In a bid to control the rising number of young smokers, the Ministry of Health announced that it is considering tightening the Tobacco Control Act to guard against the threat of new tobacco products and e-cigarettes.
REACH contributors generally welcome the move, with a few even urging that we go a step further by imposing a total ban on the import of cigarettes. Other suggestions include imposing a quota on the import of cigarettes, increasing cigarette prices, extending the smoking ban to more areas, and raising the minimum age at which one can purchase cigarettes to 25 years. A few contributors also hope to see stricter enforcement against smokers who light up at designated no-smoking areas.
Some contributors also shared anecdotes of having to put up with second-hand smoke, and expressed resentment towards those who smoked inconsiderately. This included inconsiderate neighbours who made little attempt to prevent their second-hand smoke from drifting into their neighbours' homes. Contributors hope that the relevant authority would look into such anti-social behaviour so as to safeguard the health of Singaporeans and create a healthier living environment for all.