Since September 1, 2025, Singapore has implemented strict measures to combat electronic smoking (vaping), following its August 17 announcement escalating its stance on this phenomenon and classifying it as a drug-related issue.

The measures include fines for violators and harsher penalties for suppliers, and classify the narcotic substance etomidate, used in Kpods devices, as a Class C drug.

Malaysian Support and New Zealand Criticism

Health experts and activists in Malaysia welcomed the move and called on local authorities to take a similar stance, especially after the increasing use of electronic smoking among youth, according to Staits Times.

Conversely, the New Zealand group Caphra criticized the decision, describing it as based on “excessive fear” rather than science, to which Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam responded by affirming that the group is linked to the tobacco industry and promotes vaping under the slogan “harm reduction”.

Rising Vaping Rates in Malaysia and Indonesia

A study by the Consumers Association in Penang showed that the number of traditional smokers in Malaysia is decreasing, but the use of vape devices among students and youth is increasing daily.

Vaping laws differ between Malaysian states, with federal laws focusing on device content, while states like Johor and Penang have imposed restrictions on licensing and advertising, and Terengganu banned vape sales since August.

In Indonesia, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) decided not to ban vaping but to focus on controlling the misuse of vape liquids containing drugs, with vape revenues expected to reach about 450 million USD in 2025.

Impact of Singapore’s Restrictions on Tourism

A tourism official in Batam stated that Singapore’s tightening on electronic smoking may increase tourism to the island, where Singaporeans can engage in the activity banned in their country.

Warnings to Tourists and Similar Measures in Europe and Australia

The Philippine Embassy in Singapore issued a warning to its citizens following the announcement of the new measures.

The Egyptian Immigration and Expatriates Affairs sector also warned travelers to Singapore to fully comply with local laws and regulations, in light of the authorities’ announcement criminalizing the possession or use of all types of electronic cigarettes (vape).

In Europe, the UK has seen a noticeable increase in youth vaping, prompting Parliament to ban the sale of disposable vapes in June 2025.

Belgium and Australia preceded it in imposing similar strict restrictions due to health risks to youth.

Calls for Stricter Oversight: Between Regulation and Prohibition

Singapore’s measures come amid ongoing debate about electronic smoking.

According to a Singaporean official: “You can call them whatever you want, but they are actually tobacco representatives promoting vaping and avoiding mentioning its real harms.”