6,000 Online listings selling vapes removed in first nine months of 2024

Figure is double that for whole of 2023, on the back of stepped-up enforcement

- Christine Tan

The authorities have removed about 6,000 online listings selling e-vaporisers in the first nine months of 2024, after stepping up enforcement against online advertisements and sales of vapes.

This is double the 3,000 listings removed in the whole of 2023.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung gave these latest figures on Nov 13 in a written reply to Dr Wan Rizal's (Jalan Besar GRC) parliamentary question on measures to curb vaping in schools and institutes of higher learning (IHLs).

Dr Wan Rizal noted that more people were getting caught and fined for using or possessing vapes, especially among youth.

There were 9,680 people caught using or possessing vapes in the first nine months of 2024, according to figures previously given by the health authorities.

This is more than the 7,838 people caught in the whole of 2023.

Mr Ong said the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has stepped up enforcement against online advertisements and sales of e-vaporisers.

He said HSA has worked with platform owners to remove offending listings, though he did not specify which platforms.

Emphasising the need for more effective public education efforts, Mr Ong wrote: "Many studies have shown that vaping is at least as harmful, if not more harmful, than cigarette smoking.