SINGAPORE MAN FILMED ALLEGEDLY VAPING ON BUS, BLOWS SMOKE NEAR DRIVER
A video circulating on social media has sparked public concern after a man in Singapore was seen allegedly vaping on a public bus, standing close to the driver while exhaling smoke. The footage, which has since been shared widely, has raised questions about commuter safety, public behaviour, and the enforcement of strict anti-vaping laws in Singapore.
The short clip was reportedly shared on the “sgfollowsall” Telegram group and shows a man holding what appears to be a vape device while filming himself. In the video, he is first seen seated before moving towards the front of the bus, positioning himself near the bus driver.
According to the caption accompanying the video, the incident allegedly took place on bus service 974, which operates between ITE West and Pioneer. It remains unclear when the footage was recorded, and there has been no confirmation of whether enforcement action has been taken against the individual involved.
VIDEO PROMPTS SAFETY AND CONDUCT CONCERNS
In the footage, the man can be seen blowing out a visible puff of smoke while standing close to the driver’s cabin. His actions appeared deliberate, as he continued recording himself throughout the incident. The behaviour has drawn criticism online, with many netizens questioning the lack of consideration for both the driver and other passengers on board.
Public buses are enclosed spaces, and any form of smoking or vaping poses potential health risks to others, especially given Singapore’s long-standing zero-tolerance approach towards tobacco and imitation tobacco products. Several online commenters also highlighted the distraction such behaviour could cause to a bus driver, potentially affecting road safety.
While vaping devices are illegal in Singapore, videos depicting their use continue to surface online, often triggering swift public backlash and calls for stricter enforcement. The authorities have repeatedly warned that filming and sharing such content can itself constitute an offence.
STRICT LAWS AND HEAVY PENALTIES IN PLACE
Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, content that promotes or encourages the use of prohibited tobacco products, including vapes, may be treated as an advertisement. This includes posting images or videos of vape usage on social media platforms.
Offenders found guilty of promoting or using vapes may face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. For repeat offenders, penalties increase significantly, with fines of up to S$20,000 and jail terms of up to 12 months.
Since September 1, 2025, enforcement has become even tougher following the classification of etomidate as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. This move came amid growing concerns over drug-laced vapes, particularly among younger users. Under the revised framework, recalcitrant users may also be subject to mandatory rehabilitation programmes.
The incident has once again highlighted ongoing challenges in curbing illegal vaping in Singapore, especially in public spaces. As authorities continue to tighten regulations, members of the public are reminded that public transport is a shared environment, and irresponsible behaviour can carry serious legal and social consequences.