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Singaporean minister responds to international skepticism: Banning e-cigarettes early is key to preventing young people from becoming addicted

Sep.01.2025
Singaporean minister responds to international skepticism: Banning e-cigarettes early is key to preventing young people from becoming addicted
Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung noted that cities legalizing e-cigarettes for smoking cessation now face negative impacts, while Singapore upholds a total e-cigarette ban. He stressed the importance of early bans on new harmful substances to prevent societal harm. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam added that despite foreign opposition, the ban helps maintain social security.

Key Points:

 

·The legalization of e-cigarettes: Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung pointed out that some cities have legalized e-cigarettes to help people quit smoking, but they are facing negative consequences. 

·Singapore's ban stance: Singapore strictly maintains a complete ban on e-cigarettes, emphasizing the importance of early prohibition. 

·Social security and health: Minister of Home Affairs K. Shanmugam emphasized that the ban helps maintain social security and ignores external pressures. 

·Impact on tourism: Shanmugam responded to accusations from officials in Indonesia's Bintan Island, stating that there is no need to rely on e-cigarettes to promote tourism.

 

 

2Firsts, September 1, 2025 - According to a report from 8world on August 30, Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung recently pointed out that cities where e-cigarettes have been legalized to assist with smoking cessation are facing negative consequences from this initiative. These cities are currently considering adopting Singapore's approach of a complete ban on e-cigarettes.

 

Wang Yikang stated during a community event that once e-cigarettes enter the market, young people will easily access them and become e-cigarette users. He emphasized the importance of implementing bans in a timely manner when new harmful substances appear to prevent their negative impact on society.

 

When asked why cigarettes were not banned simultaneously, Wang Yikang explained that the habit of smoking cigarettes is deeply ingrained and can only be helped through encouragement to quit. This highlights the importance of implementing bans on new harmful substances early on.

 

Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Coordination K. Shanmugam stated that despite some foreign organizations not supporting Singapore's ban on e-cigarettes, Singapore maintains a strong stance on drug issues, which helps to maintain social security. Shanmugam reminded to pay attention to global and Singaporean dynamics, and to ignore those who lobby for pharmaceutical companies or have ulterior motives, as well as those who refuse to face facts driven by ideology.

 

In response to Indonesian officials accusing Singapore of banning e-cigarettes to boost tourism in Batam Island, Shang Mogan stated that he does not believe that it is necessary to rely on e-cigarettes as a selling point for tourism.

 

References:
[1] 王乙康：部分城市为助戒烟而合法化电子烟 却陷负面影响
Also Read:
[1] Singapore's Crackdown on E-cigarettes May Benefit, Batam Island: Local Tourism Board Says It Could Become an Alternative Destination for Singaporeans
[2] Singapore MOE: 3,100 Students Caught Vaping Annually; Harsher Punishments and Testing to Begin in September

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