The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore had received 4,000 to 5,000 reports of illegal vaping in the country in 2023 and 2024. These reports were sent to HSA by the Singapore Police Force. In at least one case, the parents of the child caught vaping had brought the child to the police station.
This information on the illegal use of e-vaporisers was given by Minister of State for Health Rahayu Mahzam today, in response to a parliamentary question from Dr Tan Wu Meng (Jurong GRC), who asked how many parents had reported their kids for vaping.
In the case of the child brought to the police station by the parents, the fine was set at SGD 300 after the case was referred to HSA, reported The Straits Times. However, the child was given “an institutional warning” and sent for counselling following a review.
Citing Singapore law on vaping, ST said: “Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, those caught buying, using or possessing vaping products can be fined up to [SGD] 2,000.”
The number of students caught with e-vaporisers more than doubled in the past year — from 800 in 2022 and 900 in 2023, it went up to 2,000 in 2024, according to data given by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, in a written parliamentary response to Rachel Ong (West Coast GRC).
“Nuanced approach” for parents who report their kids
Dr Tan said that the parents who reported their child to the police were residents of his ward. He expressed concern about the “approach” of law enforcement and said that it “might discourage parents from getting their children help”.
The MoS Health said about the same case, “In general, we do take a very nuanced approach in situations where (the individuals) want to stop vaping, and when the parents actually bring their child forward.”
The minister of state said that people should call the Health Promotion Board (HPB)’s QuitLine (1800-438-2000) to seek help with the suspected vaping habits of their children.
QuitLine was launched in 2014 to assist people with giving up smoking. It also helps people to quit vaping.
