Sweet taste without the extra tax

The Star

18-06-2025

Always in demand: Harumanis mangoes at an orchard in Perlis.
KANGAR: Although the Haru­m­anis mango season has just ended, growers in Perlis are expecting a rise in demand as imported fruits will be hit by the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) from July.
Farmer Mohd Nasir Salim, 34, who grows 90 Harumanis trees in Bukit Bintang, said with imported fruits set to cost more from next month, the public should support local produce.
'If consumers don't want to feel the pinch from buying imported fruits that cost more, check out the local Harumanis.
'They are still a premium choice and locals should go for the mangoes planted in Perlis,' he said recently.
Mohd Nasir noted that the 2024 harvest was significantly impac­ted by weather conditions but demand remained strong.
'The harvest this year dropped by about 50% due to poor wea­ther such as rainy days, but demand kept coming in,' he said.
Mohd Nasir, who began his orchard in 2013, said his wholesale price to retailers stands at RM30 per kg, although some retailers mark up the price to about RM45 per kg.
'The price has since been stable over the years,' he added.
Starting July 1, a 5% sales tax will be imposed on imported fruits under the expanded SST.
Locally-grown fruits, including Harumanis, will remain exempt.
Renowned for its intense sweetness, signature aroma and unique taste, the Harumanis, which is exclusively grown in Perlis, is often dubbed the 'King of Man­goes' in Malaysia.
Retail prices for the fruit range from RM25 to RM45 per kg with premium-grade varieties fetching up to RM120 per kg.
Another grower, Mohd Azdha Jusoh, 43, who runs an orchard with over 800 trees in Kampung Belukar, said demand for Harum­anis extends far beyond Perlis.
'Despite being planted only in Perlis, the Harumanis mango is in demand in all states.
'With over 800 trees in my orchard, the fruits are supplied to every state during the season.
'Enquiries are still pouring in despite the end of the season,' he said.
Mohd Azdha said his fruits are priced at RM120 for a 3kg box, making it a more affordable premium fruit.
'They are more affordable than durian, the King of Fruits, and a better option than imported fruits.
'If the weather remains dry during the flowering season early next year, we should have a bumper harvest,' he said.
However, Mohd Azdha said that although the Harumanis mango has a short fruiting season, its cultivation requires year-round care and preparation to ensure high-quality yields.
'We need to prune the tree, replenish the soil and conduct pest and disease control from June to August, followed by ferti­­li­sation and weed control to improve soil condition from Sep­tember to November.
'When it starts flowering in December, we need to create controlled dry conditions, known as dry stress induction, and monitor the flower buds.
'Once the fruits start growing, they need to be bagged to prevent pest attacks and blemishes,' he added.