Singapore influencer fined S$3,500 after advertising vapes for sale on Telegram

She posted the advertisements on her Telegram account to generate interest in her business, and continued doing so until around December 2025.

The advertisement was accompanied by the caption: “For those who want me to get vape for them, you can send me your preorder list, and I will try to get them. If there is high demand, I will set up a Google form.”

HSA prosecuting counsel Nur Afiqah sought a fine of S$4,000.

However, Ng told the court that the amount was “a bit high for me” because it was her first time being charged with such an offence.

She added that she did not understand the rationale for the amount and hoped to receive a lighter sentence.

In reply, Ms Afiqah said the amount was warranted, especially given the enforcement climate and public health concerns surrounding the proliferation of vapes. She added that deterrence is necessary to discourage such conduct. 

District Judge Terence Tay noted that in past cases cited by the prosecution, the offenders had charges that were taken into consideration, whereas Ng faced only a single charge. He asked Ms Afiqah whether the prosecution’s sentencing position had taken that into account.

Ms Afiqah acknowledged that while the past cases involved more charges, greater emphasis should now be placed on deterrence given the current climate, to which Judge Tay said “very well”. 

In sentencing, Judge Tay said that while there are serious public health concerns surrounding e-vaporisers, which necessitate deterrence, the sentence imposed must not be excessive.

He imposed a fine of S$3,500 on Ng. She would have had to serve 10 days’ jail in default if she could not pay the fine.

For advertising vapes for sale, an offender can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to six months, or both, under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993.