PETALING JAYA: Tourists to Malaysia are now only allowed to take home a maximum 1kg of bird's nest.

“This is to ensure that no smuggling of this expensive commodity takes place,” Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar.

He also announced that local companies would require three certificates to export edible bird's nest products to China.

The certificates are from the Veterinary Services Department, the Health Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

Precious commodity: Noh (third from right) listening to assistant chemist Cassie Lee’s briefing on the commodity during a visit to PT Swift Marketing in Puchong yesterday. — Bernama

“After a company receives all three certificates, it will be allowed to use the 1Malaysia Best' logo and can export to China,'' Noh told reporters after launching the first authentic edible bird's nest trade and depository centre by PT Swift Marketing Sdn Bhd in Puchong yesterday.

He said the Government would not be held responsible for products without the “1Malaysia Best” logo.

Noh said previously only a Veterinary Services Department certificate was needed but due to the decline in quality, additional requirements had been added.

He added that only eight companies had acquired the certificates so far.

Noh said the new rules were necessary because of concerns expressed by the Chinese government on excessive nitrite in bird's nests from Malaysia.

“The two governments are discussing to determine the acceptable nitrite content.

“It is impossible to get bird's nest with zero nitrite content but we hope to announce the figure soon,” he said.

• MPHB suspended for material announcement
• Petronas Chemical's FY2012 capex at RM2b
• Greece worries continues to dampen market sentiment
• TSH Resources' plantation capex at RM1bil over next 5 yrs
• China to buy over 2,500 commercial planes in 5 years to 2015: Xinhua
• UAC surges after hitting limit-up Tuesday
• Maybank IB gets HK investment banking licence
• Maybank Research has Hold call on Axiata, TP RM5.30
• FSBM's 5.02% stake transacted in off-market deal
• The Star sole English daily to post sales growth in H2 2011
• CIMB Research: MRCB's prospects remain good despite EDL issues
• KNM up on stronger earnings, bucks weaker market
• Tussle for Jaring heats up
• World Bank cuts China forecast, urges measured policy
• Can Johari bring his success story to RHB Bank?

• US Air jet diverts after passenger claims to have "device"
• Romney begins to stir in fight for US Hispanic votes
• Saudi prince sues Los Angeles to hasten mansion plans
• Survey: More top executives willing to pay bribes
• Scientists turn skin cells into beating heart muscle
• Gupta jury hears competing views of Rajaratnam ties
• Mountain lion wanders into California city center, is killed

• NBA: James and Wade on fire as Heat crush Pacers
• Tennis: Clijsters to retire again after US Open
• Chong Wei out for three to four weeks after ankle injury
• Malaysia face top seeds China in the quarters
• Yongbo gets away with defiant act again
• Kim Her defends his decision to tinker with doubles pairs
• Daren does okay
• Danish scratch pair perform like veterans to deliver winner
• Shahidatun sets record but fails to surpass personal best
• Champs Sarawak lead standings with six golds on opening day
• Bolt gets bold in Ostrava
• Seven juniors drafted into Beng Hai’s squad for Azlan Shah Cup
• Run of bad luck spoils it for Alex in 24-hour race
• Amirul confident of a good result in his pet event
• Bryan and Huang Qiang sticking to tried and tested routines

• MAS offers no-pay leave
• Roger Tan replies to Loyarburok
• New mobile app to book a taxi to be launched soon
• Loan sharks take out anger on family
• Grab opportunities offered to go far in life
• Extra services at JB massage parlours
• Get a whiff of new stamps with a lime scent
• Youth still in shock after being stabbed over parking dispute
• Guidelines on how to carry out enforcement on dogs soon
• Former Deputy Minister offers to be candidate in next GE