SAF Investigates Man Caught Vaping on Bus While in Army Uniform

A man dressed in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) No. 4 uniform was caught on camera allegedly using an e-vaporiser on a public bus — an act that has prompted an official investigation by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef).

The short video, which surfaced online on July 31, shows the individual seated at the rear of the bus, briefly placing a device to his mouth in a manner consistent with vaping. He was not wearing a formation tag on his uniform.

Mindef confirmed that the person has been identified and was placed in SAF custody to assist in ongoing investigations. The ministry also clarified that the SAF takes such breaches seriously, considering them not just military offences but also criminal ones under Singapore law.

SAF Personnel Face Disciplinary Action Over Vape Use

In response to media queries, Mindef issued a firm reminder: “The SAF takes a serious view on the possession of and use of e-vaporisers by our service personnel. This is both a matter of military discipline and an offence under national law.”

SAF personnel caught with e-vaporisers may face internal disciplinary action and legal consequences, especially if the devices are found to contain controlled substances. Penalties range from monetary fines to detention, depending on the severity and nature of the offence.

It is understood that the man in question is a national serviceman. According to The Straits Times, he has since been released from custody while investigations continue.

Mindef added that the SAF also focuses on prevention — offering education campaigns, cessation support and counselling services to help servicemen and women avoid nicotine addiction.

Singapore’s Vape Laws: Strict Penalties for Possession or Sale

Singapore maintains strict anti-vape legislation. Individuals caught possessing, using, or purchasing vapes can be fined up to S$2,000, even on a first offence. More serious violations — including importing, distributing, or selling vape products — carry penalties of up to S$10,000, six months’ jail, or both. Repeat offenders face fines of up to S$20,000, jail terms of up to a year, or both.

The video of the SAF uniformed man vaping has sparked public debate on social media, with many expressing concern about discipline and setting an example, particularly when in uniform. Others have pointed out the growing prevalence of vaping among youths and young adults, urging stricter enforcement and more accessible quitting support.

As Mindef continues its investigation, this case serves as a stark reminder that the use of e-vaporisers — even discreetly in public — is not only illegal but also punishable under both civil and military codes.

Two Singaporean men have been detained by Malaysian authorities after they were allegedly caught trying to exit the country illegally, following unauthorised entry without proper immigration clearance. The incidents, which occurred at a major Johor land checkpoint, have triggered renewed warnings for motorcyclists not to bypass immigration procedures.

According to Malaysian media reports, the men – both in their 20s and 30s – were arrested in separate incidents but are now jointly under investigation. Both reportedly attempted to leave Malaysia via land checkpoints despite lacking immigration records of their entry into the country.

Entered Through Unmanned Lane, Claimed It Was a Wrong Route

In the first case, one of the Singaporean men is believed to have entered Johor Bahru through an unmanned motorcycle lane at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex – the same checkpoint located at the end of the Woodlands Causeway.

When attempting to leave Malaysia, the man allegedly claimed he had taken a wrong route. However, his failure to obtain an entry stamp raised red flags, leading to his arrest.

In the second case, another Singaporean was riding pillion with an Indian national. Immigration authorities found no records of either man entering the country. Both were detained on the spot.

Illegal Entry Could Lead to Jail, Fines & Caning

Malaysia’s Immigration Department confirmed the men had breached Section 6(1)(C) of the Immigration Act by entering the country without valid documents. If convicted, offenders could face up to five years in jail, a fine of up to RM10,000 (approximately S$3,015), and potentially up to six strokes of the cane.

Investigations are currently ongoing, with all three men – the two Singaporeans and the Indian national – still in custody.

Motorcyclists Cautioned Not to Bypass Immigration Checks

A Malaysian security official highlighted the growing concern over motorcyclists using unauthorised or unmanned lanes to skip passport checks, especially at the heavily used land checkpoints between Singapore and Johor.

“It is a criminal offence to enter or exit Malaysia without proper clearance,” the official stressed, urging all foreign visitors to abide strictly by immigration protocols. Authorities have stepped up enforcement efforts on both sides of the border in response to such violations.

With thousands of commuters riding across the Causeway daily, this incident underscores the legal and financial risks of attempting shortcuts – even if unintentional.

