Singapore is no stranger to anti-smoking measures. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) announced in 2014 that they hope to bring down the smoking rates to 12 per cent by 2020 and has been putting in place measures to do so.
The first Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act was introduced in 1970 and initially, smoking was banned on buses, in cinemas and theaters only. Since then, NEA has gradually expanded the list of places and areas where smoking is strictly prohibited. These areas are also commonly frequented by people and include both indoor and outdoor places.
Other anti-smoking measures include graphic health warnings printed on cigarette packaging to warn potential and current smokers of the health implications. Taxes are also placed on tobacco products.
Changes in smoking law
The Ministry of Health reported that most smokers start before the age of 21 and that the habit is established between the age of 18 and 20. Consequently, a change in the law is necessary and the rationale behind it is to prevent youths below the age of 21 from even picking up the habit of smoking.
The Government hopes to reduce the incidence of youths succumbing to this destructive habit.
MOH said that nicotine has a stronger impact on youths as compared to adults. Youths are also found to be exceptionally susceptible to the nicotine found in cigarettes and the younger they are, the higher the possibility of becoming addicted.
Smoking is an addiction and a hard to kick habit that is detrimental to health and may even cause death.
Having trouble quitting? Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) today!
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