SINGAPORE, September 29, 2025 — MRT station staff have successfully intercepted a young commuter in possession of a vape at Bishan MRT station, marking another step in Singapore’s intensified efforts to tackle vaping in public spaces.
The incident occurred on September 29, 2025, when the security team at Bishan MRT station noticed a young man in his late teens trying to avoid a security check by running away. Security officers, stationed by Certis Cisco, observed him throwing an item into the bushes before going back to retrieve his bag. The suspicious behavior prompted officers to check the discarded item, which turned out to be a turquoise e-vaporiser.
Caught Red-Handed
As the officers moved to apprehend the man, they asked him to stay put. Mr. Muhammad Altamis, the SMRT duty station manager, was alerted and approached the young man. He calmly asked him if the item belonged to him, pointing out the surveillance cameras around the station. The young man admitted to owning the vape, which was then placed in a plastic bag for evidence and will be handed over to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for further action.
The man’s personal particulars were also taken and passed on to the HSA for potential penalties, including a fine. Despite the tension, the young man remained calm throughout the process and left once the procedure was completed.
Enforcement Efforts and Statistics
This incident is part of a wider crackdown on vaping across Singapore, following a surge in enforcement efforts since August 18, 2025. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) reported that, over the past six weeks, approximately 60 offenders have been caught with vapes across MRT stations, bus interchanges, trains, buses, and other public spaces.
90% of the offenders were identified through enhanced security measures, including X-ray machines and walk-through metal detectors at MRT stations. The stepped-up efforts are part of a whole-of-government approach to combat the growing issue of vaping in public areas. In addition to increased patrols, authorities have expanded checks in schools, universities, and other public venues.
New Vaping Regulations
In line with the crackdown, Singapore has also introduced tougher penalties for individuals caught possessing, using, or purchasing e-vaporisers since September 1, 2025. Recalcitrant users face the possibility of being required to undergo rehabilitation. From September 1 to 21, 2025, 656 people were caught for vape-related offenses, including 44 cases involving vapes laced with the sedative drug etomidate.
The HSA is continuing to take action against these offenses to ensure public health and safety, especially given the increasing availability of illegal and potentially harmful vaping products.
As vaping laws continue to tighten, authorities have emphasized the importance of community participation in ensuring that these regulations are upheld. The authorities have also urged the public to report any incidents of vape possession or use in restricted areas.
Looking Ahead
With the upgraded surveillance measures and ongoing public education campaigns, the Singaporean authorities are committed to reducing the prevalence of vaping and maintaining public safety across its transport networks and public spaces. The closure of loopholes and the consistent enforcement of these laws is seen as a critical step toward achieving a vape-free environment.
