By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 2: The Sarawak government is reinforcing its stance on regulating the swiftlet bird’s nest industry, particularly in urban areas, to ensure public health and environmental safety are not compromised—while still encouraging the industry’s growth under strict compliance with established procedures.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment (MUDeNR), Datuk Len Talif Salleh, said while the bird’s nest industry is a valuable economic contributor, especially for rural communities, it must be developed in accordance with existing guidelines.
“We already have clear guidelines and procedures in place for this industry. The problem arises when operators violate these rules, especially by setting up swiftlet farms in shop lots or densely populated urban areas where they are strictly prohibited under the law,” he said.
Len was speaking to reporters during his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at his residence today in Petra Jaya, which was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
The minister further explained that all applications for swiftlet farming must go through the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and are then evaluated by the State Planning Authority (SPA).
“SPA 1 is chaired by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, SPA 2 by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, SPA 3 by Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and SPA 4 is chaired by myself.
“These bodies can consider such applications, but they must follow the guidelines we have set.
“That’s not a problem—we actually encourage the bird’s nest industry to grow, but it must be done according to the procedures we have established,” he said.
Len added that non-compliance not only jeopardises the operators’ businesses but also puts public health at risk.
He noted that swiftlets, like many other wild birds, can carry diseases, viruses, and bacteria that may pose a risk to humans if hygiene standards are not properly maintained.
“Public health must always come first. These birds can carry viruses and bacteria, so we must be extremely vigilant and firm in enforcing the rules,” he said, noting that this is a shared responsibility between the authorities and industry players.
Len also acknowledged that the bird’s nest market, like many other commodities, experiences fluctuations.
Despite this, he said the government remains committed to supporting the industry—so long as operators align their practices with legal and health standards.
“We understand the ups and downs in market demand, but what’s important is ensuring that production does not come at the expense of public safety. Regulations are not just red tape—they’re there to protect people,” he added.
Also present were Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister for Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Sarawak State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; and Chief Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, along with other distinguished guests. — DayakDaily
