SINGAPORE'S COMPREHENSIVE RESPONSE TO COMBAT E-VAPORISERS

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Ang Wei Neng

MP for West Coast-Jurong West GRC

Question No. 6

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what prompted the recent inter-ministerial efforts to ban vaping; (b) how many individuals have been caught for vaping or possession offences from (i) January to June 2025 and (ii) July to August 2025; and (c) what are the Ministry's plans for the control of etomidate after its Class C classification expires on 28 February 2026.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 9

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms Rachel Ong

MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC

Question No. 50

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how many vaping cases have been reported via (i) hotline and (ii) webform in 2025; (b) how many of such cases led to the identification of offenders; (c) how many of these are students; and (d) whether vape use has declined since the hotline and webform were introduced.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 30

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Wan Rizal

MP for Jalan Besar GRC

Question No. 204

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health what additional preventive and rehabilitative measures will be introduced to deter youth vaping and to support those already affected.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 34

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye

MP for Radin Mas

Question No. 248

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how many persons have been arrested and charged with vape-related offences in the past three months; and (b) what percentage of such persons are below 25 years old; and (c) what are the recent measures by the authorities to stop the sale of e-vaporisers and components on encrypted messaging platforms.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 57

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Miss Rachel Ong

MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC

Question No. 67

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health whether the Ministry can provide an update on the enforcement actions taken against the illegal sales of kpods to Singapore residents through various online messaging platforms.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 57

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 23 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms Poh Li San

MP for Sembawang West

Question No. 145

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the Government’s plan to address a potential increase in underground activities on the sale of drug-laced vapes known as “Kpods”; and (b) what is the Government’s long-term strategy to eradicate vapes and protect Singaporeans from their harmful effects.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 57

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 23 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Sharael Taha

MP for Pasir Ris-Changi GRC

Question No. 227

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider stronger deterrence by subjecting importers and distributors of vapes to the same penalties as those importing and distributing etomidate-laced vapes, in view of the finding that one in three confiscated vape devices tested positive for etomidate and given the potential ease of using vape devices to deliver other unknown drugs or substances in the future.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 57

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 25 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Hamid Razak

MP for West Coast-Jurong West GRC

Question No. 297

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health whether Singapore is engaging with neighbouring countries, including Malaysia, on cooperation or information-sharing to curb cross-border smuggling of vaping products and to address the challenges arising from differing vaping regulations in the region.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 47

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye

MP for Radin Mas

Question No. 109

To ask 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.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 30

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Foo Cexiang

MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC

Question No. 115

To ask 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.

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong

MP for Hougang

Question No. 117

To ask 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.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 32

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Fadli Fawzi

MP for Aljunied GRC

Question No. 139

To ask 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.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 16

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 23 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim

MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC

Question No. 63

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how many e-vaporisers have been collected since the introduction of the “Bin the Vape” campaign on 25 July 2025; and (b) whether there will be plans to increase the number of locations for the e-vaporiser disposal bins beyond the current community centres and into Institutes of Higher Learning.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 31

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 26 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr David Hoe

MP for Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC

Question No. 131

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what channels exist for those under 15 years old to report vaping or sale of e-vaporisers beyond the online reporting form managed by HSA which requires a Singpass login; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider introducing non-Singpass verification options for persons under 15 years old to report vaping activity safely and promptly; and (c) if so, by when.

Answer

1        Mr Speaker, may I have your permission to answer Questions 7 to 11 together? My response will also address written PQs 15 to 18 in today’s order paper and similar questions raised by Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Ms Poh Li San, Mr Sharael Taha, Dr Hamid Razak, and Mr David Hoe, scheduled for later sittings. I would invite Members to seek clarifications, if need be. If the question has been addressed, it may not be necessary for members to proceed with the Question for further sittings.

2        E-vaporisers, which were primarily nicotine delivery devices, were banned in Singapore ever since it was introduced. In the first eight months of this year, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) detected almost 10,000 cases of possession or use and 38 cases of supply of e-vaporisers. Amongst users, more than half are under 25 years old.

3        However, e-vaporisers now carry more dangerous substances, like etomidate, and controlled drugs. This was in fact one of the key considerations when we banned the supply and use of e-vaporisers years ago, and our fears have unfortunately come true. This year, HSA detected 70 cases of possession or use of etomidate e-vaporisers. 

