There’s more investment potential to Kelantan than just the promise of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) planned by the federal government. Some of its properties can also be money spinners if they are used as swiftlet farms, for the cultivation of edible bird-nests.

Nespure Birdsnest Sdn Bhd managing director Ng Ching Phock said there are many areas in the state where such farms can be set up.

"Kelantan has the ideal qualities to attract swiftlets, thanks to its natural environment," he said, adding that "there are 300 edible bird-nest locations here."

Contributing to their presence is the state’s lack of heavy industries, which has resulted in low pollution levels, and its focus on agriculture, which ensures plentiful natural food sources for the birds.

"As in any natural product, the cleaner the environment, the better the quality (of the bird-nests),” Ng said.

In the masterplan for the ECER that also encompasses Terengganu and Pahang drawn up by its prime mover, national oil company Petronas, 391,000ha of land were identified as green sites for safekeeping.

These will be made into six new state parks to protect endangered species, many large mammals, limestone caves and other natural wonders.

Ng said Nespure’s farms are currently housed in various types of properties such as converted dwellings and purpose- built buildings located in Kota Baru, Pasir Mas and Tumpat, while its main bird-nest processing factory is in Kota Baru.

Nespure started swiftlet farming in 2000 and established its brand in 2003. Recently, it opened its flagship store in Kota Baru’s KB Mall, selling raw and processed bird-nests.

Prospects for the industry are so great that other states such as Perak has already identified 10 potential sites for swiftlet farming, including Manjung and Segari, while Johor has proposed swiftlet eco parks in Endau and Desaru. Negri Sembilan too is keen to set up similar parks.

Edible bird-nests are fetching high prices due to their sky-high demand from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and the many Chinese communities all over the world.