In an act of brazen defiance, a group of teenagers took videos of themselves smoking cigarettes and electronic cigarettes on board a public bus and shared them online.
In the video, three boys can be seen seated at the back of an SBS Transit bus. One of them smokes an electronic cigarette, while the other two light up cigarettes.
In Singapore, a ban was passed in November of 2017, making it illegal for people to buy, use and own imitation tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, e-cigars and e-pipes.
The boys took a video of their act and posted it on social media app Snapchat. It was then downloaded and shared online. Many netizens called them out for not only committing illegal acts, but also for daringly sharing it online.
Why do people love filming themselves doing stupid illegal acts and post on social media? Singapore Police Force Credits: Darren Kay
Posted by Shut down TRS on Saturday, 25 August 2018
When their video was shared online, Singaporeans chided the boys for their stupidity and many urged the authorities to look into the matter.
Smoking under the age of 18 is an offence in Singapore, and those convicted are liable to a fine of up to $300.
Smoking is not allowed in most indoor locations in Singapore, that include public buses. Smokers are liable to a composition sum of $200 if caught smoking in prohibited places, or up to $1,000 if convicted in court.
Furthermore, under section 16(2A) of the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA), it is illegal to possess, purchase and use vaporisers in Singapore as of 1 February 2018. Persons found guilty of this offence can be fined up to $2,000.
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obbana@theindependent.sg