4        With e-vaporisers, the landscape of substance abuse has changed. We launched a Whole-Of-Government response, which we announced on 28 August 2025. The measures include the following:

a)    First, curbing upstream import and supply. Over 2,800 online advertisements, including those found on messaging platforms, were removed between January and August this year. Platforms have a legal responsibility to detect and remove advertisements. Those with inadequate processes will face penalties, including fines and imprisonment, under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. 

b)    Number two, enhance border enforcement.  The HSA, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Central Narcotics Bureau and Singapore Police Force work closely to enforce against smuggling and syndicated activities at our borders. They are also sharing information with their foreign counterparts. Within ASEAN today, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia have banned vaping. We are pleased to learn that Malaysia is making plans to do so too. With more regional countries banning e-vaporisers, we can be more effective in curbing this harmful and addictive habit.

c)     Third, listing of Etomidate as a Class C Controlled Drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). This has sent a clear and strong public message, by elevating the penalties against etomidate-related offences. Together with this, we now have over 10,000 officers empowered to enforce against e-vaporiser-related offences. Agencies have been conducting joint raids at night spots, and operations at Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). 

5        Public vigilance continues to be crucial in enabling offences to be detected. HSA received over 4,600 hotline reports between January and August, and over 1,400 reports through the new online form launched on 21 July.

6        The online form requires SingPass login to prevent spam and ensure report integrity, especially if the reporting member of public wants to upload photos of offenders or locations of offence.  For those without SingPass, such as those under 15 years old, they can use the telephone hotline. 

7        Because of our strong stance against substance abuse, it is unlikely that production of etomidate e-vaporisers will take root in Singapore. As for the question of phasing out etomidate in medical settings, etomidate remains a useful anaesthetic agent, particularly in emergencies for intubation purposes and we have no plans to phase it out. Its handling has been well-controlled, previously under the Poisons Act and now under the MDA.

8        I mentioned earlier that e-vaporisers have changed the landscape of substance abuse. There are more young people involved, out of curiosity, or succumbing to peer pressure. We want to help this group and have provided opportunities for them to come forward and seek help early. We have implemented the following:

a)       First, the “Bin The Vape” initiative. About 6,000 e-vaporisers and components were collected between July and August. These devices have been properly disposed of; no testing was done of their contents because this will take up a lot of our testing resources. “Bin the Vape” was meant to be a time-limited initiative.  We have since reduced the number of bins, and located them in specific locations, such as border checkpoints and where rehabilitation programmes are provided.

b)      Second, we introduced or stepped up rehabilitation programmes, namely the “QuitVape” and the “I Quit” programmes, to support users to kick the habit. From 1 to 14 September, 74 persons have signed up for these programmes.

9        Those who voluntarily surrender e-vaporisers, including etomidate e-vaporisers, and seek help will not be penalised for doing so. This arrangement has continued since 1 September 2025.

10      But as for those caught, rehabilitation will be required for all etomidate e-vaporiser offenders, and repeat e-vaporiser offenders. The rehabilitation programmes are run by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and Social Service Agencies such as WE CARE Community Services and Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association who have expertise in running cessation programmes.  Schools and parents are closely involved in the rehabilitation process for youths, including counselling and supporting the youths.

11      We also need to step up preventive education. We have launched a public anti-vaping campaign. Schools and IHLs are intensifying educational efforts through school curricula, assembly talks, and orientation briefings. Students learn about the harms of vaping, recognise impulsive and addictive behaviours, and pick up strategies for self-control, help-seeking, and managing negative peer influences. The Ministry of Education is also engaging parents, including through the Parents Gateway.

12      While we have listed etomidate in the MDA, the Ministry of Health is reviewing the longer-term legislation needed to adapt to this new landscape. The new legislation will provide legal powers to enforce against e-vaporisers of all kinds, provide for mandatory rehabilitation and supervision regimes, and set appropriate penalties for users and suppliers. We plan to enact the new legislation in the first quarter of 2026, to continue to support this Whole-Of-Government approach to protect Singaporeans from the harmful effects caused by e-vaporisers.