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S’pore Authorities Increasing Checks on Vapes in Multi-Agency Effort to Clamp Down on Vaping

2023-12-21 , 11:02 am

Singaporean Authorities Unite to Escalate Crackdown on Vaping: Tougher Measures Announced

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re likely aware that vaping is prohibited in Singapore. Currently, anyone caught with a vape device could face fines of up to $2,000.

For first-time offenders found distributing, selling, or offering e-vaporisers and their components, the penalties are even steeper, with fines potentially reaching up to $10,000, accompanied by a jail term of up to six months, or both.

Repeat offenders could be subject to fines of up to $20,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

Although the penalties associated with vape are daunting, some individuals continue to seek ways to circumvent the regulations. You just need to take a look around your estate.

However, a recent joint media release by Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) revealed that authorities are stepping up their efforts to combat vaping.

This involves a collaborative approach from multiple government agencies to prevent the widespread use of vaping within the country.

Over the coming months, they will be stepping up checks at air, land, and sea checkpoints, starting with Changi Airport.

Current Strategies for Vaping Regulation

In addition to imposing fines and potential incarceration, HSA has been monitoring illicit sales of e-vaporisers via social media and messaging platforms to restraint online access of e-vaporisers.

Furthermore, HSA works with other agencies such as Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to detect illegal imports of e-vaporisers. Additionally, partnerships with Ministry of Education (MOE) and National Environment Agency (NEA) enable random checks of e-vaporisers usage in the community.

Despite the ban and law enforcement efforts, it is evident that some individuals continue purchasing e-vaporisers online or during trips abroad.

New Enforcement Measures Aimed at Reducing E-vaporisers Sales and Use

The HSA and ICA are set to conduct inter-agency operations at all checkpoints, commencing with Changi Airport. Passengers arriving at the airport may be screened for e-vaporisers and its components, with fines imposed on those found in possession.

Passengers carrying e-vaporisers must pass through the Red Channel at checkpoints, where people they are required to declare any prohibited items to custom officers. Those who comply and surrender the e-vaporisers can avoid penalties.

Failure to declare the possession of e-vaporisers at ICA checkpoint may result in fines under Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.

It is important to note that evading checkpoints does not guarantee escape from scrutiny. Since 1 December, NEA have been acting against e-vaporisers users, referring cases to the HSA. Checks will be conducted at public hotspots, such as central business district, shopping centres, parks, and smoking areas, as well as bars and clubs. Offenders will be issued a fine on the spot if caught by enforcement officers.

Enhancing Enforcement in Educational Institutions

MOE will bolster efforts to detect and enforce efforts vaping regulations within schools and Institute of Higher Learning (IHLs). E-vaporisers will be confiscated from students who are caught using or possessing it and their parents will be informed. These cases will be reported to the HSA, and school-based disciplinary actions, including suspension or caning for male students, will be taken against the offenders.

Students caught vaping will also be enrolled in a cessation support programme, where counsellors will guide them in giving up vaping to promote long-term behavioural change.

Health Promotion Board (HPB) will continue working with MOE to incorporate anti-vaping messages in educational materials and preventative programmes, raising awareness of the harmful effects of vaping.

Health Consequences of Vaping

I’m sure the stringent law enforcement against vaping in Singapore may prompt the question as to why it is such a big deal in Singapore when it remains legal in other countries.

fter all, how harmful can something that smells like strawberry or cotton candy truly be?

E-vaporisers contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Nicotine exposure can harm the developing brains of youths, impairing their ability to focus and learn, and even reduce impulse control. These effects can lead to mood disorders.

Moreover, e-vaporisers contain cancer-causing chemicals and toxic substances that can increase the risk of heart and lung diseases. Vaping may also serve as a gateway into trying traditional cigarettes, which are unquestionably harmful.

For individuals seeking to quit smoking, resources such as the “I Quit Programme” by HealthHub offers a 28-day programme designed to help individuals stay smoke-free.