Abd Raziq training his macaws. — Courtesy photo
WHAT began as a pastime during the Covid-19 movement control order five years ago has turned into a side income for baker Abd Raziq Abd Rahman, who keeps exotic macaws.
For the 27-year-old enthusiast, the birds’ affectionate nature and vibrant colours are among the reasons young people like him choose to keep them as pets.
“I have two macaws and they bring me great satisfaction.
“At the same time, I also help train macaws that belong to my friends, which is where I earn some side income.
“Known as freefly, it is a process of releasing the birds to fly freely before returning to me as their trainer,” he told StarMetro.
Abd Raziq admits that keeping such exotic creatures is an expensive hobby, with prices starting from RM5,000 for one bird.
This does not include the monthly upkeep.
“The cost of food and maintenance comes to around RM500 a month, depending on the type and size of the macaw.
“My birds are of the blue and gold macaw species, with a purchase price of usually between RM7,000 and RM9,000.
“I also hold a valid licence from the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) to legally keep them,” said Abd Raziq, who works as a baker in Singapore.
Macaws need a lot of attention, he added.
“Owners need to spend sufficient time with them to prevent stress.
“If they are stressed, their feathers may fall off.
“They can also be very noisy, which sometimes disturbs my neighbours.
“That is why I try to manage the situation by practising freefly, where I let them soar in the open sky before they return to me, as it keeps them happy and healthy.”
Abd Raziq is able to pursue this hobby, thanks to the encouragement of his family and friends.
“I used to be active in the Southern Freefly community and have seen many others joining the group to develop the hobby of keeping macaws, but I am less active now due to work commitments,” he said.
Lee Boon Kiam, a parrot shop owner in Pasir Gudang, said those interested in keeping macaws should first equip themselves with basic knowledge.
“As a seller and breeder, I will guide buyers on the right diet for the birds, such as fruits and food pellets.
“I will also teach them how to bond with their macaws because if the owners are not close to their pets, the birds will become stressed.
“This may lead to feather plucking, loss of appetite and even illness,” he said.
Lee also reminded the public that permits from Perhilitan were required to own macaws and he cautioned against irresponsible parties selling the birds illegally online.
“Applications for the permit can be done online, with the licence costing RM10 a year plus RM20 for a special permit to keep a bird.
“However, plenty of irresponsible parties are still selling macaws illegally without a licence, which affects legitimate exotic pet shops,” he said.
