“We will treat this as a drug”, said Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, echoing the Government’s new stringent stance against the activity of Vaping.

Prime Minister Wong outlined the country’s harsh posture on the act while addressing the nation during his annual National Day Rally (NDR) speech on Sunday.

While addressing several issues, he noted the risks associated with vaping among the serious concerns identified affecting younger people.

“Many of these vapes are laced with addictive and harmful substances like etomidate. So, the vapes themselves are just the delivery devices. The real danger is what is inside. Right now, it is etomidate. In future, it could be something worse – stronger or far more dangerous drugs.”

Vapes, of course, have been prohibited in the country since 2018, with fines reported to be $2,000 if found guilty. Deterrents which have seemingly been deemed ineffective, with cases of persons smuggling the devices inside their borders and finding ways around the laws. Considerations, which are believed to be part of the impetus of PM Wong’s announcement that a stronger punishment will also accompany Singapore’s renewed stance on the matter.

“We will treat this as a drug issue, and impose much stiffer penalties. That means jail sentences and more severe punishments for those who sell vapes with harmful substances,” he said.

PM Wong said supervision and rehabilitation will be given to those addicted to vapes to help them quit.

“We will step up nationwide enforcement. And we will mount a major public education drive – starting in schools and the institutes of higher learning, and also during national service,” he said.

Although briefing the nation on the stance to come, the specifics of the new or revised legislative changes have been reserved for a later date.