LIFTING OF BAN ON SALE OF CHEWING GUM

LIFTING OF BAN ON SALE OF CHEWING GUM: 5.

Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng asked the Minister for National Development when is the appropriate time for lifting of the ban on the sale of chewing gum in Singapore.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government decided to impose a complete ban on the sale of chewing gum in 1992 due to problems arising from the indiscriminate disposal of gum litter, such as difficulty and cost incurred in removing gum litter from public places, vandalism and service disruptions caused by gum being stuck between doors of MRT trains. Notwithstanding our general policy to keep Singapore free from chewing gum litter, the Government made an exception in 2004 for sale of chewing gum with therapeutic value as defined under the Medicines Act. These include those that help smokers quit, or products of dental hygiene.

Chewing gum litter has not been a significant problem since the ban took effect. We remain concerned that lifting the ban on the sale of chewing gum could result in chewing gum litter resurfacing as a problem, and undermine our on-going efforts to curb littering. As the rationale for the imposition of the ban is still valid at present, the Government's position is that the ban should remain.

Mr Speaker: Yes, Ms Phua, short supplementary question.

Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng (Jalan Besar): Thank you, Senior Parliamentary

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Secretary, for the answer. I am really not so concerned about the chewing gum but really another underlying issue. If Singaporeans were seeking liberty in so many areas and the Government does concede in some of these areas, then why not liberalise the chewing gum ban? I am quite perplexed by the fact that people, especially our detractors, remember Singapore for chewing gum ban and caning. I think this ban that has been effective for almost 20 years now need a review and a rethink. Let Singaporeans be accountable for the consequences and not be shaped by so many sticks around –

Mr Speaker: Are you are making a speech, Ms Phua?

Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng: Surely, Senior Parliamentary Secretary will not consider banning sweets because there are –

Mr Speaker: Ask your question and take a seat, Ms Phua.

Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng: – sweet litter or ice cream if there is ice cream stick litter?

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman: Sir, I think we know that Singapore has taken a very pragmatic approach to governance, weighing the cost and benefit of any issue very carefully and making decisions with the interest of Singaporeans at heart. I think the Government stands by its decision to ban the sale of chewing gum as the rationale is based on maintaining a clean and comfortable living environment for all Singaporeans to enjoy. Our efforts at creating a clean, green and safe living environment have garnered much more international acclaim than criticism of the ban on chewing gum. But just to also add littering is still a prevailing problem in Singapore. We know that there has been increases in education and enforcement efforts but it still is a problem. So I think going by the experiences and the

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possibilities of disamenities created, at this point of time, we still feel that the ban is necessary.

12.18 pm

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question time.