Help for Nicotine and Vape Addiction, and Extent of Manufacture and Surrender of Etomidate-laced Vapes in Singapore
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns rehabilitative support for youth nicotine addiction, help-seeking trends for etomidate-laced vapes, and the domestic manufacturing risks and medical use of etomidate. Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye, Mr Foo Cexiang, Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong, and Mr Fadli Fawzi inquired about diversionary programs, assistance statistics, and penalties for surrendering illegal vapes. The Members specifically asked for data on etomidate-laced vapes disposed in 2025 and whether community-based intervention programs would be expanded to prevent youth recidivism. Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that these issues were addressed in a previous oral reply during the 22 September 2025 sitting regarding vape-related arrests. The Minister referred to the Official Report on enforcement and preventive measures for the detailed policy response to the various concerns raised by the MPs.
Transcript
15 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what rehabilitative programmes or counselling support are in place to help youths address nicotine addiction and peer pressure, amid growing number of youths caught vaping; (b) how does the Ministry work with schools, parents, and community partners to prevent recidivism; and (c) whether there are plans to expand early intervention and diversionary programmes to guide youths away from vaping.
16 Mr Foo Cexiang asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) since 1 June 2025, what is the number of people who have (i) called the Health Promotion Board’s QuitLine in relation to vaping addiction and (ii) approached the agencies recommended by the Ministry to seek help to quit the use of etomidate vapes; and (b) whether the numbers reflect an increasing trend.
17 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the Government's assessment of the risks and ease of manufacturing etomidate and its analogues within Singapore; and (b) in view of possible risks, whether there are plans to phase out the use of etomidate in medical settings by adopting alternative anaesthetic agents and if so, what are these alternatives.
18 Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) of the approximately 6,000 vapes and related components disposed from 25 July to 31 August 2025, how many vapes are laced with etomidate; and (b) whether people who surrender etomidate-laced vapes from 1 September 2025 continue to face no penalty.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: These questions have been addressed in oral reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos 7 to 11 in the 22 September 2025 sitting. [Please refer to "Number of Vape-related Arrests Made, and Update on Enforcement, Preventive and Rehabilitative Measures for Tackling Vaping", Official Report, 22 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 2, Oral Answers to Questions section.]