Concerted Effort by Govt Agencies to Tackle Vaping Problem

We thank Forum writers Muhammad Dzul Azhan Sahban and Koh Seng Lin for their letters "Puzzling how people can still get hold of vaping devices" (Aug 30) and "Vaping problem needs to be treated more seriously" (Sept 2).

The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Health Promotion Board and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) are working together to address the problem of vaping.

HSA has intensified its enforcement operations against the purchase, use and possession of e-vapourisers in the community, focusing on hot spots and responding quickly to public feedback. From January to July 2024, more than 6,000 individuals were caught and fined for vaping.

HSA also works closely with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to combat smuggling through the checkpoints. Since January 2024, HSA has seized over $18 million worth of e-vapourisers and components, significantly disrupting the illegal supply chain. The suspects involved in these cases will be prosecuted.

Schools and institutes of higher learning have stepped up preventive education to reinforce anti-vaping messages and the importance of maintaining a nicotine-free lifestyle. Students are educated that e-vapourisers are banned, and about the harmful impact of vaping on individuals, families and society.

In physical education and science lessons, students learn about the health effects of tobacco products, the harmful substances in them and common myths about vaping. Character and citizenship education lessons teach students to recognise impulsive and addictive behaviours that harm mental and physical well-being, and provide strategies for self-control and managing negative peer influences.

Parents can refer to Parent Hub for information to educate their children about the harms of vaping. Persons who need help to quit vaping can join the I Quit programme or call QuitLine on 1800 438 2000.

The public can also report any instances of vaping and activities involving illegal promotion, import, distribution or sale of e-vapourisers to HSA's Tobacco Regulation Branch on 6684 2036 or 6684 2037 or e-mail hsa_trb@hsa.gov.sg.

Chan Cheng Leng (Associate Professor)
Group Director, Health Products Regulation Group
Health Sciences Authority

Tan Chen Kee
Deputy Director-General of Education (Schools) and Director of Schools
Ministry of Education