Singapore will now treat vaping as a drug-related issue, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announcing a significant escalation in enforcement and penalties to counter the rising use of e-cigarettes among youths. Speaking at the National Day Rally on August 17, 2025, Wong stated that current measures, which treat vaping similarly to tobacco offenses with a maximum fine of S$2,000, are "no longer sufficient."
Under the new approach, the government will impose much stiffer penalties, including potential jail terms, particularly for individuals who sell vapes containing harmful substances. A central concern is the increasing prevalence of vapes laced with etomidate, a medical anesthetic not intended for recreational use, which can cause severe health effects like seizures and psychosis when inhaled. "The vapes themselves are just the delivery devices. The real danger is what is inside," said Wong.
Currently, etomidate is listed under the Poisons Act, which only allows for fines. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs is working to reclassify it under the Misuse of Drugs Act, which would enable criminal penalties, including mandatory rehabilitation and jail time for traffickers and repeat offenders.
Alongside these legislative changes, a nationwide education and enforcement campaign will be rolled out, starting in schools, tertiary institutions, and during national service. Wong emphasized that the goal is not just to punish but also to support those already addicted, stating, "Supervision and rehabilitation will be given to those addicted to vapes to help them quit." This "whole-of-government" effort aims to protect Singapore's youth from the growing public health threat posed by vaping.
