All parties have been urged to continue working together to ensure agricultural sector in Perlis particularly the Harumanis mango industry to remain competitive, said Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.

"It is also a reminder to all entrepreneurs to prepare early for the next season particularly in combating prevalent fraud and theft incidents due to the increase in the price of Harumanis in recent years.

He said some unscrupulous individuals were selling low-quality fruits for a premium price and selling other mango varieties from elsewhere but claimed that the fruits were from Perlis.

"If these are not immediately addressed, it will undermine Perlis Harumanis industry," he said in a statement today.

Tuanku Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said this after the 23rd instalment of the 'Peduli Menjejaki dan Menyantuni Asnaf' cycling programme organised by Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs) at state veterinary department in Sungai Batu Pahat.

"Let's play our part to ensure Perlis harumanis industry remain intact despite attempts from irresponsible parties," he said.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said the issue of mango theft this year was under control compared to the previous year due to efforts by authorities including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to intensify patrols.

Meanwhile, MAIPs chief executive officer Mohd Nazim Mohd Noor also reminded the farmers in the state to pay their agriculture tithe or zakat on all agricultural products including rice and Harumanis mango, as decided by the state Fatwa Committee.

--BERNAMA