A shocking video lasting one minute has gone viral across Singapore’s social media platforms, showing two men openly vaping in public—an act already outlawed in the city-state. In the footage, one of the men appears to lose consciousness and collapses suddenly, sending bystanders into a brief panic.
The video, believed to be taken recently, shows both individuals exhaling thick plumes of vapour while standing casually along a walkway. A few seconds into the clip, one man begins swaying unsteadily before collapsing to the ground. His companion appears stunned and momentarily confused, then kneels down to check on his unconscious friend.
The incident has since sparked widespread concern and debate online, with many netizens questioning the contents of the vape used and the increasing brazenness of public vaping behaviour in Singapore. Several commenters speculated whether the vape was laced with substances beyond nicotine—given the dramatic reaction—while others called for more enforcement and public education.
Vaping in Singapore is Illegal
In Singapore, the sale, possession, and use of e-cigarettes and vaping products are strictly prohibited under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. Anyone caught in possession of such devices can face fines of up to S$2,000. Repeat offences and distribution can attract even harsher penalties.
Despite these tough laws, videos and photos of individuals flouting vaping regulations continue to surface online, often filmed discreetly in areas such as stairwells, public toilets, or even on public transport.
Health Risks and Unknown Substances
While conventional e-cigarettes already pose significant health risks, experts have long warned about the added dangers of unregulated or black-market vape liquids. These may contain unknown chemicals or synthetic cannabinoids, which can cause unpredictable effects, including seizures, hallucinations, or sudden loss of consciousness—symptoms some netizens believe were on display in the video.
Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has previously raised concerns over such illegal vape products, especially those purchased from overseas platforms or social media sellers.
Authorities Likely Investigating
At the time of writing, it is unclear where or when exactly the video was filmed, though online sleuths have pointed to several possible neighbourhoods based on surrounding landmarks and architectural details.
Authorities are likely investigating the matter, as such viral videos typically draw the attention of the police and enforcement agencies. Members of the public with information on the incident are encouraged to report it via official channels.
As the clip continues to circulate widely on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, it serves as a reminder of the health and legal risks associated with vaping in Singapore—especially when done in public view.