The authorities have removed about 6,000 online listings selling e-vaporisers in the first nine months of 2024, after stepping up enforcement against online advertisements and sales of vapes.
This is double the 3,000 listings removed in the whole of 2023.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung gave these latest figures on Nov 13 in a written reply to Dr Wan Rizal's (Jalan Besar GRC) parliamentary question on measures to curb vaping in schools and institutes of higher learning (IHLs).
Dr Wan Rizal noted that more people were getting caught and fined for using or possessing vapes, especially among youth.
There were 9,680 people caught using or possessing vapes in the first nine months of 2024, according to figures previously given by the health authorities.
This is more than the 7,838 people caught in the whole of 2023.
Mr Ong said the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has stepped up enforcement against online advertisements and sales of e-vaporisers.
He said HSA has worked with platform owners to remove offending listings, though he did not specify which platforms.
Emphasising the need for more effective public education efforts, Mr Ong wrote: "Many studies have shown that vaping is at least as harmful, if not more harmful, than cigarette smoking.
This story is from the November 15, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 15, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Star producer of NewJeans quits after legal spat with BTS agency
The South Korean super-producer behind the chart-topping girl group NewJeans resigned from her label on Nov 20, following a protracted legal battle with Hybe that has rocked the country's K-pop industry.
One Direction stars attend Liam Payne's funeral in UK
Family and friends of One Direction star Liam Payne, who died in October after falling from a Buenos Aires hotel room, gathered for his funeral in Britain on Nov 20.
Composer A.R. Rahman and wife separate after 29 years of marriage
Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman and his wife, Saira, have announced their decision to part ways after nearly 30 years of marriage.
Audemars Piguet joins hands with Kaws for groovy new drop
Audemars Piguet has teamed up with contemporary American artist Brian Donnelly - better known by his pseudonym Kaws - to create the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion, a 43mm titanium horological knockout which groovily fuses high watchmaking and pop art.
LOCAL DESIGNERS GET WICKED
Singapore fashion designers have created clothes and accessories in a Wicked collaboration between Design Orchard and NBCUniversal
Captain America excited to flaunt new powers
No serum? No problem. New Captain America Anthony Mackie goes on a different flight path in upcoming movie
SBA RESHUFFLE NETS KIM
S. Korea's ex-Asiad champ will become Singapore women's singles head coach
Yeo targets top-l O spot after maiden win over Sindhu
As far as giants go, they do not come taller in the badminton women's singles circuit than India's 1.79m P. V. Sindhu, who has a 2019 world title and an Olympic silver (Rio 2016) and bronze (Tokyo 2020) to match her stature.
Hearing-impaired Audelle, 10, is rising chess star
It was only when Audelle Sim was six years old that her parents found out that she has a hearing impairment.
THE BEST OF CHESS AND MORE
S,pore world c'ship's side events include fan zones with grandmasters and exhibitions
