company to achieve their production targets of 7,500mt annually through the provision of 20 cages and manpower by the government. Trapia, on the other hand, would assist in the training of the new entrepreneurs.

A total of 16 candidates had been selected for the programme, each given one cage and undergoing hands-on training under the company’s supervision. Successful trainees would be given two units each to operate, where they would be expected to produce approximately 100mt per cycle worth RM 500,000, generating income up to RM4,000 per month. The total annual production from the programme would be estimated to reach 2,500mt valued at RM10.75 million.

Vectors of viruses in crops | Plant and Animal Health content from Western Farm Press

Vectors of viruses in crops | Plant and Animal Health content from Western Farm Press

Temporary licences for swiftlet farms

By ELAN PERUMAL
elan@thestar.com.my

OPERATORS of swiftlet farms in Selangor have been asked to apply for temporary licences from their respective local authorities. 

The Selangor Government has decided to legalise swiftlet farms in a temporary move while awaiting the standard guidelines to be ready. State local government committee chairman Ronnie Liu said they were finalising the details of the licensing conditions. He said the standard guidelines would be ready in six months. He added that the move was necessary for the local authorities to collect licensing fee from the operators. 

“The swiftlet operators have been operating farms without paying any form of licensing fees and this has resulted in a loss of income for the local authorities. “Now, the local authorities will be able to get some revenue from the swiflet breeders. “We are also working closely with the Veterinary Department on the details of the licensing conditions,’’ he said. 

Liu said applications from those operating at high-density areas, including towns, would not be entertained. “However, consideration will be given to those who are operating at remote areas,’’ he said.

Swiftlet farms In Sibu Town

By ANDY CHUA
andychua@thestar.com.my

THE Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has issued a warning to shophouse and residential property owners that it will take action against those who operate swiftlet farms in their property. Chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said at SMC’s full council meeting yesterday that as swiftlet farming was a lucrative business, those involved in the business should not violate the law by operating such farms in their premises.

Tiong: SMC will take action on illegal swiftlet farming. The council, he said, had received many complaints about swiftlet farming causing noise pollutions.

 

“The council will take action on the complaints under the Public Health Ordinance even though the licensing of the farms is under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department,” said Tiong.

 

Tiong also posed a challenge to NGOs to extend their cleaning campaigns beyond merely picking up litter and wastes by including education. He suggested that they distributed educational leaflets and give talks to residents on the importance to have a clean environment. He said this was particularly important in view of the increasing cases of dengue in the town this year.

Need for management of artificial sounds and bird droppings

By ANDY CHUA
andychua@thestar.com.my

THE Sarawak Birdnest Supplier Association (SBSA) hopes that the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) will act on new swiftlet farms operating in shophouses and residential properties.

Its vice-chairman Jesse Pang said that SBSA would welcome such action as the new farms were becoming a nuisance to the public.

“The council should stop people from operating new farm houses. Action should be taken against new farm operators and not the old ones,” he told StarMetro yesterday.

There were about 100 swiftlet farmers in Sibu in 2008 but the number has since sky-rocketed.

SMC chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said on Monday that the council had received numerous complaints of noise pollution and bird droppings at the swiftlet farms and action would be taken under the Public Health Ordinance.

“Only new farm operators use loud music to attract the birds while the old operators do not need it as the birds are already dwelling in the farm houses. However, the council can act against any offenders,” he said.

On the issue of bird droppings, Pang said that most people had a wrong perception about it.

“It is important for the public and the council to understand that there are three types of birds involved,” he said.

The species were the white-bellied collocia which rests on buildings all day; the layang-layang which flies into towns from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and perches on trees, building ledges and electrical cables; and the white nest-house swiftlets.

The nests of the first two types had no commercial value, Pang said. They, however, caused endless problems with their droppings.

He said it was the nest-house swiftlets that people farmed.

“Most people have the wrong perception that the nest-house swiftlets are the culprits. This type is well-mannered and does not defecate anywhere except in the birdhouse.

“As the birdhouse is in one’s property all day, the operator is the one who does the cleaning, should there be bird droppings on the floor. Moreover the population of nest-house swiftlets is very low; less than 5% compared to the first two,” he said.

Pang, however, felt that acting against swiftlet farmers could affect the industry as it was lucrative, and the population of nest-house swiftlets should be allowed to grow.

He said the nest-house swiftlets could reduce the population of the other types of swiftlets.

Instead of acting against swiftlet farmers, it would be better to regulate the industry by instituting proper management of artificial sounds and bird droppings, he said.

Pang said, with 30 Government agencies in the final stages of standardising the edible birdnest industry, local authorities in the state should move forward and help the industry to grow.

Flowers And Color: How The Bees Sees Ultravioletly

Flowers And Color: How The Bees Sees Ultravioletly

Swiftlet Farming For Pulau Bruit

The only way to develop Pulau Bruit, Sarawak  is through Swiftlet Ranching. This island is very suitable according to investigation by DVS.

 

Pulau Bruit in dire straits

by Wilfred Pilo. Posted on December 11, 2010, Saturday

KUCHING: The people living in Pulau Bruit are in dire straits, especially for road connectivity and clean water supply.

HIGH TIDE: Islanders rely on river transport to reach other village. Villagers get ready to take their ride to the other villager.

According to the book, “Sarawak and Its People”, the inhabitants of Pulau Bruit in Daro district has been in existent before 1830. Today, the community was made up of mostly fishermen and farmers, earning an average income of RM700 monthly.

