Malaysia one of 19 EAAF destinations for migratory birds - Takiyuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is one of the 19 member countries of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) which is a destination for migratory birds to rest, find food and shelter before continuing their journey to other destinations.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, in a statement issued with the World Migratory Bird Day here today, said over 50 million migratory bird species migrated through the EAAF every year to avoid winter in their home countries.

"The East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) was established on Nov 6, 2006, to focus on protecting migratory waterbirds, their habitats and the livelihoods of people dependent upon them.

"Bako Buntal Bay, in Sarawak, was recognised as the first Flyway Network Site in Malaysia in 2013," he said.

In tandem with this year's theme, 'Dim the Lights for Birds at Night!', he called on the people to dim unnecessary lights at night to prevent disturbance to the migratory birds.

Bright lights can be confusing and can cause the birds to crash into buildings while flying at night, as well as disrupt the biological rhythm of migratory birds, he added.

In conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day today, Takiyuddin called on all parties to join forces and intensify efforts in conserving migratory birds.

"The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA) as the national focal point for EAAFP welcomes state governments that have stopover sites for migratory birds to nominate them as Flyway Network Sites in Malaysia," he said.

World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated bi-annually on the second Saturday in May and in October to raise awareness of the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. It aims to draw attention to the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them.

-- BERNAMA