Singapore Declares All-Out War on Vaping: A Fierce Battle for Public Health

Singapore's Health Minister, Ong Ye Kung, has unequivocally declared that the nation is waging an intense war against vaping, firmly stating that e-cigarettes pose significant health risks and are not a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. This resolute stance underscores Singapore's commitment to preventing vaping from taking root, unlike the experiences seen in some Western countries.

Addressing the press during a recent event where a substantial haul of seized e-vaporisers was disposed of, Minister Ong minced no words about the dangers.

He highlighted that vaping is not only addictive but can also act as a gateway, leading individuals, especially the youth, to conventional smoking. The Minister stressed that the government views this issue with extreme gravity, committing extensive resources to combat its spread.

The statistics paint a clear picture of the escalating challenge.

In 2023 alone, approximately 8,000 vaping-related offences were recorded, a concerning increase from around 7,500 in 2022 and 4,900 in 2021. This upward trend signifies the growing prevalence of e-cigarettes despite stringent laws. In response, enforcement efforts have been drastically ramped up across multiple agencies, including the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), and the Ministry of Health (MOH).

These intensified efforts have yielded significant results in terms of seizures.

In 2023, a staggering 79,000 units of e-vaporisers and their components were confiscated, a dramatic leap from 12,000 units in 2022. These illicit products, which recently saw over 18,000 units disposed of in a secure manner, represent a clear threat to public health, particularly for a younger demographic susceptible to the allure of trendy, flavored devices.

Minister Ong reiterated that Singapore remains steadfast in its preventive approach.

The aim is not merely to regulate but to eradicate vaping entirely, ensuring that the nation does not face the same public health crisis grappling other countries where vaping has become deeply entrenched. This proactive stance is seen as crucial for safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens, especially the younger generation, from the deceptive dangers of e-cigarettes.