SINGAPORE: The Health Sciences Authority ( HSA ) is reviewing legal penalties to strengthen deterrence against the advertising, importation and distribution of e- vaporisers, said , Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Health Rahayu Mahzam , on Wednesday ( May 8 ).
Speaking in Parliament, Ms Rahayu said HSA , has been monitoring illegal sales of electronic- vaporisers on cultural media, electronic- commerce and messaging platforms, as well as carrying out operations to reduce e- vaporiser information. It is trying to expand its work, she added.
She was responding to a question from MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim ( PAP-Choa Chu Kang ), who had asked what methods are in place to use social media platforms and advertisements to spread awareness about the risks of vaping and to deter youth use of vapes.
Ms. Rahayu even responded to written inquiries from PAP-Jalan Besar MP Wan Rizal in her email.
Singapore authorities handled around 8, 000 smoking- related offences next year,  , representing a , 43 per cent leap from the , 5, 600 related offences recorded in 2022.  , A full of 7, 600 crimes were recorded in 2021.  ,
Vaping is illegal in Singapore and offenders can be fined up to S$ 2, 000 ( US$ 1, 478 ) for the possession, use and purchase of vapes.  ,
Those responsible for importing, disseminating, or selling these goods face more severe sanctions, including a higher good and potential jail time.
Currently, the Tobacco ( Control of Advertisements and Sale ) Act prohibits advertisement of e- vaporisers. But, like all local laws, the Act applies to vaping- related articles published in Singapore and by Singapore- related persons or entities, she said.
Being governed by local laws that outlaw hazardous content or advertisements does not imply that these materials would not be produced by a foreign company or influencer, according to Ms Rahayu.
She continued,” Attorneys are not without company,” and provided more details about the current set of measures.