SABAH has obtained full control over licensing in the state’s bird’s nest industry.

This sees the state having authority over bird’s nest farming and downstream activities, such as processing and export.

Sabah Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Junz Wong said talks are ongoing with the federal Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry on finalising the details.

“Now, bird’s nest farmers and industry players can directly export to overseas markets, such as China, where there is a high demand for bird’s nest products,” he said when officiating at a briefing programme for the Sabah Bird’s Nest Association held at the Pan Borneo Hotel in Putatan.

He said efforts are being made to simplify the standard operating procedure to facilitate bird’s nest farming after he mooted the setting up of a bird’s nest board to regulate and promote the industry.

“We may also enact laws to curb bird’s nest theft, regulate the industry and ensure a business-friendly environment.”

Sabah aims to export 100 tonnes of bird’s nest monthly to China. – October 19, 2018.