Debated in Parliament on 5 Oct 2022.
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the Ministry is aware of and has reviewed studies conducted by other countries which have found that people exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and dementia; and (b) if so, whether the Ministry will review policies on tackling second-hand smoke at homes in light of these studies.
The Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment (Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan) (for the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment): MOH regularly reviews the evidence surrounding tobacco control policy and is continually enhancing its efforts to further reduce the prevalence of smoking in Singapore, through public education, provision of smoking cessation services, legislation and taxation.
As previously explained in this House, NEA is constantly looking out for reasonable and practical solutions to further strengthen our efforts to address the harms of second-hand tobacco smoke. Smokers should also exercise social responsibility, by refraining from lighting up in places where the second-hand tobacco smoke can affect those around them, including their families and loved ones, in order to protect their health.
Mr Louis Ng.
Thank you, Sir. I thank the Senior Minister of State for all her replies on second-hand smoke over the years. But, could I just ask whether there is a threshold we need to reach before we will look into reviewing our policies and legislation? Is there perhaps a certain number of deaths or number of people who are affected by this before we would change? I ask this because we already know that it does cause death, it does cause physical harm to our health and now we realise, even our mental health. So, what more will it take before we are willing to amend our policies?
Firstly, let me say that, whilst there is evidence of a link between second-hand tobacco smoke and mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and so on, the evidence is currently inconclusive as to whether the second-hand smoke exposure directly causes these mental health condition or is simply associated with these mental health conditions. That means, it is a sign that it is an environment that contributes to these mental health conditions, just to explain your earlier query.
But notwithstanding this, let me assure the Member that we are as concerned about the harmful effects of second-hand tobacco smoke on non-smokers. And in fact, that is the reason why over the decades, we have put in tremendous effort and resources to reducing the prevalence of smoking, through various efforts as I have said, whether it is education, provision of cessation services, legislation, taxation as well as constantly looking out for reasonable and practical solutions to further strengthen these efforts to address the issue of second-hand tobacco smoke.
For instance, this month, 1 October 2022, we have further extended the smoking prohibited areas to additional public gardens and parks, as well as ABC water sites and 10 recreational beaches, including that in Sentosa. Which means that as of now, some 50,000 places, they are banned – where smoking is prohibited. So, we will continue as I have said, to look at how we can strengthen our efforts. Both MOH, HPB, NEA and the various stakeholders, we will consistently look at the evidence as well as the solutions available and will not hesitate to adjust or review this where appropriate.
A short supplementary question, please, Mr Louis Ng.
A short one. If I could ask the Senior Minister of State, we are doing so much to protect people from second-hand smoke in the public areas, could we apply similar efforts to protecting them at their own homes. It seems strange that when they are out there. they are all protected, but then when they reach home, they keep smelling second-hand smoke. Two, I am in touch with the researcher. So, if we can provide some conclusive evidence that it is linked to mental health, will MSE then amend our policies?
Again, as I have said, we are concerned about the harmful effects of second-hand tobacco smoke, notwithstanding whether it leads to depression and so on, because we know that second-hand tobacco smoke also increases the risk of cancer. So, there is no doubt that we are as concerned. Regarding second-hand tobacco smoke in homes, I think I have reiterated my answers many times. I do not think I need to repeat them again.
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