Focus on harm reduction, not unrealistic prohibition

I APPLAUD the government’s recent decision to expand the pro-health tax to include vape products, as reported on July 31 (online at bit.ly/star_vapetax). This is a timely and pragmatic move that prioritises both public health and sound fiscal policy.

While some may call for an outright ban on vaping, experience shows that prohibition rarely works. In neighbouring Singapore, where vaping is banned, illegal vape products are still easily available through messaging apps and underground markets. A ban often drives the trade underground, making regulation and enforcement more difficult – and potentially exposing consumers, especially youth, to even more dangerous and unregulated products.