Singapore has been intensifying its efforts to curb smoking through a combination of high taxes, strict regulations, and public health campaigns. The country has implemented several measures to discourage smoking, including significant increases in tobacco taxes. In 2023, the tobacco tax was raised by 15%, bringing the price of a pack of cigarettes to around S$15.52, with the goal of reducing consumption by making smoking more financially burdensome. This is part of a broader strategy that includes bans on smoking in various public spaces, such as parks, beaches, and common areas in residential buildings
In addition to financial and regulatory measures, there is a strong social stigma attached to smoking in Singapore. The government has been proactive in creating an anti-smoking culture, with public health campaigns emphasizing the negative health impacts of smoking and the benefits of quitting. This cultural shift is reinforced by societal attitudes that increasingly frown upon smoking, further discouraging the habit
Singapore is also exploring innovative approaches to further reduce smoking rates. There are discussions about implementing a “tobacco-free generation” policy, which would ban the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after a certain year, effectively phasing out smoking over time. This idea, initially proposed in Singapore, has been considered by other countries as well and aligns with Singapore’s goal of achieving a smoking prevalence of 5% or less, a benchmark set by several other nations aiming for a tobacco endgame.
Overall, Singapore’s multifaceted approach to reducing smoking combines economic deterrents, strict regulations, public health campaigns, and social stigma to make smoking less appealing and accessible.
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