The issue of vapes has become a growing concern. Today, some vapes are mixed with etomidate, and in the future, they could contain other harmful substances or even illegal drugs.
The government has decided to treat vapes as a drug-related problem, upgrading enforcement and education efforts with tougher measures.
Vaping will be seen as a drug issue
In his National Day Rally speech, held at the Institute of Technical Education College headquarters in Ang Mo Kio, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that offenders continue to smuggle vapes into Singapore, and the problem is no longer just about vaping itself but about the addictive and harmful substances mixed inside, such as the anaesthetic etomidate.
Singapore banned vapes in 2018, but the problem has worsened in recent years. Recently, “zombie pods” (Kpods) containing etomidate have drawn public attention.
PM Wong said that since future vapes may contain other dangerous drugs or substances, stricter measures are needed.
“So far we’ve treated vaping like tobacco – at most we impose a fine. But that’s no longer enough. We will treat this as a drug issue, and impose much stiffer penalties.”
This means that anyone selling harmful vapes will face jail time and harsher punishments. The government also plans to classify etomidate as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Those caught vaping will undergo mandatory supervision and rehabilitation. Repeat offenders can be prosecuted and face at least one year in prison. Sellers, distributors, or importers will face even tougher penalties, including up to 20 years in jail and caning.
PM Wong added that authorities will support addicts through supervision and rehabilitation services.
A “major public education drive” will also be mounted, starting in schools, institutes of higher learning and during National Service.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health will lead the efforts, said the prime minister, describing it as a “robust whole-of-government exercise”, with more details to be announced soon.
Counsellors support stricter action, hope for new plans
Sean Ang, a nicotine cessation counsellor and pharmacist at Success Alliance Enrichment, told Lianhe Zaobao that the move is positive, but more clarity is needed.
“For example, if zombie pods are placed under the Ministry of Home Affairs, then who will oversee other types of vapes? Tougher measures are good, but how exactly do they differ from before?”
He also wanted to know what resources the government will commit to helping addicts quit vaping, and whether there will be collaboration with current professionals and training for new specialists to handle the problem.
“These are good announcements, but I am waiting to see how they will actually be carried out, and the positive impact they can bring,” said Ang
Tham Yuen Han, executive director of WE CARE Community Services, also welcomed the government’s move.
“This is the first time we are seeing so many young people being harmed. Strengthening public education, especially for youth, will help them understand the real dangers of vaping and etomidate.”
Those who want to quit vaping, especially users of zombie pods, can seek help from We Care Addiction Recovery and Education Centre, the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, and the Institute of Mental Health, or call the helpline at 1800 4382000 to speak to a counsellor.
