Now, You’ll Kena Charged Instead of Getting a Warning for Smoking in Prohibited Areas

The National Environment Agency (NEA) previously announced on 26 September 2017 that smokers will be banned from lighting up in these areas (except for designated smoking areas):

  • Outdoor areas of universities
  • Within compounds of private institutions
  • Within 5m of preschools, madrasahs, junior colleges and polytechnics
  • Excursion buses, trishaws and private-hire cars like Grab and Uber
  • Ride-sharing services like GrabShare and UberPool

When the act was rolled out, NEA said that they will “take an advisory approach” in the first 3 months (with effect from 1 October 2017) after the ban begins to give the public time to adapt, and will only verbally warn those who are caught smoking in the prohibited areas.

But fast forward to today, the 3-month period is over and NEA is keeping to their promise.

No more verbal warnings liao because if you are caught smoking in prohibited places, you need to donate $1,000 to the government.

Image: straitstimes.com

And if you’re a smoker currently studying in Singapore Poly (SP), more suay. Because if you’re caught smoking on campus, you will face a penalty of $50 and need to enroll yourself in ‘detention’ – a smoking cessation programme conducted by nurses from the Health Promotion Board (HPB).

Don’t blame me leh, it’s administered by your school cause’ SP is a smoke-free campus, alongside Temasek Polytechnic (TP) and the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Image: straitstimes.com

TP students, count yourself very lucky because your school cares so much for you to the extent of putting daily reminders on digital screens in your campus, and even sends out sweet e-mails to y’all each term.

And that’s not all. They have also worked with the HPB to roll out the Student Health Advisor scheme, which includes smoking cessation programmes conducted by HPB nurses. I think it’s the same thing as SP’s.

So TP students, if you need health promotion and lifestyle counselling, you know where to go.

Anyway, for all the 年轻人 (young peeps) out there, it’s better not to start so early. Well, it’s better not to start at all, but in case you’re tempted… Here’s a statement of advisory from Professor Chia Kee Seng, dean of the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health,

“The younger a person is when he starts smoking, the higher the level of nicotine dependence, and the greater the intensity and persistence of his habit.”

Think twice before taking up that offer, boys, and girls. One choice may affect your life going forward.

Since you’re here, why not watch a video about a guy who lodged a Police report here in Singapore because he was friendzoned? Seriously. Here, watch it and do remember to share it (and also subscribe to Goody Feed YouTube channel)!

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com

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Image: Straits Times