Malaysian legal system shields the identities of children accused in court, including Zara Qairina's bullying case.
In a bid to curb the rising trend of vaping among students and staff, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced plans to roll out stiffer penalties and stronger enforcement against vaping, alongside public education in schools and higher learning centers across Singapore.
The government is reclassifying vaping as a drug issue, and institutions such as Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore, Republic Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, and Singapore Management University are tightening vaping regulations.
NTU, for instance, has declared a zero-tolerance stance towards vaping. Students or employees found vaping on campus face disciplinary action, including mandatory counselling and possible expulsion or termination. Security officers at NTU are conducting random bag checks and patrolling smoking hot spots. First-time offenders risk a S$300 fine and eviction from student housing.
Some students at NTU recall vaping as a common social activity on campus, with vapes being casually shared in dorm rooms and group project sessions. AK, a final-year NTU student, recounted these instances.
However, concerns about the health implications of vaping in enclosed spaces are not limited to students. A staff member at NUS expressed worry about breathing in vapor in enclosed offices. Some students and staff members have voiced their concerns about the potential health risks associated with vaping.
Experts call for more focus on providing safe pathways and support for those addicted to vaping. Assistant Professor Yvette van der Eijk of the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health emphasized the need for more emphasis on safe pathways and support for dependent individuals. The challenge of quitting vaping is acknowledged by students themselves.
To help combat vaping, a "Bin the Vape" scheme has been launched in Singapore, allowing devices to be surrendered without penalty. Experts caution that enforcement alone may not be enough to address the issue of vaping on campuses. They highlight the need for comprehensive strategies beyond enforcement to effectively address this concern.
In conclusion, Singapore is taking decisive steps to address the issue of vaping on campuses. The focus is not just on enforcement but also on education, public health, and providing safe pathways and support for those addicted to vaping.
Read also:
- Lu Shiow-yen's Challenging Position as Chair of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Under Scrutiny in Donovan's Analysis
- Life's Uncertainties Put on Hold: Only one guaranteed fact revealed in Tottenham report
- Hillary and Bill Clinton Face Subpoena in Epstein Investigation Overseeing Management
- Gambling company Unibet penalized for neglecting to close accounts of self-excluded users, resulting in a fine exceeding AUD1 million.
