Welcome to\u00a0Stomping Ground<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 a space where Stompers share reflections, personal essays and social commentaries that spark conversation and insight.<\/strong><\/p>\n A man is frustrated at having to put up with second-hand cigarette smoke from his neighbour\u2019s unit, but feels at a loss over what can be done.<\/p>\n Stomper Anonymous<\/strong>, a retiree in his 70s, said he lives in Tampines where \u201cthe flats are not so old and the units are not too close to each other\u201d.<\/p>\n Even so, he is not spared from second-hand smoke<\/a>. Despite wearing a mask and closing all his windows, the Stomper claims that his neighbour\u2019s cigarette smoke still drifts into his home through small gaps.<\/p>\n Anonymous said: \u201cHelp! My neighbour\u2019s second-hand smoke is ruining my health. But there\u2019s nothing we can do lah.<\/p>\n Describing his flat being \u201cwidely segmented between units\u201d, the Stomper said he had enjoyed decades of smoke-free environment.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, this has changed since a new tenant moved into a unit upstairs weeks ago, he said.<\/p>\n \u201cDealing with smoking neighbours is challenging and stressful. Indeed, there\u2019s nothing much we can do since it\u2019s not illegal,\u201d he said, adding that those living in newer Built-To-Order flats with closely knitted units are hit the hardest.<\/p>\n \u201cSmokers believe it\u2019s okay to subject their neighbours to second-hand smoke<\/a> simply because they\u2019re within the confines of their own property.\u201d<\/p>\n The Stomper pointed out that this mindset is not wrong.<\/p>\n \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be right to expect someone to give up their liberties in their home,\u201d he said. \u201cI also don\u2019t have the right to stop them or tell the owner to rent the unit or room only to non-smokers.\u201d<\/p>\n Anonymous said not only would this be an invasion of privacy, but he also believes that \u201cthere\u2019s no point talking to them\u201d because smokers are not obliged to listen to his pleas.<\/p>\n Nonetheless, he appealed for smokers to show more empathy and understanding about the impact of their actions.<\/p>\n \u201cSmokers should understand non-smokers probably aren\u2019t complaining for no reason,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cSmoking is just about the most anti-social habit humans can engage in. You are forcing non-smokers to breathe in toxic and harmful fumes that are unpleasant and can kill.\u201d<\/p>\n Besides being a health hazard, smoke also \u201cpenetrates everything\u201d, including walls, carpets, furnishings, and bedding, said the Stomper.<\/p>\n \u201cRealise that your smoke is an irritation and a potential health risk,\u201d he said. \u201cBe more considerate of the needs, feelings, and health concerns of people who live around you.\u201d<\/p>\n Smoking is not allowed at more than 49,000 public places<\/a>, including most common areas of residential buildings \u2014 such as common corridors and void decks \u2014 to reduce the public\u2019s exposure to second-hand smoke.<\/p>\n \u201cResidences do not fall under this category,\u201d bemoaned the Stomper.<\/p>\n In 2025, the National Environment Agency (NEA) received about 600 cases of feedback related to second\u2011hand tobacco smoke<\/a> from neighbouring homes.<\/p>\n About 30% of feedback cases received in 2025 were from repeat feedback providers, said Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, said in Parliament on May 6.<\/p>\n When NEA receives such feedback, it works with other government agencies or the relevant town council to issue advisories to surrounding residential units to encourage smokers to be considerate towards their neighbours.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile NEA does not track whether cases are amicably resolved, most feedback cases did not recur after advisories were issued,\u201d Dr Janil added.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the issue remains unresolved, the relevant agency or town council may engage residents in person. Affected residents are also encouraged to resolve the matter through mediation, such as by approaching the Community Mediation Centre.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo, what more can our government do?\u201d asked the Stomper.<\/p>\n He provided the following suggestions:<\/p>\n Noting that many of these involve money, Anonymous explained: \u201cHuman nature dictates that it will hurt their pockets and they will feel the pinch.\u201d<\/p>\n The Stomper acknowledged that an immediate and total ban on smoking would be \u201cpolitically, legally, and practically fraught\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would likely produce significant black-market activity, enforcement costs and social harms,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \u201cSingapore\u2019s strategy favours phased, multifaceted measures that reduce prevalence and protect public health while managing economic and social consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n According to The Straits Times<\/a>, MPs have repeatedly called for stronger action against second-hand smoke<\/a>, including classifying second-hand smoke coming from windows and balconies of homes as a public nuisance.<\/p>\n However, this is challenging as it raises the question of how much the government should \u201cintrude into the privacy of one\u2019s own home and the behaviours that one can engage with there\u201d.<\/p>\n Dr Janil said: \u201cIt\u2019s precisely because we\u2019ve prohibited (smoking) in so many of these areas that now we\u2019re having to deal with the issues of what someone does in their own home when that smoke then pervades the neighbour\u2019s home.\u201d<\/p>\n Have your say on Stomping Ground! Write to us at stomp@sph.com.sg or WhatsApp 9384 3761.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n Have something to say? Join in!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Explore more on these topics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n See something interesting? Contribute<\/a> your story to us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Scroll to continue reading<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNo laws against smoking in own home<\/h2>\n
Stomper suggests solutions to \u2018hurt smokers\u2019 pockets\u2019<\/h2>\n
\n
\n![\"Stomp](\"https:\/\/www.stomp.sg\/assets\/stomp-comment-COLiWNMD.png\")
<\/p>\n