Upstream Preventive Strategies to Counter Misperceptions of Vaping
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Ng Ling Ling’s inquiry on implementing social intervention and upstream preventive strategies to counter misconceptions regarding the health impacts and maturity associated with vaping. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung responded by detailing enforcement efforts, including Health Sciences Authority operations against online peddlers, removal of social media advertisements, and increased border monitoring. He highlighted that public education remains a priority, with a digital campaign launching in 2023 to address misconceptions and emphasize the negative health consequences of using illegal vaporisers. For minors, the Ministry of Health collaborates with the Ministry of Education on awareness programs and strict school-based disciplinary actions, such as suspension or caning, for possession or use. Additionally, the government provides reporting channels for the public to share information on illegal tobacco trade to bolster existing intelligence-gathering and prosecution efforts against e-vaporiser offenders.
Transcript
25 Ms Ng Ling Ling asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will plan, and implement, social intervention and upstream preventive strategies through the Health Promotion Board and social service agencies to counter misconceptions that vaping is perceived as a sign of maturity and healthier than smoking.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: This response will also address the Question for Oral Answer filed by Mr Yip Hon Weng1 for a Sitting on or after 28 November 2022 and written questions filed by Mr Desmond Choo and Mr Shawn Huang for the Sittings on 20 October 2022 and 7 November 2022, respectively.
Currently, there is no direct prevalence data on the use of vaporisers as these are illegal products and reliable self-reported data is difficult to obtain. The number of offenders caught for purchase, use or possession of vaporisers in 2022 is 3,691, up to September 2022, as compared to 4,697 in 2021. About one-fifth of these offenders were under-18.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) monitors and gathers intelligence on illicit sales of e-cigarettes via social media and messaging platforms, and regularly carries out operations targeting sales of e-cigarettes on online platforms. The HSA also collaborates with platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Carousell to remove postings on the illegal sales of such products. In 2020 and 2021, 3,573 and 6,940 postings have been removed respectively. And in 2022, up to September 2022, 3,923 postings have been removed. In year 2021 and 2022, up to September, 32 and 25 online e-vaporiser peddlers have been prosecuted respectively. Concurrently, the illegal importation of e-cigarettes is monitored at Singapore's borders and intercepted as necessary to prevent entry of these e-cigarettes into the local market.
There is already a dedicated reporting channel for members of the public who have information on the illegal import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of prohibited tobacco products. They can submit an online form at go.gov.sg/reporttobaccooffences. Alternatively, they can contact HSA's Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684 2036 or 6684 2037 during office hours.
The enforcement activities are also complemented by public education efforts to deter the public from vaping. HSA engages the media to remind the public that the sale, use, possession for sale, importation or distribution of electronic vaporisers are strictly prohibited in Singapore and strongly advises the public against engaging in such activities. A digital campaign on staying vape-free will be rolled out in early 2023 to raise awareness on the negative health effects of vaping and to address misconceptions.
We share the concern about vaping amongst minors. The Ministry of Health (MOH) works closely with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to raise awareness among children and youths about the harms of vaping and encourage them to lead a nicotine-free lifestyle. Schools take a serious view of vaping and school-based disciplinary action is also taken for students caught using or possessing e-cigarettes and other types of vaporisers, including suspension or caning for boys. We will work with education institutions and schools to step up efforts to control access of vaporisers and its accessories to minors and the young.