Man fined for posting vape content on social media, possession of vapes

On Sept 10, 2024, Khalifa uploaded a music video on his TikTok account that showed him using a vape at various points. He admitted that the vape belonged to him.

Investigations revealed that Khalifa posted a total of nine videos and photographs of him holding or using e-vaporisers in public places and at home on his social media channels, said HSA.

“These posts on the social media accounts are essentially advertisements published by the accused, depicting (him) using (and) encouraging the use of imitation tobacco products,” said the prosecutor.

Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, content encouraging the use of e-vaporisers can constitute an advertisement for a prohibited tobacco product. 

A check by The Straits Times revealed that Khalifa has since deactivated his TikTok account.

HSA said it has intensified surveillance and enforcement action against the advertising of e-vaporisers on digital platforms.

From Jan 1 to Nov 30, 38 people were fined for posting photos or videos of e-vaporisers on social media.

Mr Norman Chong, director of HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch, said: “The promotion of e-vaporisers on social media platforms may normalise the use of these banned products and influence the public, especially young people, to experiment with vaping. 

“HSA takes a zero-tolerance approach and will continue active surveillance and take firm enforcement action against those who promote e-vaporisers.”

For promoting the use of tobacco products and imitation tobacco products, an offender can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to six months, or both.

For subsequent offences, a person can be fined up to $20,000, jailed for up to a year, or both.