Malaysia to ink bird’s nest pact

MUAR: Malaysia will sign the draft protocol on bird's nest entry into China soon to resume export of the luxury item which was halted several months ago.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar said the three main conditions for the resumption of bird's nest export to China had been agreed upon in the latest negotiations between the countries.
He said among the conditions were that Malaysian bird's nest exporters must have the Radio Frequency Identification certificate issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to detect the locations of problematic bird's nests using radio wave frequency.
They must also have the Veterinary Department's and the Health Ministry's health certificates.
“The measures are to ensure bird's nest products for export to China are not only from healthy birds but the product is also safe for consumption,” Noh said when opening the Bakri Parliamentary Constituency Farmers' Organisation annual general meeting at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara in Muar here.
At the event, he also witnessed the signing of a bird's nest purchasing agreement between Syarikat Duta Sialin Biotechnology Sdn Bhd and eight farmers' organisations.
The organisations are from Pagoh (Johor), Tanjung Karang (Selangor), south Manjung (Perak), Bandar Baharu (Kedah), Gua Musang (Kelantan) Terengganu and Sabah.
He said the halt in the entry of Malaysian bird's nest into China resulted in many operators facing problems.
“The market price of bird's nest plunged from RM4,000 to only RM1,500 per kilo. Many faced problems in servicing their bank loans,” he said. - Bernama