Singapore's Crackdown on E-cigarettes May Benefit, Batam Island: Local Tourism Board Says It Could Become an Alternative Destination for Singaporeans

Key Points：

·Policy Impact: Singapore cracks down on e-cigarettes, Indonesia's Bintan Island may benefit. 

·Bintan Island response: The Bintan Island Tourism Board says as long as visitors abide by local regulations, Singaporeans are welcome. 

·Tourism Opportunity: Bintan Island stands to benefit from Singapore's strict regulations, as the e-cigarette ban could prompt cross-border tourism. 

·Visitor Data: In the first half of 2025, Bintan Island welcomed over 430,000 Singaporean tourists, making them the largest group of foreign visitors.

Singapore has recently decided to crack down on e-cigarettes and categorize them as a "drug issue," a move that could potentially benefit the Indonesian island of Batam, as reported by SCMP on August 27. Batam, located less than an hour ferry ride away from Singapore, is seen as a potential destination for Singaporeans engaging in now banned activities, according to Ardiwinata, the head of the Batam Tourism Board.

If the Singapore government enforces strict policies, its citizens have other options to enjoy these activities, one of which is Pulau Batam. As long as they do not violate our regulations, they can choose Pulau Batam," Adiwinata said.

He compared the ban on e-cigarettes to Singapore regulations that have benefited Bintan Island, such as the closure of public golf courses.

The appeal of Batam Island continues to grow, not just with golf but also with many new tourist attractions, restaurants, and the flourishing development of Islamic religious tourism," Adiwinata mentioned. "Tourists from Singapore are not just coming for golf, they also bring their families along.

According to data from the Central Statistics Agency of the Riau Islands in Indonesia, from January to June 2025, Batam Island welcomed a total of 738,186 foreign tourists. Among them, the largest group were Singaporeans, totaling over 430,000, followed by Malaysians, slightly exceeding 220,000.

Arief Kurniawan, spokesperson for the Indonesian E-Cigarette Association's branch in Batam Island, expressed skepticism that stricter enforcement will bring in more tourists from Singapore.

He pointed out that the restriction on e-cigarettes in Singapore began in 2014: "Among Singaporeans visiting Batam Island, some intended to buy e-cigarettes. However, this proportion is only about 5% and is limited to certain tourist spots.

However, he also agrees that due to the cheap prices of products and many locally produced e-liquids to choose from, the e-cigarette market in Batam Island has the potential to attract Singaporeans. "In Indonesia, all products are tested in laboratories and certified.

During the National Day rally, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that the country will enhance enforcement efforts and categorize e-cigarettes as a "drug issue." "Up to now, we have treated e-cigarettes as we do tobacco - imposing fines at most. But that is no longer adequate," he said on August 17th.

Since March 2024, according to information on the Health Sciences Authority website, anyone found purchasing, using, or possessing e-cigarettes – including first-time offenders – will be handed over to the Ministry of Health and face fines of up to $2,000 Singapore dollars (approximately $1,500 USD).

People found using e-cigarettes containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (also known as Kpods) will face harsher penalties. According to Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act, offenders could potentially face up to two years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000 Singapore dollars (approximately $7,786 USD).

Huang Xuncai said in his speech: "E-cigarettes are only a delivery tool. The real danger lies in their internal substances. Currently, it relies on nicotine. In the future, it could be more harmful, stronger, and more dangerous drugs.