A 25-year-old man was fined S$12,000 on Wednesday, Dec 17, for posting photos and videos of himself holding and using e-vaporisers on social media platforms, marking the first prosecution of its kind in Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said.
The man, Krish Khalifa, who operates online under the account name “Rapperboya”, shared multiple videos and photographs of himself vaping on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok between November 2023 and September 2024.
According to HSA, Khalifa was seen holding or using e-vaporisers in public places and at home, actions which constitute illegal promotion under Singapore’s Tobacco Act.
Investigations began after authorities received public complaints alleging that a TikTok video showed an individual using an e-vaporiser. Subsequent probes confirmed that Khalifa had repeatedly posted such content across multiple platforms.
In addition to the S$12,000 fine for advertising and promotion, Khalifa was also fined S$2,000 after admitting to possessing three e-vaporisers that appeared in his social media posts.
In a media release, HSA said it had identified and fined 38 individuals between Jan 1 and Nov 30 for posting photos or videos of vapes online, amid intensified surveillance and enforcement against digital advertising of e-vaporisers.
“The promotion of e-vaporisers on social media platforms may normalise the use of these banned products and influence the public, especially youths, to experiment with vaping,” said Mr Norman Chong, Director of HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch.
“HSA takes a zero-tolerance approach and will continue active surveillance and take firm enforcement action against those who promote e-vaporisers.”
Under the Tobacco Act, content that encourages the use of e-vaporisers may be considered an advertisement for a prohibited tobacco product. Offenders face fines of up to S$10,000, six months’ jail, or both. Penalties may double for repeat offenders.
Under the enhanced anti-vaping framework that came into effect in September 2025, individuals found possessing, using, or purchasing e-vaporisers face higher penalties, while repeat or uncooperative users may be required to undergo rehabilitation.
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