KOTA KINABALU: A governing body is needed to look after the growing swiftlet ranching industry in Sabah, says a former state assistant minister.
Datuk Karim Bujang said without such a body, this burgeoning industry faces challenges that, if left unaddressed, could hinder its long-term sustainability and profitability.
He said swiftlet ranching, particularly for producing edible bird's nests, has become an increasingly significant industry in Sabah, contributing to local economies and the global market.
“Thus, there is an urgent need to establish a governing body dedicated to assisting the swiftlet nest industry in Sabah,” he said, in a statement here on Friday (Aug 23).
Karim is also the newly elected chairman of Kinabalu Borneo Bird Nest (KBBN) Sdn Bhd, which is a government-linked company (GLC) tasked with overseeing the swiftlet industry for the present time.
He said KBBN would play a vital role in uplifting the Industry and ensuring that ranchers receive fair prices for their products and were protected from exploitation by middlemen.
The establishment of KBBN, he said, is not just a necessity but a strategic move to safeguard the future of the industry, he said.
"As the global demand for edible bird's nests continues to rise, now is the time to take action to ensure that Sabah’s swiflet ranchers can fully capitalise on this lucrative market," he said, adding that one of KBBN's primary responsibilities would be to regulate and stabilise the pricing of swiftlet nests.
Karim, who is also Sabah Swiftlet House and Birds Nest Industry Association (SWIFIN) president, said swiftlet ranchers, particularly in the rural areas, often lack the market knowledge and negotiating power to secure fair prices for their products.
"Therefore, a governing body could establish pricing guidelines based on market trends, quality assessments, and international benchmarks, ensuring that ranchers are compensated fairly for their efforts and are protected from exploitation by middlemen," he said.
He disclosed that middlemen often play a dominant role in the swiftlet nest trade, sometimes taking advantage of ranchers who were not well-versed in market dynamics.
"These intermediaries can drive down prices, leading to ranchers receiving far less than the market value of their nests.
"KBBN, as the governing body, could intervene by offering direct marketing support, facilitating access to both local and international markets, providing education on fair trade practices and being vocal advocate for swiftlet ranchers.
“This would empower ranchers to sell their products at more competitive prices," Karim said.
