Malaysian bird's nest producers risk losing $15m due to Newcastle disease

Temporary halt of exports to China hits sales of up to 15m tonnes during peak CNY period

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PETALING JAYA - Malaysian producers of bird's nest fear that they will miss the golden opportunity to export about RM50 million (S$15 million) worth of the delicacy to China in time for Chinese New Year after the Newcastle disease virus was detected in Malaysia.

It is a contagious viral avian disease that affects domestic and wild birds.

The announcement on the outbreak is causing a headache for Malaysian companies as they are in the midst of preparing their bird's nest exports in time for festivities on Jan 29, 2025.

The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) announced the temporary suspension of bird's nest product exports, including raw-cleaned and raw-uncleaned edible bird's nest, to China starting on Dec 25 due to a Newcastle disease outbreak in Malaysia, as reported by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Stakeholders said the temporary halt of exports has made 15 tonnes of bird's nest products worth RM50 million from Malaysia unsellable.

Mr Chua Huai Gen, president of the Malaysia Swiftlet Nest Industry and Exporters Association, said Chinese New Year falls on Jan 29, and it is during this period that bird's nest exporters are preparing to ship their products to China.

There are currently 58 companies authorised to export bird's nest to China, he added.