More non-smoking places in S'pore mulled

By Faris Mokhtar | Yahoo! Newsroom – 29 minutes ago

Extension of non-smoking places in Singapore mulled

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said it is considering expanding the number of places where smoking is banned in Singapore.

In line with this, the agency, in partnership with the Health Promotion Board (HPB), launched an "e-poll" on Friday inviting feedback from the public. It asked for answers to 15 questions, including whether the respondent would like common HDB areas, walkways, parks, beaches and other areas to be smoke free.

According to the e-poll descritpion, smoking is currently prohibited in 37 categories of specified places and five categories of public transport, such as shopping centres, offices, schools, lift lobbies, playgrounds, and basement and multi-storey carparks.

"Environmental tobacco smoke or second-hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer by 20-30 per cent, and heart disease by 25-30 per cent. Non-smokers exposed to tobacco smoke also suffer from respiratory diseases such as coughs, colds and shortness of breath," NEA pointed out in its poll, which will run until the end of the year.

More than 86 per cent of Singapore's adult population are non-smokers, according to the agency.

winsomeea

26 Nov 11, 14:57

I fully support this.

However, they have to be serious to do a good job by checking and imposing fine on those who violate the non smoking law.

At present, NEA just could not be bothered to check on those smoking less than 5 metres away from the bus stops. Some daring ones even smoke at the bus stops.

Ban on places for smoking is as good as no ban and just a wayang project if NEA continues to adopt the cannot be bothered attitude.

dracky

30 Nov 11, 22:04

This e-poll is a sham. I tried it and it would not let me go past Q7 which require me to tick at least place to ban smoking, after I answered in Q6 that I do not support any further ban.

Look, there is already enough places where smoking is banned and enforcement is lacking. Yet, NEA is talking about banning smoking in open car parks, parks and beaches where there is so much space for everyone and 2nd hand smoke will dissipate in no time.

Banning smoking in confined spaces is right and good for everyone. The current list of places is simply ridiculous. Why does NEA bother to go through the appearance of a public consultation? "New normal" politics, my foot!