Swiftlet farmers advised to expand business network
MARUDI: Members of a local swiftlet farmers association are encouraged to cooperate and work closely with other entrepreneurbased bodies to jointly develop this district.
In giving this advice, Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil also called upon Marudi Swiftlet Farmers and Bird’s Nest Operators Association to expand its network to include other associations.
“I understand that this association has just been formed and is still small.
“As such, it is important for its members to work closely with other associations.
“This way, every one can help bring in development to Baram in general, and Marudi in particular,” he said during an ‘Angpow Festival’ hosted by the association here recently.
Penguang, who is Marudi assemblyman, regarded the association as among the richest of all associations, in view of the commodity that it is engaged in – bird’s nests.
According to the assistant minister, the market price for
I understand that this association has just been formed and is still small. As such, it is important for its members to work closely with other associations. This way, every one of us can help bring in development to Baram in general, and Marudi in particular. Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, Assistant Minister of Local Government
a kilogramme of bird’s nests hovers between RM4,000 and RM5,000.
The association has 126 members, who are swiftlet farm owners.
Penguang later announced an allocation of RM10,000 from his Minor Rural Project ( MRP) grant for the association.
Meanwhile Mulu assemblyman Dato Gerawat Gala, who also attended the event, reminded the executive committee of the association to take good care of members’ welfare and wellbeing.
On operations, he also reminded every swiftlet farmer and bird’s nest operators to continuously ensure that their products are always of the best quality.
He said as far as bird’s nests and derivative products from Sarawak are concerned, China remains a ‘good market’.
“China is the Number 1 buyer ( of bird’s nests) and because of that, they always seek freshness and high quality; they do not want products that are mixed with chemicals.
“For local (bird’s nest) operators, remember that you have to work together with the Forest Department and Agriculture Department (to achieve product freshness and high quality).
“In this respect, the association would become the channel for marketing,” he said.
Gerawat later announced a MRP allocation of RM8,000 for the association.
In addition, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau – through his representative – also announced an allocation of RM2,000 for the association.
Marudi District Officer Mackos Sibong was also present at the gathering.