REACH (Telegram) 92 - What are your views on the latest slew of measures taken to address vaping?

(SK)

28 Aug 2025 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2025 4:16 pm]

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REACH Singapore, [28/8/2025 4:31 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

On August 28 (Thursday), the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that etomidate would be listed as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. This would mean harsher penalties for those who abuse and supply etomidate – the anaesthetic agent found in drug-laced vapes, known as Kpods.

Etomidate will be listed as a Class C drug for six months until Feb 28 next year, which allows enforcement to begin immediately.

Legislative changes announced on Aug 28, that kick in from Sept 1, are designed to choke the supply of vapes into Singapore by cutting access to online platforms. They will also prevent those in the illicit trade from profiting from the business.

💬 What are your views on the latest slew of measures taken to address vaping?

📌 Harsher Penalties for Etomidate Abusers and Suppliers

From Sep 1, first-time offenders under 18 will face an increased fine of S$500, while those 18 and above will be fined S$700. A second offence will require the individual to undergo a three-month rehabilitation programme, consisting of six sessions. For a third or subsequent offence, the offender will be prosecuted in court under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA) and may be fined up to S$2,000.

Those who import etomidate face a mandatory minimum sentence of three years’ jail and five strokes of the cane. The maximum penalty is 20 years' imprisonment and 15 strokes. Those who sell or distribute the substance will face at least two years’ jail and two strokes of the cane, with maximum penalties of 10 years and five strokes.

📌 Stricter Enforcement on Vaping

Authorities will also step up enforcement measures on vaping and etomidate users, with schools, civil service and the SAF to enforce rules.

In schools, students may face school-based penalties such as detention, suspension, caning (for boys), conduct grade adjustments and rehabilitative counselling.

Public servants caught using, possessing or distributing vapes will be subject to disciplinary measures such as fines, demotions and dismissal.

Singapore Armed Forces personnel will be dealt with under military law, which allows for penalties including fines, detention and discharge from service.

Foreigners found in possession of vapes will have them seized and may be fined.

Repeat offenders will face harsher consequences. Short-term visit pass holders, such as tourists, will be banned from re-entering Singapore upon departure if caught again.

📌 Rehabilitation and Public Education

Help is available under the QuitVape programme for those who wish to kick the habit, said MOH and MHA.

Those using Kpods can seek help from the Institute of Mental Health, WE CARE Community Services, the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, the Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities and Fei Yue Community Services. Users who come forward voluntarily – including minors referred by parents – will also not be penalised.

Vape disposal bins will continue to be available at selected locations, such as where rehabilitation and QuiteVape programmes are located, for people to dispose of vapes.

The government will also step up public education efforts. The Health Promotion Board will continue to work with the Ministry of Education to incorporate anti-vaping messages in school materials and prevention programmes.

👉🏻  https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/kpod-etomidate-vape-penalties-fines-caning-5317151

👉🏻 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/vaping-schools-students-nicotine-tests-kpod-5317436

👉🏻 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/vape-etomidate-kpod-ong-ye-kung-fast-we-could-5319266

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REACH Singapore, [28/8/2025 4:35 pm]

[ Poll : I feel confident that the latest measures taken will curb vaping effectively. Please share your reasons in the chat! ]

- Strongly agree

- Agree

- Neutral 

- Disagree

- Strongly disagree

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 4:46 pm]

1. I feel that caning for traffickers of vapes or those who import them whether online or in person - will be effective in greatly reducing the supply of vapes into Singapore.

2. Fines and imprisonment may be inconvenience but pain inflicted and fear from caning will be more effectively felt.

365, [28/8/2025 4:46 pm]

I always support the control of drugs and the harsh punishments that come alongside, just wondering why this etomidate doesn't warrant a death sentence.

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 4:46 pm]

I think is class C not class A like heroine and stronger drugs.

365, [28/8/2025 4:47 pm]

I'm ignorant on the different classes, and how they classify them. Do they have a methodology to quantify the harm each drug can bring?

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 4:49 pm]

Not sure.

I think HSA should have the classification.

Etomidate is an anaesthetic - an approved drug meant for injection during surgery.

But using it to smoke through inhalation has side effects that can damage organs.

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 4:51 pm]

[28/08, 4:50 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Etomidate is an anaesthetic drugs, an approved drug?

