Taxing vape products the right move
This is a timely and pragmatic move that prioritises both public health and sound fiscal policy.
While some may call for an outright ban on vaping, experience shows that prohibition rarely works.
In Singapore, where vaping is banned, illegal vape products are still easily available through messaging apps and underground markets.
A ban often drives the trade underground, making regulation and enforcement more difficult —and potentially exposing consumers, especially youth, to even more dangerous and unregulated products.
Instead, a strong tax and regulatory framework is a more sustainable solution.
By imposing higher excise taxes on vape products — similar to those already in place for cigarettes and alcohol — the government can curb excessive use, especially among price-sensitive youth, while still allowing for transparent regulation and safety controls.
At the same time, taxing vape products presents an opportunity to generate much-needed revenue. The government has repeatedly highlighted the issue of limited fiscal space.
If we are already expanding the Sales and Services Tax (SST) and rationalising fuel subsidies, why not also optimise revenue collection from vape consumption?
This revenue could be channelled into healthcare programmes, youth education, and smoking cessation efforts.
Let us not waste time and resources trying to enforce an outright ban that cannot be fully enforced. Instead, we should tax wisely, regulate firmly, and educate consistently.
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Taxing vape products the right move
LETTERS: I applaud the government's recent decision to expand the pro-health tax to include vape products, as reported on July 31. This is a timely and pragmatic move that prioritises both public health and sound fiscal policy. While some may call for an outright ban on vaping, experience shows that prohibition rarely works. In Singapore, where vaping is banned, illegal vape products are still easily available through messaging apps and underground markets. A ban often drives the trade underground, making regulation and enforcement more difficult —and potentially exposing consumers, especially youth, to even more dangerous and unregulated products. Instead, a strong tax and regulatory framework is a more sustainable solution. By imposing higher excise taxes on vape products — similar to those already in place for cigarettes and alcohol — the government can curb excessive use, especially among price-sensitive youth, while still allowing for transparent regulation and safety controls. At the same time, taxing vape products presents an opportunity to generate much-needed revenue. The government has repeatedly highlighted the issue of limited fiscal space. If we are already expanding the Sales and Services Tax (SST) and rationalising fuel subsidies, why not also optimise revenue collection from vape consumption? This revenue could be channelled into healthcare programmes, youth education, and smoking cessation efforts. Let us not waste time and resources trying to enforce an outright ban that cannot be fully enforced. Instead, we should tax wisely, regulate firmly, and educate consistently.
