EXPLOITATION OF YOUTHS INVOLVED IN VAPING OFFENCES AS DISTRIBUTORS OR INTERMEDIARIES AND REHABILITATION PATHWAYS FOR FIRST-TIME YOUTH OFFENDERS

NOTICE PAPER NO. 414

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 4 FEBRUARY 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Jackson Lam

MP for Nee Soon GRC

Question No. 825

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether youths involved in vaping offences are increasingly being exploited as distributors or intermediaries; (b) how such cases are assessed to distinguish users from organised sellers; and (c) what diversion or rehabilitation pathways exist for such first-time youth offenders.

Answer

We are not seeing an increasing trend of youth being involved in the supply or sale of e-vaporisers.

2        We impose stiff penalties against supply and sale of e-vaporisers to ensure sufficient deterrence and protect Singaporeans from the harms of e-vaporisers. In the course of investigations, the Health Sciences Authority takes into account several factors, including the quantity and types of illicit products involved, as well as evidence of intent to sell or supply to others, to determine the nature of the offence.

3        Factors such as their age or number of past offences will also be taken into consideration by the Courts when determining the appropriate sentences.