In Singapore, e-cigarettes are far from a “trendy accessory”—they are a high-voltage wire that must not be touched. Local residents who violate the ban face severe penalties!
Foreigners who take chances face even harsher consequences—not only fines and jail time, but also potential revocation of work permits, deportation, or even permanent entry bans. Whether holding an Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, Short-Term Pass (STP), or Dependent Pass (DP), a third violation could cost them all opportunities for development in Singapore.
Singapore’s anti-smoking policies serve not only as a public health defense but also as a resolute safeguard for social order and national image.
I. Fines, Imprisonment, Caning: Singapore Declares Total War on E-Cigarettes
Singapore has long been renowned for its “world’s strictest legal system,” and this crackdown on e-cigarettes takes enforcement to the extreme.
1. Etomidate Classified as Schedule C Drug, Penalties Escalated
Effective September 1, etomidate has been officially classified as a Schedule C drug, with a six-month implementation period. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) jointly announced that during this “window period,” laws will be continuously revised and strengthened to ensure authorities possess sufficient enforcement powers to address e-cigarette issues.
Singapore’s Minister for National Security and Home Affairs, Shanmugam, stated bluntly: “We won’t wait until things spiral out of control to act. We must eliminate the threat proactively.”
The severity of penalties is unprecedented:
First Offenders: Under 18 years old face a S$50 fine; adults face a S$700 fine, an increase of S$200 from previous penalties.
Repeat offenders: Mandatory 3-6 month rehabilitation program.
Serious repeat offenders: Those with three or more repeat offenses will be sent to drug rehabilitation centers and undergo up to one year of post-release monitoring and drug testing.
Trafficking or importing etomidate: Minimum 3 years’ imprisonment + 5 strokes of the cane, maximum 20 years’ imprisonment + 15 strokes.
In other words, in Singapore, a single e-cigarette could land you not just a fine, but jail time and caning!
Image source: Lianhe Zaobao
2. Schools and Campuses: Zero Tolerance for E-Cigarettes
Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) have announced that starting in 2024, all schools will intensify detection and enforcement efforts.
Students caught vaping may face fines, suspension, caning, or scholarship revocation.
University students risk dorm expulsion, loss of exchange eligibility, or outright dismissal.
Between 2022 and 2024, an average of 3,100 primary/secondary students and 800 tertiary students were caught using e-cigarettes annually.
Education Minister Dr. Chan Chun Sing emphasized: “Schools alone cannot tackle this issue; we need joint efforts from parents and society.” Consequently, authorities distributed nicotine detection kits to 260 schools to enable early problem identification.
On campuses, e-cigarettes are no longer a “trend” but a high-risk illegal activity.
3. 700 MOM Officers Directly Enforce the Law
At a press conference, Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh announced that 700 MOM officers have been authorized to directly enforce laws against e-cigarette users. This means enforcement is no longer solely the responsibility of police or health authorities but involves a cross-departmental crackdown.
Particularly in foreign worker dormitories, MOM has used the FWMOMCare platform, WhatsApp, and multilingual educational materials to promote its “zero tolerance for e-cigarettes” policy. Violating foreign workers may face immediate revocation of their work permits and permanent employment bans.
It can be said that from schools to dormitories, from streets to airports, e-cigarettes have nowhere to hide in Singapore.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
II. Offenders Still Have a Chance to Help Themselves: From Punishment to Rehabilitation
While Singapore’s legal system is known for its strict enforcement, this e-cigarette ban also incorporates a humane approach.
1. QuitVape Program: Quit Addiction Without a Criminal Record
Singapore has launched the temporary “QuitVape” program to support e-cigarette cessation. Vapers can proactively seek help from organizations like CareHome, Society for the Abolition of Narcotics (SANA), Tao Te Kuan, and Leap Family Services.
Those voluntarily joining QuitVape will not receive a criminal record;
First-time minor offenders can choose rehabilitation programs instead of immediate imprisonment;
Repeat offenders will face immediate escalated penalties with zero tolerance.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated: “This is an opportunity for self-redemption. Young people need not ruin their lives over a momentary mistake.”
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
2. Youth Enhanced Supervision Scheme
For individuals under 30 abusing e-cigarettes or etomidate, Singapore has introduced a tiered rehabilitation mechanism:
First apprehension → 3-month program requiring participation in 8–10 sessions.
Second offense → 6-month program with at least 16 sessions.
Remote psychological counseling and family support will be provided when necessary.
The core principle is to help youth recognize their mistakes while offering cessation support and psychological counseling—not to destroy their futures with blanket punishment.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao, Education Minister Dr. Chan Chun Sing
3. The Role of Parents and Community
Minister of Education Dr. Lee Chee Seng specifically emphasized: Parents must learn to have open and honest conversations with their children about e-cigarettes, rather than shifting responsibility to schools or authorities.
Simultaneously, the community is mobilized:
Neighbors can report suspected sellers;
Social service agencies provide post-treatment care for addicts;
The Families for Life website offers information on e-cigarette hazards and assistance resources.
This is a nationwide social movement, not merely official enforcement.
III. Foreigners Violating Rules May Lose Their “Future in Singapore”
Singapore enforces strict penalties not only on its citizens but also on foreigners.
1. Severe Consequences for Foreign Violators
According to a joint statement by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA):
First Offense: E-cigarettes confiscated, and a fine notice issued.
Repeat Offenders: May face permit revocation, deportation, and re-entry ban.
Long-term Permit Holders (EP, S Pass, Student Pass, Dependant’s Pass, etc.): Three offenses result in immediate deportation and permanent loss of residency and work eligibility in Singapore.
Ethemitide Involvement: Permits or entry eligibility may be revoked regardless of prior offenses.
In other words, a single e-cigarette could cost you your job and future in Singapore.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao, Dinesh, Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth and Manpower
2. Manpower’s Targeted Education
To prevent foreign workers from “unwittingly breaking the law,” Manpower explains the new regulations in their native languages through dormitory talks, employer briefings, and the FWMOMCare app.
But this does not mean leniency. Foreign workers caught vaping may lose their jobs immediately and face deportation on the same day.
3. Implications for Singapore’s International Image
Singapore has always sought to attract global investors, professionals, and international students. Its stringent legal environment is itself a key selling point for Singapore’s reputation as a “safe and reliable” destination.
This vaping ban will further reinforce Singapore’s global image:
For the younger generation: Protecting them from the dangers of vaping and drugs;
For foreigners: sending a clear message to all visitors—compliance with the law is non-negotiable, not even a single puff is tolerated.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
Conclusion: In Singapore, no one gambles with their future
Effective September 1, Singapore has implemented iron-fisted enforcement against e-cigarettes. Both residents and foreigners face severe penalties including fines, imprisonment, caning, and revocation of work permits.
Simultaneously, the government offers rehabilitation programs like QuitVape and the Youth Enhanced Supervision Scheme to provide first-time offenders with opportunities for redemption.
Schools, parents, communities, and law enforcement collaborate to form a comprehensive societal prevention network. This initiative not only demonstrates zero tolerance but also underscores the importance of education and guidance.
In Singapore, e-cigarettes have no place. Quit voluntarily or face the consequences.