Since his appointment in 2007 as the community headman of Kampung Bruit, 58-year-old Penghulu Razeli Bujang said that he was optimistic and hopeful that the government will help the islanders in terms of social, economic and infrastructure developments. Razeli, who was the main host for Kuching Specialist Hospital Community Outreach Programme from Dec 3 to 5 to the island, said that as their community leader he understood the current plight of the people and their wishes from the state government.

But the former army, also the headman of the largest village on the island, urged his fellow islanders to be patient because developments would come in stages to help them out of hardships and improve their living standard. He told reporters that even though they were categorised in the hardcore poor group, they have to continue working hard and find ways to bring home earnings. Razeli revealed that fishermen can only sail out to the sea for four months in a year and earned around RM350 per month whilst farmers who relied on paddy planting get around RM300 per month.

He said that at other times, the fishermen and farmers earned their extra incomes from working as a general labourer, mending the homes of fellow villagers or did odd jobs at the mainland, outside the island. On the living conditions, Razeli said the priority was for clean water supply but they understood that the government could only provide the supply only by 2012. Mean time, they relied on rain water for drinking, washing, sanitation and carrying out other chores.

The villagers will be worry free during rainy season or when a heavy downpour but during the period of drought, they would heavily depended on outside help. Every household were given at least 4 or 5 water storage tanks by the government to ensure that they have enough daily water ration. Unfortunately, the island has no water catchment area and the underground water is dirty and salty, making it difficult to find clean water.

On inland connectivity, Razeli said that the only good tar road on the island is the 7 to 8 kilometre road from Kampung Bruit to Kampung Tekajong. People in Pulau Bruit still use the water ways as mean of transportation to get to other villagers and so depended on the water tide. Razeli disclosed that, with a population of about 2,000, some 400 people had left to live outside the island.

He said many left the island to overcome hardship while some chose to live with relatives and family members working in towns and cities. Like any responsible community headman, he hoped that the islanders would be better educated and lived a better life elsewhere but must not forget their roots and families still at the island.

There are around 205 students studying at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Bruit at present and more than 100 have gone to study in SMK Daro, SMK Igan and other secondary schools in Sibu.

Despite their poverty and hardship, Kampung Bruit has produced 29 graduates so far. Razeli was glad that these people will have a much better life and hoped that they can help their relatives who still reside on the island. The islanders relied on government for various assistants to ensure that life on the island continue as normal without major illness. Razeli extended his gratitude to the KCSH Community Outreach Programme which provided medical and other services to them.

“We know that they are people who are concerned about us here and we hoped more such programme can reach the island so that we can get additional and better medical treatment other than the community clinic on the island,” he said. Lead by director of KCSH and Usaha Cendera Ngeng Eng Cheng, more than 50 volunteers including two consultant specialist doctors, five medical doctors and two dentists assisted by volunteer nurses and medical assistants joined the programme.

Apart from these medical personnels, also participating in the programme were staffs from National Registration, Pusat Pembangunan Kemahiran Sarawak (PPKS) and Agriculture Department, providing registration service for identity cards and documents, education and agriculture counselling as well as talks on ways to boost their social economic standing.

During the three days trip, medical personnel attended the islanders and discovered that more than 40 per cent of them have hypertension, high sugar level which could lead to type II diabetes and eye diseases that could jeopardise their sight.

The government has planned a project costing RM400 million for road connectivity and clean water supply in 2012 to solve the dilemmas of the people in Pulau Bruit.

深圳海关破获7亿案值燕窝走私大案(RM350,000,000 / US100Million)

KOta Tinggi Bird Nest House For Sale_0001.wmv

House Of Bird's Nest

How to make a Canoe - Ray Mears World of Survival - BBC

Dua kilang memproses sarang burung walit mengguna bahan kimia berbahaya dikenal pasti

Posted on October 24, 2010, Sunday

SEREMBAN: Dua buah kilang memproses sarang burung walit dikenal pasti menggunakan bahan kimia berbahaya untuk menjadikan warna sarang burung itu kemerah-merahan, iaitu kategori yang terbaik, bertujuan menipu pembeli. 

Timbalan Menteri Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani Chua Tee Yong berkata perbuatan itu menyebabkan China, selaku pengimport utama sarang burung itu, menghantar aduan kepada kementeriannya memandangkan penggunaan bahan kimia itu yang boleh menyebabkan kanser.

Sebagai tindakan, beliau berkata kementeriannya sudah pun mengarahkan kedua-dua kilang terbabit menghentikan pengeluaran dan tindakan akan diambil oleh jabatan kesihatan.

China mengimport sarang burung walit sebanyak RM1 bilion dari Malaysia, katanya kepada pemberita selepas merasmikan Kursus Sehari Perladangan Burung Walit anjuran bersama Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Negeri Sembilan dan Persatuan Pengusaha-pengusaha Burung Walit Negeri Sembilan di sini semalam.

Chua berkata garis panduan untuk pengusaha burung walit akan diperkenalkan pada hujung tahun ini.

“Negeri Sembilan akan menjadi negeri pertama yang menguatkuasakan garis panduan ini. Ini akan membolehkan pihak berkuasa mengadakan tindakan memantau industri ini supaya rumah burung itu tidak dibuat sesuka hati,” katanya.

Beliau berkata kementerian itu merekodkan kira-kira 6,000 orang pengusaha burung walit tetapi beliau menganggarkan jumlah tidak rasmi mungkin mencecah dua kali ganda.

Bernama difahamkan sarang burung walit yang sudah diproses untuk dijadikan makanan dan minuman kesihatan boleh mencecah sehingga RM8,000 sekilogram. — Bernama