[28/08, 4:50 pm] Meta AI: 

Etomidate is indeed an approved anesthetic drug. It's used for inducing general anesthesia and supplementing other anesthetics during short surgical procedures. Here are some key points about etomidate ¹:

- *Approved Uses*: Etomidate is FDA-approved for induction of general anesthesia and supplementation of subpotent anesthetic agents to maintain anesthesia during short operative procedures.

- *Off-Label Uses*: Etomidate is also used off-label for sedation and to reduce cortisol levels in patients with Cushing's syndrome.

- *Dosage*: The typical dosage for general anesthesia induction is 0.2-0.6 mg/kg intravenously over 30-60 seconds.

- *Side Effects*: Common side effects include transient pain at the injection site, muscle twitches or jerks, adrenal suppression, and respiratory issues like hyperventilation and depressed respiration.

It's worth noting that etomidate is not recommended for prolonged infusion due to the risk of adrenal suppression, and its use in certain populations, such as children under 10 years old and pregnant women, requires careful consideration ¹.

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 4:53 pm]

Good news.

MAS has in effect ready its counter measures long ago - (2013) 2023 to protect our wealth from currency attack.

Feel really relieve for our Government foresight.

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 4:55 pm]

Case Reference Number: MAS-2025-08-xxxxx

Dear Mr xxxx,

Thank you for your suggestions on the use of stablecoins by Singapore-based institutions.

MAS has been actively working with the industry to examine various designs, technical aspects, and infrastructure for a digital Singapore Dollar. This includes Singapore Dollar stablecoins issued by private companies.

For your reference, you may refer to the following MAS announcements:

stablecoin-regulatory-framework

project-orchid

foundation-for-safe-and-innovative-use-of-digital-money-in-singapore

Thank you!

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 4:56 pm]

So it's just etomidate vape lah what about other vape

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 4:56 pm]

It's just 2k fine?

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 4:57 pm]

I think it applies to all vapes - if I interpret correctly.

Except stronger measures for etomidate?

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 4:59 pm]

Project Ubin replace by Project Orchid - our National Flower and our 1st currency note design.

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 5:02 pm]

"Future pilots could include the use of “live” wholesale CBDC for the settlement of cross-border securities trade."

Digital Currency in pilot for cross border payment.

Will protect our S$ cash from speculative attack.

Kudos to MAS.

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 5:17 pm]

May I suggest the bin the vape program extend to army camps

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 5:18 pm]

I thought they should.

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 5:18 pm]

Like after the vape talk give them one last chance to throw them away

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 5:19 pm]

I left the army a few years already not sure how the situation now

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 5:19 pm]

Army is where people pick up smoking cigarettes, vapes and drinking alcohol.

Stress and peer bad influence could be the factors.

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 5:20 pm]

Ya speaking from experience my whole bunk vape except me and another guy

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 5:21 pm]

And I know my sgt vape too

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 5:21 pm]

They will share a puff to people who don't vape

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 5:22 pm]

Cutting the supply off will stop all these nonsense.

Else our youth lives will be wasted.

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 5:23 pm]

Then somehow the quit smoking talk they only target the smoker back then

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 5:24 pm]

Only when you declare you are smoker then they will ask you to attend talks

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 5:24 pm]

No scientific evidence at that time.

Cannot anyhow stop.

Now everyone knows the harmful effects of vaping - hence strong measures must come down.

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 5:25 pm]

Kind of hard because our borders are very busy so easy to traffic in

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 5:26 pm]

But don't get caught.

It comes with penalties.

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 5:27 pm]

Saf 9 core value don't get caught

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 5:27 pm]

Coc 7

RY, [28/8/2025 5:37 pm]

I just feel the judgement still a bit light for user, as just "Fine" mainly 

But rehab & counselling by the IMH/social svs institutions, are a gd follow up to quit Kpops, esp for those addicted youngsters

For those Etomidate supplier eg vapes for illegal use, it certainly serves as a gd deterrent, since they are prosecuted under the SG law with jail and canning 

Etomidate (as anaesthesia) should only be restricted to the use in Healthcare sector with strict administration, since it is used during surgery

Public Education is essential, since this is a new addiction in the form of vaping

It is vital that Govt has ban Vaping in SG in the start, since we know Tobacco smoking is never gd for health 

Vaping disposal also a gd move for those who learn that Etomidate is a new addiction and shd dispose 

To have different relevant Ministries collaborating and working together to tackle this new misuse of drugs, is definitely a gd initiative by the SG govt 

To have the revision law with immediate effect, means the relevant Law Enforcer may take action instantly with no further delay 

There are many private entertainment clubs (for member only) in SG besides public pubs/disco and etc. And I understand many members there eat/drink/smoke/dance with DJs for their enjoyment over midnight. Such private entertainment places, maybe the MHA shd also have periodically spot-check too

But why Etomidate as Drug C listing only apply until Feb28 next year for 6mths only ? Any idea ? ?