A Singapore father was allegedly punched after confronting a teen he believed had been supplying his 18-year-old son with illegal Kpods — electronic vapes laced with the sedative etomidate. The altercation highlights the growing anxiety among parents as youth vaping spirals into a dangerous health and social issue.

The teen’s mother, surnamed Chen, recounted to Shin Min Daily News how her son, an ITE student, had changed drastically over the past year. After displaying signs of confusion, repeatedly falling and injuring himself, and becoming increasingly withdrawn, Chen suspected he was using Kpods. She found numerous empty pods in his room — and upon confronting him, the teen admitted to using them.

Chen believes her son might have taken up vaping in a bid to fit in with peers. She suspects he sourced his supply through Telegram and a male friend.

Violent Confrontation at Serangoon Residence

On April 7, the teen left for a gathering and failed to return home. Alarmed by his slurred speech over a phone call and tracking his location via GPS, Chen rushed to a Serangoon address where she found him leaving with a male friend. When she confronted them, the friend allegedly pushed her and made veiled threats, including telling her, “Your son doesn’t have any money to buy them,” when asked if he was supplying Kpods.

Chen called her ex-husband, the boy’s father, who arrived shortly after. Tensions boiled over into a physical altercation between the father and the alleged supplier. Chen claimed both her ex-husband and the friend’s mother were hurt during the scuffle. When the friend’s parents searched his room, vapes were found — but they denied ownership belonged to their son.

Helplessness and Desperation Amid Teen’s Continued Use

Despite their efforts, Chen says her son’s addiction has worsened. He has continued using Kpods, even after temporarily staying with his father. At one point, he collapsed with a vape in hand, bleeding and disoriented. Although the police were called and confiscated the device, no further action was taken.

Chen revealed she was previously hesitant to report her son, fearing fines as the parent of a minor vape user. However, authorities have since clarified that no penalties will be imposed on parents who report their children.

“My heart really aches to see my son like this,” Chen said. “I’m trying, but nothing works.”

Parental Support and Cessation Help Available

The Health Promotion Board encourages parents to act early. They can contact the HPB QuitLine at 1800 438 2000 for referrals to support programmes for smoking and vaping cessation.

As Kpod-related incidents continue to rise in Singapore, the mental toll on families is becoming alarmingly visible. With e-vaporisers illegal and linked to serious side effects, including dizziness and unconsciousness, the urgency for intervention is undeniable — not just for the teenagers, but for their families grappling with the fallout.

Tiong Bahru Parcel Thief Strikes in Broad Daylight, Still No Action After 2 Months

A parcel theft incident caught on CCTV has left a resident frustrated and anxious, after months with no resolution despite police involvement and an appeal to their Member of Parliament (MP).

The brazen theft occurred in broad daylight, right in front of multiple security cameras. The suspect was recorded opening a parcel cabinet and walking away with the stolen item as if it were his own. According to the resident, the footage clearly shows the man’s face and actions, yet authorities have yet to make any headway.

“I filed a police report the same day. I even reached out to my MP, but it’s been more than two months, and I haven’t received any updates or closure,“ the victim shared.

This case has raised concerns about the rise of parcel thefts across Singapore, especially with the explosion of e-commerce. With thousands of packages delivered daily to homes and offices, unattended parcel lockers and cabinets are becoming prime targets for opportunistic criminals.

Online Shopping Boom Brings New Challenges

The convenience of online shopping has revolutionised the retail landscape. However, it has also opened the door to a new wave of low-risk, high-reward crimes like parcel theft. Many consumers now rely on services such as Amazon, Lazada, Shopee and Qoo10 — often receiving high-value electronics, gadgets, or even personal items like medicine or legal documents via delivery.

Unfortunately, unless caught red-handed or tracked via advanced home surveillance systems, many culprits get away with it. And even when there is clear evidence, as in this case, victims are often left waiting with no concrete answers.

Calls for Stronger Measures to Protect Deliveries

This incident has reignited the call for stronger deterrents, including better parcel security systems, AI-enhanced CCTV surveillance, and faster response from local enforcement agencies. Some have even suggested insurance options for parcel deliveries or secure smart lockers as a mandatory standard in residential areas.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to step forward.