Beginning Oct 1, 2022, those caught smoking at public parks and beaches in Singapore can be fined up to S$1,000.
However, netizens noted that enforcement should also be heightened to ensure the law is upheld.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a news release on Thursday (Sept 29) that the three-month advisory period, where persons caught smoking at the newly prohibited places were issued verbal advisories, will end on Sept 30, 2022.
Enforcement action will begin at the additional public parks, gardens, Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Water sites and 10 recreational beaches from Oct 1.
Officers from NEA, the National Parks Board (NParks), National Water Agency PUB and Sentosa Development Corporation have been authorized to take enforcement action for smoking offences in these newly prohibited areas.
Those caught smoking at these places may face a composition fine of S$200 or up to S$1,000 if convicted in court.
The 10 recreational beaches included in the list of prohibited areas are Changi Beach, East Coast Beach, West Coast Beach, Sembawang Beach, Pasir Ris Beach, Coney Island Beach, Punggol Beach, Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach.
To allow smokers to adjust to smoke-free parks, designated smoking areas (DSAs) are provided. The last three beaches have DSAs, while the following list contains the parks with DSAs.
More information can be found on the agencies’ websites.
During the three-month advisory period, more than 1,200 verbal advisories were issued, said NEA.
The smokers were receptive when advised not to smoke in prohibited areas, it added.
In the first half of 2022, about 7,400 tickets were issued for smoking in prohibited areas, as it is currently prohibited in more than 49,000 premises, both indoors and outdoors.
“NEA encourages smokers to be socially responsible when smoking in public places. Friendly and timely reminders from family, friends and other members of the community can help to reinforce the right social behaviour and norms,” said NEA.
Meanwhile, members of the online community highlighted that they often see people smoking at such places.
“Unfortunately, no enforcement officers. Very disappointing,” said Facebook user Keng Hui Ong.
“What’s the point of increasing the fine when no monitoring? We ought to be civic-minded and considerate,” said Facebook user Denny Chong while another commented, “Laws without enforcement are useless.”
One Tian Hwi noted, “enforcement must be swift and consistent. I always see people smoke in the park, and I alert them to the ban. Some would acknowledge while others ignore.” /TISG