Key Points
- Controversy: Caphra criticized Singapore’s anti-vaping policy as “regressive” and accused the government of “abandoning science.”
- Government response: Minister Shanmugam said such arguments are identical to those made by drug legalization proponents.
- Policy background: Singapore recently tightened vaping regulations following etomidate cases.
- Security stance: The government maintains a tough line on drugs and vaping, emphasizing public safety and youth protection.
- Group profile: Caphra promotes e-cigarettes and heated tobacco under the banner of “harm reduction.”
2Firsts, September 1, 2025 — According to The Straits Times, the Singapore government has rejected criticism from an international advocacy group, saying the group is linked to tobacco companies and is spreading “fearmongering rhetoric.”
The New Zealand-based Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (Caphra) issued a statement on August 18, calling Singapore’s anti-vaping stance “regressive” and accusing the government of “abandoning science” and “spreading fear.” The group argued that the country’s strict measures would drive the vape market underground.
In response, Singapore’s Home Affairs and Law Minister, who also serves as Coordinating Minister for National Security, K. Shanmugam, said on August 30 during a grassroots event: “They say our approach will make things worse by pushing the market underground. But these are the same old, tired arguments — the same ones used all along to push for the legalization of drugs. Such rhetoric usually comes from companies that profit from legalization, or their proxies.”
Shanmugam emphasized that Singapore’s tough stance on drugs has yielded clear results, including reductions in murder rates and serious crime, and saving thousands of young people from drug abuse. He added that Caphra members, under the banner of “tobacco harm reduction,” are in fact promoting e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, which run counter to Singapore’s public health and safety goals.
We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.
Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
Notice
1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.
2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.
4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.
Copyright
This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.
For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.
We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com
