It began with a smartphone and a smirk. Unaware, intent, and sitting a few paces ahead, a 21-year-old in Singapore leaned into his camera and blew out vapor toward the bus driver on a typical bus route. He wasn’t hiding. He was actually performing.
The hardly 20-second video ended up on an Instagram account connected to Telegram. Reactions flooded in almost instantaneously. The Health Sciences Authority was the target of a barrage of tags, scathing remarks, and harsh criticism. It was more than a simple post. It was a reel wrapped around a dare.
Enforcement officials arrived by February 3. The HSA verified that they had found the person and conducted a search of his residence. Twelve vape pods and four e-vaporizers were seized there. He is currently helping with the inquiry, which might result in a hefty fine or even a jail sentence. The statute allows for a maximum penalty of S$10,000 or up to six months in jail for a first offense.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident | Man filmed vaping on Bus 974 |
| Age | 21 |
| Date of Seizure | February 3, 2026 |
| Items Seized | 4 e-vaporisers, 12 vape pods |
| Authority Involved | Health Sciences Authority (HSA) |
| Penalties for Offense | Up to S$10,000 fine and/or 6 months’ jail for first offense |
| Law Referenced | Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act |
| Video Platform Shared | Instagram account @sgfollowsall.backup |
| Viral Behavior | Blew vape smoke near unaware bus captain |
| Public Reaction | Criticism, calls for legal action, tagging HSA and police |
| Enforcement Background | Over 3,500 fined since Sept 2025, including Kpod-related seizures |
| External Source | HSA.gov.sg |
The law itself is extremely stringent and has been purposefully written to encompass both promotion and possession. Even posting pictures or videos that might glorify vaping could be illegal under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. This includes humorous memes, informal clips, or even a caption that uses a lot of emojis and unintentionally inspires others.
The man’s exhalation at the driver was a particularly noteworthy point in the film. Although it wasn’t aggressive, it seemed planned, as though the intention was to be seen breaking the law rather than simply breaking it. I stopped the video and played it back twice, amazed at how commonplace the scene appeared and how fast it became meaningful.
Singapore has fined more than 3,500 people for possessing vape pens after tightening its regulations in September 2025. The Misuse of Drugs Act now lists etomidate as a dangerous chemical, and a stunning 388 of them involved “Kpods”—vaping devices laced with it. Due in part to online influencers and in part to novelty, the trend—which is still illegal—has become especially obstinate among younger users.
Krish Khalifa, a content maker whose antics with vape items resulted in a S$14,000 punishment, is one name that has stuck in recent memory. Because it was the first time Singapore had fined someone directly for vape-related online postings, his case had a particularly significant consequence. The foundation for today’s swift enforcement was set by that precedent, which was set only a few months ago.
That momentum is being used in this new instance. Not only was the man caught vaping, but he was also captured on camera and released the video. It is far more difficult to argue ignorance or purpose because of the dual breach. Additionally, enforcement flourishes on precedent in Singapore’s regulatory environment.
Another layer is added by public transit, which is already a strictly regulated environment. It is more than just a background; it is a representation of duty and order. More than only the law is broken when someone poses a health risk, even in a subtle way. It erodes confidence among travelers and staff who depend on safety procedures to continue operating without interruption.
Not surprise, the public reacted quickly. Numerous Instagram users denounced the man’s behavior and demanded that strict measures be taken. Authorities were directly tagged by some. As if to emphasize how particular and well-publicized the violation had been, others pointed out the precise bus service, 974, which ran via Pioneer and ITE West.
It’s interesting to note that the HSA withheld the man’s name despite the video’s striking clarity. Online anonymity, however, quickly wanes. The digital record usually lasts longer than the legal one once a face is widely known.
The event draws attention to a growing age gap. Some people find it nearly intuitive to record and share moments, even dubious ones. However, laws do not change as quickly as social behavior. Furthermore, enforcement is still rigorous and amazingly successful in locations like Singapore, where rules are intended to prevent rather than just react to problems.
The government has succeeded in establishing a cultural environment where specific actions are clearly prohibited by means of well-planned information campaigns and consistent law enforcement. Despite its widespread appeal, vaping has failed to gain traction in Singapore.
Maybe this is the reason why events like this turn into flashpoints. They are attempts at disruption rather than merely infractions. They push the limits of public tolerance as well as legality.
I remember a similar incident years ago when I was on a train and saw a young man in another nation pull out a vaporizer. Nobody recoiled. No one cared. At the time, I realized how much geography shapes behavior and how resilient Singapore has stayed.
The protagonist of this tale might soon be subject to consequences. Even if he doesn’t, his short film will probably continue to be a warning, appearing in online forums, public health briefings, and school assemblies. It will operate as a subdued warning that in Singapore, little infractions captured on camera for publicity can swiftly escalate into widespread enforcement.
Perhaps more significantly, it shows that the system is functioning as intended. a group of people acting together. A legal system that is changing very quickly. Even though the violation was documented in a single viral post, a national response made sure it couldn’t be simply replicated.
