Timeline for Ongoing Review of Possible Ban on Flavoured Tobacco Products

Ms Elysa Chen asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the timeline for the Ministry's ongoing review of a possible ban on flavoured tobacco products, including menthol and fruit flavoured cigarettes; and (b) what findings would influence or add impetus to a decision to institute a ban.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Government has taken various measures to curb smoking. These include public education, supporting smokers to quit, bans on tobacco advertising, tobacco taxes, restrictions on smoking in certain public spaces, standardised packaging with graphic health warnings and raising the minimum legal age. These measures, combined with Singaporeans exercising greater responsibility over their health, have brought smoking prevalence to an all-time low of 8.4%.

There are other policy moves being suggested, such as banning flavoured tobacco products and implementing a nicotine-free generation policy. We will consider these options.