Singapore’s Health Minister Ong Ye Kung recently defended the ban on vapes, pointing out that vape cartridges contain far more nicotine than cigarettes, with one cartridge equivalent to four packs of cigarettes, and are prone to continuous use, posing risks comparable to those of cigarettes. Ong’s remarks sparked widespread criticism on social media. Netizens questioned his disregard for the harmful effects of cigarette combustion byproducts, mocked the government’s focus on tobacco tax revenue, and called for regulation of vapes rather than a complete ban.
Key Points:
- Minister’s Position: Ong Ye Kung stated that vape cartridges contain extremely high levels of nicotine, equivalent to four packs of cigarettes, and are prone to continuous use throughout the day, posing risks comparable to those of cigarettes.
- Concerns of Youth: He emphasized that vapes are more attractive to young people and that without them, many young people would not actively smoke cigarettes.
- New Regulations: Starting September 1, 2025, Singapore will increase penalties for vapes and “Kpods,” including heavy fines, imprisonment, and caning. Public Reaction: Ong Ye Kung’s statement sparked widespread criticism, with netizens questioning whether it ignores the harms of cigarette combustion and suggesting the government may be allowing cigarettes to be used freely due to tobacco tax revenue.
- International Comparison: Some commentators noted that the UK and New Zealand use vapes as a harm reduction tool, while Singapore’s complete ban lacks scientific balance.
Singapore’s Health Minister responds to “cigarettes are legal, vapes are banned”
September 2, 2025 – According to a September 1 report by The Online Citizen, Singapore’s Health Minister Ong Ye Kung defended the vape ban, responding to public questions about why cigarettes are legal while vapes are banned. Ong Ye Kung stated that while some believe vapes are less harmful than cigarettes, this is not true.
He explained that cigarettes are consumed individually, and some smokers may stop after finishing one cigarette. However, vape cartridges can be used all day or longer, increasing the risks of continued use. According to tests by the Singapore Health Sciences Authority, one vape cartridge contains the same amount of nicotine as four packs of cigarettes. Ong Ye Kung pointed out that someone who vapes continuously for a whole day is equivalent to smoking four packs of cigarettes.
Concerns of Youth
He added that smoking rates among young people in Singapore are low, but the introduction of vapes has led some young people to start smoking. He firmly believes that without vapes, young people would not take up smoking because cigarettes are neither fashionable nor smelly.
Starting September 1, 2025. Singapore will implement stricter penalties for the use and supply of vapes and KPods. Under Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act, etomidate and its analogs will be reclassified as Class C drugs. New measures include caning for traffickers, increased fines, and compulsory rehabilitation for underage offenders.
New Regulations
Ong Ye Kung’s remarks sparked widespread criticism online, with over 700 responses on Reddit and the CNA Facebook page. Many netizens expressed dissatisfaction with the rationale for continuing to allow cigarette sales while banning vapes. Some noted that Ong Ye Kung’s reference to smokers stopping after one cigarette raised questions about whether he was aware of the phenomenon of chain smoking.
One user quipped, “It’s better to say marijuana is better because it doesn’t have nicotine.” Another user expressed hope that the Health Minister would provide a more forceful explanation, such as emphasizing that cigarette manufacturers must clearly list the ingredients in their products, while vapes do not, making them more susceptible to adding illegal substances. Some believe the government’s decision not to ban cigarettes may be due to their significant tax revenue. In 2024, Singapore Customs reported collecting S$1.1 billion (approximately US$800 million) in tobacco taxes.
International Comparison
Some netizens suggested that rather than banning vapes, they should be effectively regulated. “Banning vapes will lead to a surge in cigarette users, including some former smokers returning to cigarettes,” one person commented. “We should regulate vapes like we regulate cigarettes.”
One user criticized Ong Ye Kung’s defense of the vape ban, saying it sounded politically sound but scientifically superficial. While vapes are attractive to young people and some cartridges contain high nicotine content, Ong Ye Kung’s emphasis on nicotine ignores the most harmful aspects of cigarettes: tar, carbon monoxide, and other combustion byproducts.
One user pointed out that this is also why the UK and New Zealand classify vapes as less harmful alternatives. “Minister Ong ignores available research by assuming that nicotine content equates to overall harm,” the comment continued, adding that Singapore’s policy overlooks adult users who use vapes as a harm reduction tool. “Public health policies should not only provide reassurance but also reflect the full evidence base.”
