Mandatory rehabilitation for vape, Kpod users offers young people a chance to kick habit: Ong Ye Kung

Mandatory rehabilitation for vape and etomidate abusers slated to kick in from Sept 1 is a chance for young people to kick the habit, and avoid arrest and a drug record.

- Sarah Koh

Speaking on Aug 30 on the sidelines of a grassroots event in Woodlands Crescent Park, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said the programme will last between three and six months, depending on the severity of each case.

It will consist of weekly individual counselling, group support sessions and medical tests.

"In the case of Kpods, etomidate and vapes, we are giving young people a chance. It's still a required rehabilitation programme that you must attend.

"If you don't attend, we will have to charge you," said Mr Ong, adding that other drug users are arrested and end up with a criminal record.

The rehabilitation programme will be conducted at the Institute of Mental Health's National Addictions Management Service.

"(The staff) are experienced at doing this, so we will require (vape and Kpod users) to go through the programme. And I hope they take it up," he said.

The Government had on Aug 28 announced a slew of new measures during a multi-ministry press conference to tackle the vaping scourge.

More than 80 per cent of etomidate abusers and over half of those caught vaping are under the age of 30, said Mr Ong, who is also Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, during the press conference.