SIBU: The state’s bird’s nests industry has a bright future thanks to greater professionalism, said Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.

He said the industry should be given proper attention and guidance in view of the fact that more and more were venturing into it.

NEW MEMBER: Tok (left) receives a membership application form from Kiong King. Goh is at centre.

“This is another cottage industry that is set to transform the nation’s economy. It will help generate better income for the investors and eventually help bring about greater development,” he said at the launch of the Sarawak Bird’s Nests Suppliers Association here yesterday.

Wong’s speech was read by Pahlawan assemblyman Vincent Goh.

Among those present at the function were Federation of Malaysia Bird’s Nest Merchant Association deputy president Dato Tok Teng Sai, Sarawak Bird’s Nests Suppliers Association president Tiong Kiong King and association ambassador cum adviser Tan Sri Datuk Sri Tiong Hiew King.

With the industry set for another breakthrough, Wong reminded investors not to get carried away while concentrating on their businesses.

He said as the industry very much involved nature, bird’s nest entrepreneurs who were not careful might cause damage to the environment in their bid to increase profitability.

“They must therefore follow all the guidelines set down by the government agencies to ensure that the environment is not affected,” he said.

Wong said he wanted to see a win-win situation for all parties so that, eventually, everyone would benefit from the industry.

On the formation of the association, he said it should act as an avenue for members to express grievances, as well as voice suggestions and opinions.

“The association will act as a link and a bridge between the people and the government. With the association, it is now easier for the people to channel their suggestions and grievances to the government,” he said.

Wong said it was initially difficult to set up the association as it involved a lot of logistics and arrangements.

“However, in time to come, I believe your association will be able to guide all the members better through various seminars, dialogues and talks on the bird’s nests business,” he said.