KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 — Valued at an estimated RM1.5 billion, the edible bird's nest industry continues to show strong potential and highly promising growth.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the high-value industry has seen notable progress, with exports to China surging from 201 tonnes in 2023 to 484 tonnes last year, reflecting strong international market confidence in the quality of Malaysian products.
“We have just secured a new export protocol with China to resume bird's nest shipments to the world's largest market. This reopening allows local operators to significantly boost their exports.
“Our goal is direct benefits for all players, from small-scale farmers to large enterprises. The ministry will collaborate closely with all stakeholders to ensure the highest level of processing standards and facilities,” he said in a Facebook post.
The new export protocol was ratified last month, further strengthening agricultural trade relations between the two nations and reaffirming China's confidence in Malaysia's regulatory and food safety systems.
The agreement is expected to directly benefit over 15,000 swiftlet nest farmers and 61 processing plants approved by the Chinese authorities. This development is set to enhance the competitiveness of the country's agro-food exports.
Mohamad also noted that he had received a visit from the Malaysian Swiftlet Industry and Exporters Association at the Farmers' Organisation Authority headquarters.
