Things to know about Singapore's extended smoking ban on June 1

SINGAPORE - Smoking is now prohibited in more public areas, the National Environment Agency (NEA) announced on Wednesday (June 1).

The latest smoking ban applies to reservoirs, parks under JTC Corporation, parks in public housing estates managed by town councils, and parks in private housing estates under NParks.

NEA said that 'No Smoking' signages will be installed at the newly prohibited premises while rubbish bins with ashtrays will be moved or replaced with those without ashtrays.

In April, Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources Amy Khor said in Parliament that this move will help protect the majority of the Singapore population, who are non-smokers, from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke in public areas.

Some of the health risks associated with secondhand smoke include lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, according to Reuters. Passive smokers may also suffer from respiratory problems such as asthma, sinusitis and pneumonia.

Those who are caught smoking in prohibited areas in the first three months of the extension will receive warnings.

According to The Straits Times, an offender found guilty of smoking in NParks' neighbourhood parks in private housing estates will face a maximum fine of $2,000, or a maximum fine of $1,000 for smoking in other prohibited areas.

minlee@sph.com.sg