Press Releases
Two Men Filmed Vaping and Smoking in a Sentosa Cable Car Identified by HSA and Assisting in Investigations
Audiences
Consumer
Healthcare professional
Industry member
Product type
Tobacco control
24 March 2023
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The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has successfully identified the two men who were filmed vaping and smoking in a Sentosa cable car.
2 HSA was alerted to a TikTok video on 19 March 2023, which showed a man taking several puffs from an e-vaporiser, while his friend who was taking the video smoked a cigarette. Several media reported on the video and referred to the men as teenagers.
3 On 21 March, HSA conducted checks at the residences of the man who was filmed vaping and the other man who took the video. Both are 24 years old. A total of 11 e-vaporisers and 16 related components were discovered in their residences. They are currently assisting HSA in further investigations.
4 HSA takes a very serious view of the possession and use of banned e-vaporisers and related items and will take stern actions against any individuals who contravene the law. The men had blatantly flouted the law by using an e-vaporiser and flaunted their illegal act in a TikTok video.
Penalties for such offences in Singapore
5 The purchase, possession and use of e-vaporisers are prohibited in Singapore under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. This includes purchases made through the Internet and from overseas. Offenders can be fined up to $2,000.
6 Under the Act, the import, distribution, possession for sale, sale or offer for sale of such products are also prohibited. Offenders can be fined up to $10,000 or jailed up to 6 months or both for the first offence and fined up to $20,000 or jailed up to 12 months or both for subsequent offences.
7 HSA will continue to work with relevant agencies to deter such activities and to take stern enforcement actions against offenders.
Consumer advisory
8 Information about the harms of e-vaporisers is available at HealthHub’s website. Information pertaining to prohibited tobacco products in Singapore is available on the HSA website. Smokers who need help with quitting can call HPB’s tollfree Quitline at 1800-438-2000.
9 Members of the public who have information on illegal activities involving e-vaporisers and under-aged smokers can contact the Tobacco Regulation Branch at Tel: 6684 2036 or 6684 2037 during office hours (9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday).
HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
24 MARCH 2023