For years now, the Government has been studying the possible roll-out of a tobacco-free generation policy. Earlier this year, the MOS for Health said in an exchange with me that the effectiveness of implementing such a policy is not straightforward and that we are already at an all-time low smoking rate of 8.4% with the existing suite of measures.
Mr Chairman, I agree that implementation of a tobacco-free generation policy is not straightforward. Black markets already stop Singapore from being completely drug-free and vape-free. Similarly, places where smoking is banned are not completely smoke-free despite the efforts of our enforcement officers.
Nevertheless, while New Zealand repealed its laws partly on grounds of political ideology, we should continue to study how to roll out a tobacco-free generation policy, once there is real-world evidence on its efficacy and implementability. Maldives’ policy has already come into effect, while the UK bill on track to becoming law is set to be implemented at the start of 2027. Like the UK, we are well-placed to introduce a similar policy precisely because our smoking rate is already low. The latest studies, including a Nottingham University study published in January, suggest that a cohort ban will bring forward by decades a smoking prevalence of under 5%, which is defined as an effective endgame for tobacco.
I highlight the endgame because it sets out a target I hope we can work as fast to achieve. Although associated with the smoke-free generation policy, we should state the endgame as an overarching policy objective. With decisions like periodic increases to tobacco duties, I hope we are seeking to maximise the sin tax impact instead of considering its revenue impact. Similarly, we should be doing more to curb the health impacts of public smoking, for instance by tackling smoking while walking. Singapore takes a zero-tolerance approach to drugs and vaping. We must do the same with tobacco.
