Bird's nest ban 'will hurt exporters in long run'

Bird's nest ban 'will hurt exporters in long run'

New Straits Times
Sunday, Aug 07, 2011

By Ling Poh Lean
KUALA LUMPUR - China's recent ban on the import of bird's nests from Malaysia will have an impact on local exporters in the long run if nothing is done to resolve the issue.
Sarawak Bird's Nest Import and Export Association chairman Liew Tian Liang said at the moment, the effect of the ban was minimal.
"But it will have a major impact on the local bird's nest industry in the long run," he said yesterday when commenting on the temporary ban imposed last month after China allegedly found that samples of the product contained 200 parts per million (ppm) of nitrate.
The standard level allowed in food by the World Health Organisation is 34ppm.
Last Friday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had disputed China's allegation, saying the level of nitrate in locally produced bird's nests was 30ppm.
He had also said Health Ministry officials would meet their counterparts in China to resolve the issue.
In Sarawak, Liew said, exporters were still managing and that some were even facing a shortage as it was currently not the season for bird's nest.
"However, this will affect the local industry if China continues to impose the ban for a long time."
A survey conducted by Liew in the state showed that good-quality, raw bird's nests were now sold for between RM4,100 (S$1,700) and RM4,150 per kilogramme. Just a few months ago, the price was RM4,500 per kg.
In Johor, an expert on bird's nests, Dr Tan Boon Siong, said while the government was trying to resolve the issue with China, local harvesters should ensure that their farms were well maintained.
"We should look at the root of the problem and not simply blame China, which has set a high standard on its import of bird's nests. It is all about hygiene at farms. The level of nitrate will be high if there is poor hygiene."
A harvester from Perak, who wanted to be known only as Lim, said the ban would have a huge impact on major operators if not lifted soon.
"For small operators like me, we have regular customers who trust our products. But things could become critical for major operators who largely depend on the China market."