Making false nest syndicate shaming malaysia in china

KUALA LUMPUR: Bogus bird's nest dealers are shaming Malaysia in China by making false claims on the delicacy to reap profits, according to the Federation of Bird's Nest Merchants Association.

Its secretary Carole Loh revealed that a group of men have been masquerading as Malaysian government officials in the republic to promote a type of bird's nest called “blood nest”.

She said two men, claiming to head the Malaysia Export Veterinary Inspection Agency and Malaysian Endangered Species Import and Export Administration, had told a media conference in Hangzhou on July 26 that blood nest imported from Malaysia were genuine and had an acceptable level of nitrate.

“This is not true. Our members do not export blood nests because of the high level of nitrate it contains which can be harmful to health.

Unhappy: (From left) Kelantan Bird’s Nest consultant Ooi Siong Hwa, Penang Swiftlet Nests Industry Association secretary Liew Chin Huat, Loh and Pahang Bird’s Nest Merchants Association president Lee Kong Heng showing the police report at the Tun H.S. Lee police station on Monday.

“Checks have also revealed that the agencies these men claim they represent are non-existent. This group is only trying to make a quick buck by selling fake bird's nests,” Loh said after lodging a report at theTun H. S. Lee police station yesterday with three other federation members.

She urged the police to investigate if the duo were part of a syndicate.

Loh said Malaysia enjoyed a good partnership with China in the bird's nest trade and the federation was worried that this might be affected.

“China only imports bird's nest from a few countries which include Malaysia, because they know our bird's nest are genuine and safe for consumption,” she added.