IPOH: People who keep parrots as pets have been urged to legalise their birds to ensure they can freely partake in activities the state government is planning with a newly established association, says Perak executive councillor Loh Sze Yee.
The state tourism committee chairman said currently there were 150 members registered with the newly set-up Persatuan Burung Kakak Tua Perak (Perak Parrot Association).
“However, I believe there are a lot more people who are keeping these birds as pets without permits or licences.
“It is very important to get a permit to keep parrots. So come forward and liaise with the association, and they will help you apply for the proper licence,” he told reporters after officiating the association’s launch at the Iskandar Polo Club here yesterday.
During the launch, more than 30 types of parrots were brought by owners to the club, including the Blue and Gold Macaw, Eclectus, Congo African Grey and Red-Bellied Macaw.
Loh said this association was the second one in the country after the first one set up in Putrajaya.
“These birds, I was told, need special care such as nutrition, environment, love and shelter. These birds are mostly from foreign countries such as Australia, Africa, India and Brazil.
“They must be trained to fly freely, after which they fly back to their owners. However, there are people who keep parrots as pets but confine them to cages, which can cause the birds to fall into depression,” he added.
Loh said by joining the association, owners could bring their birds outdoors, especially in green environments, to let them mingle with one another, and also to learn the proper care methods.
“I was told that parrots are very community-based birds, and they like meeting and flying with their kind, and thus the association has come up with the ‘free fly’ concept.
“The state government will also be working with the association to hold many ecotourism events to boost tourism in the state.
“For a start, at the end of the year, as part of Visit Perak Year, we are planning an event, if not international, at least a large-scale national-level event, that will involve shows of parrots owners freely allowing their birds to fly in the sky.
“Perak has a vast forest area, and we want to make use of this to hold an event to attract more owners to participate, and of course get more tourists to visit the state to witness the event,” he added.