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 5:39 pm]

Huh up to Feb 2028 only?

Couldn't find this news in this topic.

RY, [28/8/2025 5:44 pm]

Sorry for my typo error .... the Drug C Listing only valid for 6mths fm Aug28 to Feb28 next year - as stated in the news

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 5:49 pm]

Oh is it?

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 5:52 pm]

Strange, will this means if etomidate is drop from class C list, the penalties don't apply?

365, [28/8/2025 5:58 pm]

Hopefully push to the stricter class afterwards? Maybe starting out low to give time for addicts to adapt and rehabilitate?

RY, [28/8/2025 5:58 pm]

Wondering is it because Etomidate is a approved drugs in HSA and used in Healthcare 

But why Etomidate Drug C listing valid for 6 mths only ?

Morphine also controlled addiction drug, but with approved usage in SG Healthcare

365, [28/8/2025 5:59 pm]

My hope is they dw a "sudden brake" implementation, and trying to ease into it for societal concerns. Not info how deep the issue has seeped in already.

G, [28/8/2025 6:14 pm]

Why not include hard manual labour (i.e. construction worker, road repair etc) as part of punishment 

SG has got chronic shortage of manual labour worker anyway

G, [28/8/2025 6:15 pm]

Physical labour under the sun will definitely sober them up

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 6:15 pm]

I thought drug classification should be based on scientific drug properties and its side effects.

Will be strange to reclassify drugs not based on scientific classification.

Kai Bin, [28/8/2025 6:18 pm]

The enhanced penalties may help to deter people from using e-vaporisers.

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 6:31 pm]

Unless new drug properties are found or new side effects are discovered like how vaping manifest hallucinations, suicide, organs failure when inhale then warrant a reclassification.

Else pharmacists and medical community will have problem handling drugs usage in different drug classes.

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:32 pm]

I find it weird that vapes in general are banned

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:32 pm]

People could lace cigarettes with weed

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2025 6:33 pm]

Then this is drug abuse.

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:33 pm]

Or salbutamol inhalers with etomitade

Ahin, [28/8/2025 6:33 pm]

hard... it will destroy the cigarette seal from ICA... and it is $500 per stick fine...

Ahin, [28/8/2025 6:35 pm]

also... if you bring the "approved" cigarette from Singapore to overseas... make sure you finished them before you came back to Singapore... because it is not allowed to bring in although the cigarette got stickers...

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:35 pm]

I never smoked so i dunno what the stickers look like.

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:36 pm]

Id imagine people morally deprived for selling drugs wouldnt be deterred by a sticker

Ahin, [28/8/2025 6:36 pm]

https://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/valuation-duties-taxes-fees/singapore-duty-paid-cigarette-sdpc-mark/

Ahin, [28/8/2025 6:37 pm]

I guess Gov still can't find ways to seal the vapes... so all banned...

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:38 pm]

If some ventolin inhalers are found to contain class c drugs, will gov start to inspect asthmatic people?

Ahin, [28/8/2025 6:38 pm]

is the inhalers required doctor prescription?

365, [28/8/2025 6:38 pm]

What if before leaving Singapore, you have to declare your own cigarettes, then anything that was brought in and wasn't declared prior, will be taxed heavily.

Ahin, [28/8/2025 6:40 pm]

I previously had a casual conversation with ICA officer.... She said that the rule  is to rule out if the SDPC stickers is being faked overseas... so they just banned all..

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:42 pm]

Yeah so they have to stop at the border

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:42 pm]

But if within singapore. Since vapes are already illegal easy to spot

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:43 pm]

Cigs would probably be harder to tell if its laced

Ahin, [28/8/2025 6:44 pm]

as long as it had sdpc sticker... hardly laced....

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:44 pm]

We are going after vaping solely because it looks that way, instead of knowing if someone is breathing steam or some class c substance

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:45 pm]

This is assuming it isnt faked and brought in

Ahin, [28/8/2025 6:45 pm]

SDPC sticker can't be brought in from outside singapore....

Ahin, [28/8/2025 6:45 pm]

ICA still taxed and fined any cigarette came from outside singapore...

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:46 pm]

If you tell a criminal it cant be brought in to singapore, will they say ok we wont do it?

