KUCHING: The Sarawak Customs Department has thwarted an attempt to import assorted wines worth RM490,650 without proper declaration at Senari Port last month.
Its director Norizan Yahya said the operation was carried out by the Kuching Land Operations Unit around 10.40 am on Apr 17.
During the operation, the team detained a container at the Customs Examination Area (CEA) for content inspections, leading to the discovery of 12,850 bottles of assorted wine inside.
“Examinations revealed that the supporting documents and the electronic pledge form sheet indicated that the goods were not declared correctly as stipulated.
“Some of the goods lacked Movement Limit Approval, as required for liquor products under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) (Amendment) Order 2022.
“The container, containing assorted wines valued at RM490,650 and unpaid duties and taxes valued at RM324,488.88, was seized for further investigations,” he said in a statement.
Norizan said the modus operandi involved bringing in goods without Movement Limit Approval alongside goods that have approval and making a general declaration without detailing each item, in an attempt to avoid detection by authorities.
The case is being investigated under Section 133(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967 for making an incorrect declaration and Section 138 of the same Act for failing to comply with the Customs (Prohibition of Transfer) (Amendment) Order 2022.
Members of the public have been urged to help the department to combat drug smuggling and smuggling of other goods as they deprive the country of revenue, and pose a threat to national security.
The public is advised to report any suspicious activities related to smuggling by contacting the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office.
