http://archives.thestar.com.my/search/default.asp?q=swiftlet
KUALA LUMPUR: The Veterinary Services Department and local councils will now be able to act on residents' complaints against noisy commercial swiftlet farms located close to their homes. The new regulations, outlined in a guidebook were introduced in January and enforced recently.
“Not all states have adopted the guidebook as some are still reviewing it,” said Dr Fadzilah A'ini Abdul Kadir, the senior head assistant for the exotic animal section in the department. The seven states that have adopted the guidelines are Johor, Perak, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
“Once given the authority, we will be able to act on complaints by issuing compounds to errant ranchers and ensure their premises meet the guidebook standards,” said Dr Fadzilah.
The guide recommends that housing for the birds must be located at least 50m from any urban settlement. However, states can choose to reduce the buffer zone to as narrow as 20m.
“These guides are based on existing laws but can also be adjusted to suit the states' needs. The objective is to regulate, not frustrate the industry,” said Dr Fadzilah. To further reduce noise, recorded bird calls used to attract swiftlets will only be allowed to be played from 7am to noon and from 5pm to 7.30pm.
To lodge a complaint, the public can visit http://www.dvs.gov.my or call the department's complaints division at 03-8870 2000. The guidebook is being sold by the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry's publications section at RM15.
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