A 21-year-old Singaporean man has been identified by authorities after a video showing him vaping on a public bus circulated widely online, prompting enforcement action by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). The case has reignited public discussion around illegal vaping, social media accountability, and public transport safety in Singapore.
According to HSA, the young man is currently assisting with investigations after officers traced him following the circulation of the clip on messaging platforms. Enforcement officers later conducted a follow-up operation at his residence, where multiple vaping devices and refill pods were seized. The authorities did not disclose whether further charges have been filed, but investigations are ongoing.
The incident drew attention due to the setting in which the act took place. The video showed the man exhaling vapour close to a bus driver while onboard a public service bus. Such behaviour not only violates Singapore’s strict tobacco control laws but also raises concerns about passenger safety, second-hand exposure, and respect for essential service workers.
FILMED VAPING ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The footage, which spread rapidly across Telegram groups and social media feeds, reportedly captured the man recording himself while vaping during a bus journey from the western part of Singapore. While the exact date of the incident remains unclear, the visibility of the act and its apparent attempt to provoke or attract attention sparked swift public backlash.
Vaping devices, also known as e-vaporisers, are strictly prohibited in Singapore. This includes possession, use, purchase, and even the promotion of such products online. Authorities have repeatedly warned that posting videos or images that encourage vaping can be treated as illegal advertising, even if no direct sale is involved.
Under current laws, individuals found guilty of promoting or using prohibited tobacco products face heavy penalties. These can include substantial fines, jail terms, or both. Repeat offenders are subject to even harsher punishment, reflecting the government’s zero-tolerance stance on vaping-related offences.
TOUGHER VAPE LAWS AND ENFORCEMENT IN SINGAPORE
In recent years, enforcement has intensified following growing concerns about drug-laced vape pods and their impact on youth health. Singapore’s regulatory framework has been strengthened to address emerging trends, with mandatory rehabilitation introduced for persistent offenders under certain circumstances.
Authorities have consistently reminded the public that enforcement efforts extend beyond physical checks. Digital footprints, including videos and social media posts, are actively monitored as part of broader compliance operations. This case serves as a clear reminder that online actions can have real-world legal consequences.
As Singapore continues to tighten regulations around public health and safety, incidents like this underline the importance of personal responsibility, especially in shared spaces such as public transport. Officials urge members of the public to report similar incidents and to remain vigilant, reinforcing Singapore’s long-standing commitment to a safe, smoke-free environment.