Ahin, [28/8/2025 6:46 pm]

They can smuggle it... but if got caught, there will be heavy fine.... even the smaller number... $500 per stick....

Ahin, [28/8/2025 6:47 pm]

Not only at border... if anyone got caught with illegal cigarette in Singapore... will also be fined...

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:48 pm]

Im pretty sure the vape users also know they will get fined if get caught. It was illegal long ago but now they are taking more seriously

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:50 pm]

Speaking of, many of us trust the sticker system

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:50 pm]

Would singaporeans be accepting if a stickered vape

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:51 pm]

Cannot import vape but sticker vape contain same chemicals as cigarettes and costs as expensive as one

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:51 pm]

Make vape ugly as cigarette packet too to top it off

365, [28/8/2025 6:53 pm]

I think the outright ban on vape is better.

Think of this as a snowball problem. Cigarettes had the snowball rolling from very long ago, growing into a big issue with big momentum. It has seeped so deeply into societal norms that outright banning it is not viable, considering the different societal factors involved.

Vape is relatively new, it had some momentum due to the lack of enforcement. However, the snowball is still within a controllable size, so we should stop it completely dead in its tracks and not let it have any opportunity to grow into a bigger problem down the road.

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:56 pm]

Yeah, thats one argument. Vape might be gateway to worse chemicals. But some say vape is better than cigs and can be used to help people quit. Id rather someone vape beside me than smoke. My lungs are sensitive.

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 6:56 pm]

I called it new age opium

Adam, [28/8/2025 6:57 pm]

Vaping nicotine or kpods?

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 6:57 pm]

Both

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 6:58 pm]

Kpods is worse but vaping nicotine is already like opium

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 6:59 pm]

K pods it's easier to spot because of the zombie effect but normal vape it's convenient and can easily hide

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 6:59 pm]

Without kpods I think authorities are not serious about vaping

Adam, [28/8/2025 7:00 pm]

Makes me wonder why these druggies are stupid to go public and get caught

RY, [28/8/2025 7:01 pm]

Agreed

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 7:01 pm]

Cause addictive

Adam, [28/8/2025 7:02 pm]

Rich people have closed chat group go sentosa to rent villa to do drugs and police only find out from a tipoff

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 7:03 pm]

Normal average people don't have the private space to do drugs

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 7:04 pm]

Just like I don't have private space to study. Need to find library to study

Adam, [28/8/2025 7:04 pm]

As Josephine teo says. Need small space

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 7:04 pm]

And when I need to speak up to memories stuff I need to find other places that is not quiet

RY, [28/8/2025 7:05 pm]

Even SG has sticker for cigarette

But many smokers still able to buy cheaper contraband cigarette in SG - my understanding

RY, [28/8/2025 7:11 pm]

Many MHA law enforcers shd also look at private property, as it maybe true that such places are gd for private "partying" for those filthy rich 

That may include private yacht also

RY, [28/8/2025 7:12 pm]

That is for couple to produce baby ... as per Minister Josephine ...

365, [28/8/2025 7:31 pm]

I would like to suggest for youth offenders (under 18), we can allow for lighter punishments if they confess and willing to go to rehabilitation, or if their parents report.

This is to take the parents emotion into consideration, whereby they are understandably hesitant to report their own children, and encourage them to come forward. 

In summary

- Self-confess has the lightest punishment

- Reported by parents had a lighter punishment

- Caught by law enforcement has the strictest punishment

Jun Ming, [28/8/2025 7:32 pm]

https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/_4WR7FT2T

Adam, [28/8/2025 7:37 pm]

If singaporeans vape overseas will it be treated as buying and using drugs overseas?

Adam, [28/8/2025 7:37 pm]

Or is it like buying and using stickerless cigs?

365, [28/8/2025 8:02 pm]

Normal vape I'm not sure, but if laced with drug content then still illegal. Our drug consumption law has extra-judicial reach

RY, [28/8/2025 8:08 pm]

I concur 

Offenders that come forward and confess, and 1st timer should have a lighter punishment, as 2nd chance maybe given

RY, [28/8/2025 8:14 pm]

Hope our Govt may eventually get rid of this harmful kpods, as we know any drug addiction will cause societal/mental/healthcare problems later 

And banning the misuse of drugs and with punishment maybe the best for the nation well-being ultimately

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2025 8:17 pm]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

RY, [28/8/2025 8:25 pm]

Gdnite Reach Team & Participants 🙏

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2025 8:31 pm]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

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