Man fined S$14,000 in Singapore’s first prosecution over social media vaping posts

A Singapore court has fined a man S$14,000 for posting images and videos of himself using e-vaporisers on social media, in the first prosecution of its kind under the country’s tobacco control laws, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said on 16 December 2025.

The 25-year-old man, Krish Khalifa, who used the online account name “Rapperboya”, was fined S$12,000 for posting e-vaporiser-related content online and an additional S$2,000 for possessing three e-vaporisers between 2023 and 2024.

Khalifa was sentenced by the court on 17 December 2025 after investigations found that the e-vaporisers featured in his social media posts belonged to him, HSA said in a press release.

Posts triggered public complaints

HSA said it began investigating Khalifa after receiving complaints from members of the public alleging that a TikTok video showed an individual using an e-vaporiser.

Investigations revealed that between November 2023 and September 2024, Khalifa posted nine videos and photographs of himself holding or using e-vaporisers in public places and at home across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

“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,” an HSA prosecutor said in court proceedings.

Under Singapore’s Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, content that encourages the use of e-vaporisers can constitute advertising for a prohibited tobacco product.

HSA said the case marked the first time it had prosecuted an individual for posting images of himself vaping on social media platforms.

Enforcement stepped up amid wider crackdown

The authority said it has intensified surveillance and enforcement action against the online advertising of e-vaporisers.

From 1 January to 30 November, HSA identified and fined 38 people for posting photographs or videos of e-vaporisers on social media.

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

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

Penalties under Singapore law

Under the Tobacco Act, those convicted of promoting tobacco products or imitation tobacco products face a fine of up to S$10,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both.

Penalties may double for repeat offenders.

Since 1 September 2025, enhanced anti-vaping measures have taken effect, with higher penalties for possession, use or purchase of e-vaporisers, alongside mandatory rehabilitation for repeat offenders who fail to comply with the law.