Measures to Prevent E-cigarettes from Flowing into Singapore with Reopening of Land Border with Malaysia
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye’s inquiry on preventing e-cigarette inflow from Malaysia and educating the public on their dangers. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung stated that the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority employs scanners and risk profiling at checkpoints to detect contraband. He noted nearly 300 people were caught importing vaporisers at the Causeway in early 2022 and announced a new vape-free campaign for youths. The Health Promotion Board provides cessation support through the "I Quit" programme, with the assurance that those seeking help to quit vaping will not be penalised. Local smoking cessation success rates range from 10% to 20%, which is comparable to international experiences for both counselling and pharmacotherapy interventions.
Transcript
74 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Health as the land border with Malaysia fully reopens (a) what is being done to prevent e-cigarettes from flowing into Singapore through small hobbyist shops located in Johor Bahru; and (b) what more can be done to educate Singaporeans about the dangers of using e-cigarettes.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: This will also address Written Question Nos 29 and 30 asked by Mr Yip Hon Weng for the Sitting on 9 May 2022.
MOH takes a multi-pronged approach to curb the use of tobacco products, including vaporisers, or e-cigarettes in various settings.
At the checkpoints, ICA deploys a variety of technologies to detect contraband items, including radiographic scanners, X-ray machines and hand-held screening devices, to ensure that all goods that enter Singapore are lawful and legitimate. ICA also conducts pre-arrival risk assessments and profiling to aid the detection of contraband items. When suspicious items are detected, ICA ground officers will refer the passenger and/or vehicle for further checks.
Any prohibited or controlled items detected will be referred to the appropriate regulatory authority, for example, HSA for e-cigarettes/vaporisers, for follow-up investigation. From 1 January 2022 to mid-April 2022, close to 300 persons were caught for importation of vaporisers and related components at the Causeway checkpoints. While the opening of borders does pose a risk of increased illicit smuggling of vaporisers, these products can also be sourced via e-commerce and enter Singapore via mail packages even when borders are closed.
To address the use of vaporisers within Singapore, we work with various partners and stakeholders to strengthen enforcement measures and public education efforts. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) will roll out a vape-free campaign later in 2022 targeted at youths and younger adults through popular digital platforms, to communicate that vaping is harmful and illegal and penalties will apply for offences related to prohibited tobacco products, such as vaporisers.
Smoking cessation efforts are also in place to support those who wish to quit. Under the "I Quit" Programme run by HPB, participants are supported for up to six months to quit smoking. Participants may also join "I Quit" repeatedly as some require multiple attempts before quitting successfully, due to the addictive nature of nicotine. Individuals who wish to quit on their own can also tap on resources at HealthHub for tips on various coping methods, such as picking up new hobbies to relieve stress.
Local success rates for unique participants of smoking cessation programmes range from 10% per year for telephone-based interventions, to 20% per year for programmes that combine intensive counselling and pharmacotherapy. This is comparable to international experience where reported rates of successful smoking cessation range from 7.5% to 20.1%.
Persons who wish to quit vaping will not be penalised when they come forward to seek professional help or participate in cessation programmes.