ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATION
Apart from the border checkpoints, checks will be stepped up at places such as the central business district, shopping centres, parks, smoking areas, as well as public entertainment outlets such as bars and clubs.
Authorities described these as “public hotspots”, adding that offenders will be issued with a fine on the spot.
MOH and HSA noted that since Dec 1, enforcement officers from the National Environment Agency have been empowered to take action against people who use or own vapes.
They added that they are also working with the Ministry of Communications and Information and Infocomm Media Development Authority to improve the detection and removal of sales and advertisements of vapes online.
HSA said it already monitors the illicit sale of e-vaporisers via social media and messaging platforms to curb online access of such items.
Schools and institutes of higher learning will strengthen detection and enforcement efforts against vaping.
“When students are caught using or in possession of e-vaporisers, the prohibited product will be confiscated and their parents will be informed,” said the authorities.
Offenders will be reported to HSA, while their vaping-related offences will be managed through the schools’ “existing disciplinary frameworks” which may include suspension or caning for boys.
“Students caught vaping will also be placed on cessation support programmes where counsellors will guide them through their cessation journey to effect long-term behavioural change,” said MOH and HSA.
They added that the Health Promotion Board will continue to work with the Education Ministry to amplify anti-vaping messages, raise awareness of the harms of vaping and provide support to stop vaping for students.