MALAYSIA HEALTH MINISTRY PROMOTE BIRD NEST'S PRODUCT AMONG MALAYSIAN

BENTONG: The health ministry will launch a campaign to promote bird’s nest-based products among Malaysians, said minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai. He said the Cabinet had directed the ministry and the agriculture and agro-based industry ministry to “save the bird’s nest industry” which had declined due to overproduction.

“As a result, the price per kilogram has dropped from RM4,000 to about RM1,000,” he told reporters at a Chinese New Year celebration event with the Orang Asli community in Kampung Cinta Manis near here.

He said bird’s nest could, for instance, be made into soup like sharkfin soup, which is popular among Malaysians. In another development, Liow said the ministry had taken over all health clinics in Orang Asli settlements which were previously managed by the Orang Asli Development Department, to value-add health services to the community. –Bernama

Depressed Prices of Bird’s Nests

Unprocessed white bird’s nests have fallen to an average of RM3,000 per kg from RM4,500 per kg due to weak demand after China banned imports from Malaysia in July last year. China stopped importing after a high level of nitrate was found in the product. Chinese Ambassador was quoted by national Chinese dailies last month as saying that Malaysian bird’s nests were expected to re-enter China in April following efforts by both Malaysian and Chinese governments to resolve the nitrate issue.

Thus, the swiftlet farmers are hoping to make big profits if prices return to normal after bird’s nests from Malaysia are allowed to re-enter China. Offering around RM2,000 per kg for unprocessed bird’s nests, they hope to resell them at higher prices in anticipation of China lifting its ban on Malaysian bird’s nest products soon.