Shisha to be banned in Singapore from this month

SINGAPORE: Shisha is no less harmful than other forms of tobacco use, so the Ministry of Health (MOH) intends to prohibit the import, distribution and sale of shisha from later this month, said Parlimentary Secretary for MOH Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim in Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 4).

According to the National Health Survey 2010, 7.8 per cent of young adults aged 18-29 years smoke shisha at least occasionally, compared to 1 per cent among older adults. The Student Health Survey found that the proportion of students who used alternative tobacco products, including shisha, had increased from 2 per cent in 2009 to 9 per cent in 2012.

Dr Faishal said that in view of the health risks associated with shisha smoking, and to prevent the proliferation and entrenchment of shisha smoking in Singapore, the ban will be effected later this month.

"However, as a transitional measure, existing licensed tobacco importers and retailers who import or sell shisha tobacco will be allowed to continue importing and retailing shisha tobacco until Jul 31, 2016," he said.

"This allows such importers and retailers ample time to deplete their stock and restructure their businesses away from the shisha business."

Some retailers at Kampong Glam that Channel NewsAsia spoke with said stricter regulation such as restricting the sale of shisha to certain hours should be imposed, rather than a total ban. They say the move will also affect the character of the area, known for its Arab cuisine and culture.

"When people think about Arab Street, it is mainly about Mediterranean food, non-alcoholic beverages and shisha. It comes as a package," said Mr Muzaffar Mahamood, the owner of Ambrosia. "So all of a sudden, a ban is enforced, and shisha has been taken away. I do not know how people are going to react to this."

On Channel NewsAsia's Facebook page, many expressed dismay that shisha has been banned, arguing that adults should have the right to exercise choice. Some said the move should go further, and that cigarettes should be banned as well. Others applauded the ban, saying all manner of smoking, is harmful.