38. Penalty for obstructing Director‑General or authorised officer in course of duty

Any person who at any time hinders or obstructs the Director‑General or any authorised officer in the performance or execution of his or her duty or of any thing which he or she is empowered or required to do under this Part shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —

to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both; and

in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both.