The group’s adviser, Tok Teng Sai, said the delegation would explain to Chinese authorities that the outbreak of bird flu in Kelantan did not affect the integrity of bird nests exported from Malaysia.

China imposed its temporary ban out of concern over the H5N1 outbreak.

Last Wednesday, Kelantan declared that the state was on a disaster alert after the virus spread to two districts in Bachok and Pasir Puteh. Before that the outbreak occurred only in Kota Bharu and Pasir Mas.

Tok said all processing plants from which bird nests were exported to China were located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and were audited by Chinese authorities.

“The 19 plants are located in Penang, Selangor, Perak and Johor,” he said.

He added that the factories had encountered no hygiene problems.

Tok noted a recent announcement from the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry that it would send officials to China to update authorities there on Malaysia’s efforts to contain the bird flu outbreak.

He said he was optimistic that his association’s talks with Chinese authorities would proceed well because of the strong trade ties Malaysia has with China.

According to him, Malaysia’s bird nest industry was worth nearly RM4 billion last year.

Bird nests are a traditional Chinese delicacy believed to be highly nutritious.