In 2022, the authorities in Singapore found themselves grappling with an unexpected and alarming rise in vaping-related offences among students.
A total of 800 students, ranging from primary-school children to those enrolled in tertiary education and universities, were prosecuted for various vaping offences.
This surge in cases has sparked concerns over the escalating popularity of electronic cigarettes among the youth.
The Growing Concern
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) disclosed that the Ministry of Education (MOE) had referred these students to them for their vaping-related activities and some of them received fines as a result.
Persons who are caught buying, using or having a vaporiser in Singapore face a fine of up to $2,000, for each offence.
The Student Demographic
While the MOE confirmed that the students involved ranged from primary schools to autonomous universities, they declined to provide a detailed breakdown.
However, it’s crucial to note that this surge represents a significant departure from previous years. Second Minister for Education Maliki Osman reported in Parliament earlier this month (3 October) that less than 50 students from schools and IHLs were referred to HSA for vaping offences before 2020.
This spike in cases has raised concerns not only among government officials but also various health agencies.
A Multi-Agency Approach
In response to this growing issue, HSA has teamed up with the Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board (HPB) to address it from multiple angles.
Their strategy encompasses legislation of laws, enforcement actions, educating the public, and counselling to combat the possession and use of vaporizers among our youths.
Mandatory Cessation Programs
To deter students from engaging in vaping activities, a crucial component of their strategy is the requirement for students caught using or possessing e-vaporizers to attend cessation programs arranged by HPB and their respective schools.
This proactive approach aims to educate and guide students away from this harmful habit. For those who persist in their vaping habits, schools have the authority to refer them to HSA for further action, including composition fines or prosecution.
The Ban and Its Impact
It’s essential to remember that there has been a ban on e-cigarettes or vaporizers in Singapore since February 2018.
Nevertheless, a disconcerting 4,916 people were apprehended in 2022 for using and possessing vaporizers, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s 4,697 cases and a stark contrast to the 1,266 cases in 2020.
Legal Consequences for Suppliers
The HSA reported that just last month, 18 individuals were convicted for selling vaporizers and related components between April and August 2023.
They received a total of $153,000 worth of fines.
Those caught importing, distributing, or selling such products face fines of up to $10,000 and the possibility of a jail sentence of up to six months, or both, for the first offence.