23.—(1) In addition to the general powers conferred by section 37(1) of the Act and the powers conferred by these Rules, an authorised officer may, at any time —
(a)
enter and inspect any premises which he has reason to believe has been used or is being used for the cultivation of plants;
(b)
enter and inspect any farm for the purpose of ascertaining whether any unregistered pesticide is being applied, kept, stored or used thereon;
[S 296/2004 wef 01/06/2004]
(c)
inspect any place used for the storage of the pesticides which are being applied or used in the cultivation of plants;
(d)
open and examine any container or receptacle which contains or which the authorised officer reasonably believes to contain any pesticide;
(e)
require any licensee or any other person having the charge of the licensee’s farm or any pesticide operator to furnish such information and particulars as the authorised officer may reasonably require;
(f)
require any pesticide operator to produce for inspection any record made by him under rule 20(1)(g);
[S 296/2004 wef 01/06/2004]
(fa)
require any licensee or pesticide operator to dispose of, in accordance with the requirements specified in the Second Schedule, any pesticide or pesticide container that is found on the farm; and
[S 296/2004 wef 01/06/2004]
(g)
do such other act or thing as may be necessary for the purpose of carrying out his duties under these Rules.
(2) Any person who obstructs any authorised officer in the exercise of his powers under this rule shall be guilty of an offence.