23/04/2026

THURSDAY | APR 23, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

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Initiative to send Harumanis mangoes directly to consumers

Perak adopts amended forestry law

ensuring economic growth aligns with environmental sustainability. He added that the project would not affect the marine ecosystem as an environmental impact assessment (EIA) had been conducted. “A study was carried out in advance and the EIA approval obtained allows the shipyard development to proceed in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.” – Bernama IPOH: The Perak legislative assembly has passed a Bill to adopt the National Forestry (Amendment) Act 2022. Between 2023 and 2025, 8,075 field monitoring activities were conducted across permanent forest reserve areas to strengthen control and ensure early detection of encroachment and forestry offences, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. He said during the same period, 13 integrated operations were carried out in collaboration with various enforcement agencies to enhance the effectiveness of comprehensive enforcement on the ground. “As a result of these continuous efforts, 127 forestry offences were recorded, including 28 cases involving illegal logging. During the same period, 228 individuals were detained to assist in probes. “Of the total number of cases investigated, seven cases were successfully prosecuted in court.” Saarani said enforcement actions resulted in RM1,155,450 in compounds and compensation while RM146,000 in fines were imposed and settled in accordance with existing legal provisions. “With the enforcement of the Act, the effectiveness of enforcement actions is expected to increase, further strengthening the capacity of authorities to address forestry-related offences strictly and comprehensively.” He added that the Perak Executive Council meeting on May 29, 2025 had agreed to approve the adoption of the Act, with the exception of sections 7, 8, 24(a) and (b)(i), and 60(d). The Bill was passed with a majority voice vote. The House also approved a motion to appoint members of a selection committee, chaired by State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Mohamad Zahir Abdul Khalid. Lintang assemblyman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said the committee is responsible for establishing terms of reference and responsibilities as well as selecting Special Select Committee members. Additionally, the assembly passed a motion to establish special select committees on ageing society, urban poor, smart cities and food security. The sitting was adjourned to a date to be determined later. – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Harumanis lovers in the capital are in for a treat as the prized northern mango makes its way directly from orchards to the city through a special “Farm to City” promotion, offering fresher produce and better value for consumers. Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) director-general Abdul Rashid Bahri said the initiative not only opens up direct market Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com o ‘Farm to City’ drive aims to offer fresher produce and boost income of farmers, says Fama DG

development, but also part of a broader strategy under SM-WEZ that leverages the strategic position of the Straits of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest trade routes. “More than 80,000 vessels pass through this route annually. I believe this project will be a catalyst for a new maritime economic ecosystem in Malacca.” He said the state government has stressed that the development will adhere to blue economy principles, location, ripeness and quality. “This range is still considered acceptable. Price differences may also depend on whether the fruit is self-collected or delivered,” said Abdul Rashid. He added that this year’s Harumanis season is expected to last slightly longer due to prolonged hot weather, potentially extending until the end of June, with a marginal increase in production compared with last year. “However, consumers are encouraged to buy early in the season as quality is typically best during the peak period. “We also do not expect issues of oversupply as Harumanis is highly seasonal and limited to specific regions. The short harvesting window ensures prices remain stable.” He said one of the key challenges remains ensuring delivery within three days as the mangoes are sent in semi-ripe condition and require time to ripen properly, adding that logistics providers have been able to meet the requirement. Consumers are advised to check the fruit upon arrival. “Fama also enforces the 3P regulation – grading, labelling and packaging – in which sellers are required to clearly label the origin of the fruit to prevent misleading claims, and enforcement action can be taken against those who violate these rules. “Consumers may also lodge complaints with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry if they encounter scams or misleading practices. No major scam cases have been reported, but we remain vigilant,” said Abdul Rashid. He encouraged consumers to make the most of the short Harumanis season, support local farmers and continue consuming local fruits, adding that the produce is also exported to Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak, particularly in 3kg packaged boxes. The Harumanis Sales and Promotion Programme held at Busana @ Menara Mara in Kuala Lumpur, which started on Monday and runs until tomorrow, marks the fourth edition of the initiative aimed at promoting Harumanis mangoes in the city and reaching more buyers in the Klang Valley.

cultivated elsewhere, the taste is not comparable to those from Perlis. “Through campaigns such as this, we aim to raise awareness that the Harumanis season has begun. “So, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy this premium fruit while it is available, as supply is limited and expected to be depleted within about a month.” He emphasised that Fama’s focus goes beyond sales, extending to promotion and consumer awareness, especially as many Perlis growers now market their produce directly online via platforms such as TikTok and Facebook. Fama also supports sales through Agrobazaar Online, with about 10 sellers offering deliveries within three days and a limited-time RM10 discount per box, bringing prices to about RM100 for 3kg. “In terms of pricing during the programme, we are seeing a range of between RM90 and RM120 for 3kg boxes, depending on factors such as

access for entrepreneurs, but also helps boost the income of farmers by cutting out middlemen. “For this round, about five tonnes of Harumanis mangoes are expected to be sold, with an estimated sales value of about RM150,000, as the programme is held at a strategic location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur with a high concentration of workers and consumers. “This allows buyers to purchase directly from farmers without having to place orders from afar, potentially enjoying better prices or discounts during the few days of the promotion,” he said after launching the Harumanis Sales and Promotion Programme yesterday. He said Fama’s main objective in organising the promotion is to ensure the seasonal delicacy from the northern region reaches urban consumers at its peak. “ Harumanis mangoes are grown mainly in Perlis and northern Kedah. While they can also be

Abdul Rashid said this year’s Harumanis season is expected to last slightly longer due to prolonged hot weather, potentially extending until the end of June. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

New shipyard to drive Malacca maritime economy MALACCA: The Enrique of Malacca Shipyard, a RM180 million strategic development expected to generate up to RM1.8 billion in revenue over a decade, is poised to anchor a new maritime economic ecosystem here. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the project, slated for completion within two years, will be developed on a 17.12ha site and become the state’s largest shipyard, reinforcing Malacca’s ambition as a “Future Maritime City”. He said the development is expected to create more than 1,500 high-skilled jobs, offering local talent opportunities in high-technology industries without relocating outside the state. “It will also serve as a new magnet for foreign direct investment and attract international expertise into the state’s industrial ecosystem,” he told reporters after officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for the shipyard in Klebang on Tuesday. Ab Rauf said the project involves a strategic collaboration between SM-WEZ Corporation, Henry The Black Shipyard Sdn Bhd and Turkiye’s Desan Shipyard, which has more than 47 years experience in the global maritime industry. He said the development forms part of the broader Straits of Malacca Waterfront Economic Zone (SM-WEZ), spanning 3,642ha of reclaimed land across a 33km coastal stretch. “This is not merely a physical