MIRI: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department seized over 3,462kg of various types of undeclared imported vegetables worth RM53,369 involving duty and tax of RM59, 086 following an inspection at Jalan Bintulu-Miri.

Sarawak Customs director Datuk Sharifah Halimah Tuanku Taha said the vegetables were found in a 40-feet long refrigerated trailer at around 10am on Tuesday (July 14) heading for Miri.

“Initial inspection revealed that the imported vegetables were brought in from Bintulu Port, and that the driver — a local man — failed to present valid documentation on the goods.

“The trailer was then taken to the Miri Enforcement Store temporarily for a thorough investigation,” she said in a statement yesterday.

Sharifah Halimah pointed out that the importing company was found to have imported the vegetables and declared them under the Customs Form No.1.

“However, results from the thorough inspection carried out on the goods found in the container found that eight types of vegetables were not declared as stated on the form.

“The vegetables are believed to be imported to meet the demands of local suppliers and customers,” she added.

The case is being investigated under Section 133(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967 and if found guilty, the individual involved will be fined not exceeding RM500,000 or imprisoned not exceeding seven years or both.