Published: Thursday August 30, 2012 MYT 11:58:00 PM

Most bird nest farmers agree to sign protocol with China

PUTRAJAYA: A majority of the 21 swiftlet bird nest farmers have agreed to support the signing of a protocol between Malaysia and China for the export of bird nest to the country.

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Noh Omar said the agreement was achieved after a five hour meeting with swiftlet bird nest association representatives on Thursday.

"The ministry will also forward several proposals submitted by the association representatives to be included in the protocol," he told reporters here.

The proposals include broader interpretation of tracking which should not only refer to the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).

He said the ministry agreed with the proposals submitted but they were subjected to approval from China.

The three conditions set for swiftlet bird nest farmers to allow the delicacy to be exported to China include the use of RFID.

Noh said there were objections from farmers of raw uncleaned bird nest as the protocol only allowed for the export of raw cleaned bird nest.

The protocol is scheduled to be signed on September 20. The ministry plans to ask China to hold a seminar to clarify its policy in the protocol. - Bernama

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