HSA Prosecutes Man for Social Media Posts Showing the Use of E-vaporisers in First Such Case

A 25-year-old man, Krish Khalifa, was sentenced by the Court on 17 December 2025 to a fine of $12,000 for posting e-vaporiser related content online on social media. The accused also admitted to the possession of three e-vaporisers between 2023 and 2024 and was fined $2,000. These e-vaporisers were featured in his videos and photographs. Khalifa was sentenced to a total fine of $14,000 for these offences. 

2      HSA had investigated the accused after receiving complaints from members of the public alleging that an individual had posted a TikTok video of himself using an e-vaporiser. Investigations revealed that between November 2023 and September 2024, Khalifa had posted nine videos and photographs of him holding or using e-vaporisers in public places and at home on his social media channels (YouTube, Instagram and TikTok), using the account name “Rapperboya”. He was charged and prosecuted by HSA. This is the first time HSA has prosecuted someone who posted images of himself vaping on social media. 

3      Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA), contents encouraging the use of e-vaporisers can constitute an advertisement for a prohibited tobacco product.  

4     Over the past year, HSA has intensified surveillance and enforcement action against the advertisements of e-vaporisers on digital platforms. From 1 January to 30 November 2025, HSA identified and fined 38 persons for posting photographs or videos of e-vaporisers on social media. 

5      Mr Norman Chong, Director of HSA's Tobacco Regulation Branch, said, “The promotion of e-vaporisers on social media platforms may normalise the use of these banned products and influence the public, especially youths, to experiment with vaping.  HSA takes a zero-tolerance approach and will continue active surveillance and take firm enforcement action against those who promote e-vaporisers.” 

Penalties for such offences in Singapore  

6      It is an offence under the TCASA to promote the use of tobacco products and imitation tobacco products, such as e-vaporisers, including posting them on social media.  Persons convicted of these offences are liable to:

• First offence: A fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to six months, or both

• Second or subsequent offence: A fine of up to $20,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both

Enhanced penalties since 1 September 2025 

7      Under the enhanced framework that came into force on 1 September 2025, individuals found possessing, using, or purchasing e-vaporisers now face higher penalties and recalcitrant users will be required to undergo rehabilitation. Those who do not complete the rehabilitation programme will be prosecuted. Offenders caught using e-vaporisers for the third time and more will be prosecuted in court under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993 and be liable for a fine of up to $2,000. 

8      Etomidate e-vaporiser offenders face higher penalties and are required to attend rehabilitation for up to 6 months. Second-time offenders will be arrested and subjected to investigation and urine-testing, as well as mandatory supervision for 6 months which includes drug testing, and rehabilitation. Third-time offenders who are 16 years and older will undergo a 12-months regime, including detainment at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC), followed by drug testing and supervision.  

9      Members of the public who have information on the illegal advertisement, import, distribution, sale or possession of e-vaporisers can contact HSA to support our enforcement efforts through two convenient channels:

• Submit information through our online reporting form: www.go.gov.sg/reportvape or scan the QR code:

• Call the Tobacco Regulation Branch at Tel: 6684 2036 or 6684 2037, operational daily, including weekends and public holidays, from 9am to 9pm.

10      Vaping is illegal in Singapore. The Government remains committed to strengthening enforcement efforts while providing support for those seeking to quit vaping. For more information, visit www.gov.sg/stopvaping.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY 

SINGAPORE 

17 DECEMBER 2025

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