Section 57

When on duty, any police officer or any member of the security forces of or above the rating or rank of leading rate or non‑commissioned officer (as the case may be) or any person authorised in writing to do so by the officer in charge of the division may seize any rice or any other article of food in any security area which by reason of its quantity or its situation is or is likely to or may become available to any persons who intend or are about to act or have recently acted in a manner prejudicial to public security or to the maintenance of public order.

Any such police officer or member of such forces as aforesaid may without warrant enter and search any premises if he suspects that any rice or any food liable to seizure under this section is likely to be found on such premises.

When on duty any police officer or any member of the security forces or any person who is authorised in writing to do so by the officer in charge of the division may stop and search any vessel, vehicle or individual in any security area, whether in a public place or not, if he suspects that any rice or any food liable to seizure under this section is likely to be found on such vessel, vehicle or individual.

No woman shall be searched under this section except by a woman.