Number of Offenders Caught in Expanded Smoke-free Zones

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources following the inclusion of HDB void decks, corridors, staircases and stairwells as smoke-free areas in January 2013 (a) how many smoking offenders have been booked by NEA; (b) what action has been taken against these offenders; and (c) whether NEA is looking into any new plans on how to enforce the rules more effectively.

From 15 April 2013 to 30 November 2014, the National Environment Agency (NEA) took over 23,900 enforcement actions against smokers who flouted the smoking prohibition law. Of these, some 52% (or about 12,400) were for smoking in the new smoking prohibited areas, namely, common corridors, stairwells and void decks in residential areas, sheltered walkways and linkways, overhead bridges, hospital outdoor compounds and five-metre buffer zones around bus shelters. The offenders were issued fines of $200. Under the law, repeat offenders may be liable to a fine of up to $1,000 if convicted in Court.

Before the prohibition took effect on 15 January 2013, NEA had publicised the smoking ban extension in major newspapers, TV and radio, as well as through social media platforms. Posters, banners and "No Smoking" signs had been placed at HDB void decks, staircases and stairwells as reminders. Brochures had also been distributed to smokers through channels, such as retail shops, to inform smokers of the new smoking-prohibited areas. To further extend the outreach efforts, trained volunteers also conducted community patrols to advise smokers in their estates on the smoking prohibition extension during the three-month advisory period at the start of the ban.

NEA will continue to ensure compliance with the smoking prohibition law through sustained enforcement and outreach. We will need the support of the community, schools and non-government organisations to safeguard our public health and create a conducive environment for everyone.

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