I am getting "+" prefix when I am sending message through my android app programmatically

Question

My Efforts :-

Sometimes it shows number is not registered on whatsapp because of the "+" that I have'nt added into it

        Uri uri = Uri.parse("https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=" + "998236XXXX" + "&text=" + "Hello");

        Intent sendIntent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW, uri);

        getActivity().startActivity(sendIntent);

I have tried Send text to specific contact programmatically (whatsapp)