Quick Read
- A 21-year-old man who filmed himself vaping on a Singapore public bus has been identified by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
- HSA officers seized four e-vaporisers and 12 vape pods from the man’s residence on February 3, 2026.
- The man is currently assisting with investigations related to the illegal possession and use of e-vaporisers.
- The incident gained public attention after a viral Instagram video showed the man blowing smoke near a bus captain.
- Singapore has a strict ban on the import, distribution, sale, possession, and use of all e-vaporisers.
SINGAPORE (Azat TV) – The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has identified a 21-year-old man who filmed himself using an e-vaporiser on a public bus, subsequently seizing four vapes and 12 vape pods from his residence. The announcement by HSA on Friday, February 6, 2026, confirmed that the individual is now assisting with ongoing investigations, transforming a widely shared online video into a tangible enforcement action.
The incident, which gained significant traction after being posted on Instagram, showed the man taking a puff from his vape while onboard Service 974, reportedly blowing smoke in the direction of the bus captain before smirking and walking away. The public identification and subsequent seizure underscore Singapore’s stringent regulatory approach to prohibited tobacco products.
HSA’s Swift Action Following Public Incident
The HSA’s proactive investigation led to the identification of the 21-year-old man, whose name has not been released. Officers executed a search at his residence on Tuesday, February 3, where they discovered and seized the prohibited items. This swift response highlights the authority’s commitment to enforcing public health regulations, particularly when incidents are brought to light through social media.
The viral clip, originally shared by @sgfollowsall.backup, depicted the man’s actions, drawing widespread disapproval from online commenters. The bus captain appeared to be unaware of the incident at the time, but the video’s reach prompted official scrutiny and a rapid response from the HSA.
Details of Seizure and Ongoing Investigation
According to the HSA’s Instagram Story, a total of four e-vaporisers and 12 vape pods were confiscated from the man’s home. The seizure of multiple devices and pods indicates a clear possession of prohibited items, which is an offense under Singaporean law. The man is currently cooperating with authorities as investigations proceed, which could lead to charges and penalties.
Under Singapore’s Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, the import, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of imitation tobacco products, including e-vaporisers, is prohibited. Furthermore, the possession, use, and purchase of such products are also illegal, carrying significant fines and potential jail time.
Singapore’s Strict Stance on Vaping
Singapore maintains one of the strictest anti-vaping stances globally, with a comprehensive ban on all forms of e-vaporisers. This policy is rooted in public health concerns, particularly regarding the potential for addiction, the unknown long-term health effects, and the risk of normalising smoking habits among younger populations. The HSA regularly conducts enforcement operations to curb the illegal trade and use of these products across the island nation.
The government’s position is that e-vaporisers do not help smokers quit and instead pose new health risks, particularly given the lack of robust scientific evidence on their safety and efficacy as cessation aids. Public awareness campaigns frequently reinforce the dangers and legal consequences associated with vaping.
Precedent Set by Previous Enforcement Actions
This incident is not an isolated case of enforcement against vaping-related offenses in Singapore. In December 2025, a 25-year-old man identified as Krish Khalifa was fined S$14,000 for posting content of himself vaping on social media and for possessing three vapes. This marked the first time the HSA had prosecuted an individual for advertising prohibited tobacco products online.
The court imposed a S$12,000 fine for posting vape-related content between November 2023 and September 2024, with an additional S$2,000 fine for possession. The HSA clarified that content promoting or encouraging vape use can be considered advertising of prohibited tobacco products under the law. This previous case establishes a clear precedent for the penalties individuals may face for both possession and for publicizing the use of e-vaporisers, particularly in a manner that goes viral online.
The HSA’s prompt identification and seizure of devices in response to a viral video sends a clear message about the unwavering enforcement of Singapore’s anti-vaping laws, signaling that public health regulations extend to digital spaces and will be acted upon with tangible consequences.