SIBU: Over 50 unlicensed swiftlet house owners in Sarawak recently organised a peaceful demonstration, appealing to the authorities for assistance following a ban imposed by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
The ban prevents them from harvesting and selling their valuable bird’s nests, causing a significant impact on their livelihoods.
The affected individuals hail from various areas, including Sibu, Pulau Bruit, Tatau, Bintangor, Sarikei, Mukah, Kanowit, Durin, Selangau and Song.
The ban was enforced following the arrest of four licensed bird’s nest traders in a joint operation known as Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah.
The operation involved the SFC Sibu team and the Marine Police Force of Zone 5, which apprehended the traders for purchasing their supplies from illegal sources.
A substantial quantity of 882.657kg of bird’s nests valued at approximately RM530,000 was seized during the operation.
Following the operation, all licensed traders involved in the buying and selling of bird’s nests within the state were instructed to suspend their operations.
However, the ban has also adversely affected unlicensed swiftlet house owners, as they are unable to harvest and sell their bird’s nests.
Victor Ting, the spokesperson for the affected group, was concerned about the ban which impacted their livelihoods.
“With Gawai around the corner, the Dayak community will have a bleak celebration as their source of income has been affected by the ban,” he said when met by reporters today.
He appealed to the government to review the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998 which requires a licence from the wildlife controller for swiftlet houses.
Ting stressed that the laws in Malaya and Labuan differ from that in Sarawak.
“In West Malaysia and Labuan, swiftlet is no longer listed under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716). Thus, a licence is not required from the Wildlife Department and National Parks. But the opposite is happening in Sarawak,” he said.
Ting urged the state to align its legislation with Act 716, as there are a significant number of swiftlet houses in rural areas.
“There are about 20,000 swiftlet houses in the state but fewer than 500 of them have been granted licences. Their applications for the licence were rejected,” he said.
The unlicensed swiftlet house owners hope that their peaceful demonstration will draw attention to their plight and encourage the authorities to resolve the issue promptly.
