Usage Trend of Vaporisers
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the usage trends of vaporisers and the specific demographics of youth users as raised by Mr Yip Hon Weng. Parliamentary Secretary Ms Rahayu Mahzam responded that while self-reported data is limited, enforcement statistics show that offenders caught for importing and possession rose significantly in 2021. Specifically, about one-third of the 4,697 offenders caught for purchase, use, or possession in 2021 were under the age of 18. The Ministry of Health intends to strengthen enforcement and enhance public education through partnerships with relevant stakeholders to curb this worrying trend. Additionally, the Health Promotion Board will launch a digital vape-free campaign in late 2022 specifically targeting youths and younger adults.
Transcript
7 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the statistics for 2021 shows an increasing trend in the number of people using vaporisers; and (b) amongst the users which consist of school-going youths and children, which age group and education level saw the highest number of vaporiser users.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health (Ms Rahayu Mahzam) (for the Minister for Health): Currently, there is no available local data on the use of vaporisers as these are illegal products and reliable self-reported data is difficult to obtain. However, in 2021, there were 7,593 offenders, across all ages, caught for import of vaporisers, compared to 6,192 in 2020. Similarly, in 2021, there were a total of 4,697 offenders caught for purchase, use or possession of vaporisers, of which about one-third were under-18, compared to a total of 1,266 offenders in 2020.
While data on number of offenders may not represent the total number of users, the trend does suggest a general increase in use of vaporisers in Singapore.
This worrying trend of increased vaping is also observed internationally. In response, MOH will work together with relevant partners and stakeholders to strengthen enforcement measures, as well as enhance public education efforts. The Health Promotion Board will also roll out a vape-free campaign later in 2022 targeted at youths and younger adults through popular digital platforms.
11.00 am
Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question Time.
[Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), written answers to questions not reached by the end of Question Time are reproduced in the Appendix, unless Members had asked for questions standing in their names to be postponed to a later Sitting day or withdrawn.]