SMOKING IN SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES

Dr Tan Cheng Bock asked the Minister for Defence (a) whether his Ministry has data on the extent of smoking in the Singapore Armed Forces, in particular among national servicemen; (b) whether national servicemen who smoke picked up the habit during National Service; (c) whether his Ministry has or will consider measures to help SAF servicemen cut down on smoking; and (d) whether, in support of the National Anti-Smoking Programme, the SAF will consider prohibiting its servicemen in uniform from smoking in public.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence (Mr Matthias Yao Chih) (for the Minister for Defence): Sir, I am answering on behalf of the Minister.

MINDEF pays close attention to the health and fitness of SAF servicemen. Smoking is a health hazard that can lead to serious diseases and early death. It also undermines the physical fitness and performance of our soldiers. As part of its overall anti-smoking effort, MINDEF has been conducting annual smoking surveys among SAF servicemen since 1986. The survey results enable MINDEF to monitor the trend and take corrective actions. The surveys show that fewer servicemen are smoking than before. In 1986, 41% of all active servicemen smoked. This was reduced to 23% by 1991. The same year's survey showed that 24% of national servicemen smoked. Unfortunately, in line with an increase in smokers nationwide, these figures have increased to 27% and 29% respectively in 1992. The overwhelming majority, ie, 93% of national servicemen who smoke acquired the habit before entering service. 42% of them started smoking before they were 15 years old while 51% started smoking between 15 years old and the time of their enlistment.

In 1986, MINDEF started a three-pronged smoking control programme to discourage smoking in the SAF and to protect non-smokers from the hazards of side stream smoke. The smoking control programme serves, firstly, to educate SAF personnel on the harmful effects of smoking; second, to help smokers quit the habit and, third, to deter smoking. The SAF runs inhouse smoking cessation clinics to help smokers to quit the habit. These measures have resulted in reducing the prevalence of smoking in the SAF.

MINDEF is currently studying additional ways to discourage smoking among its servicemen and to help those who smoke to quit. Prohibiting servicemen in uniform from smoking in public is one of the measures being considered.