
'Kpods broke our marriage': Woman on husband's vape addiction
The once loving husband and father turned violent, wrecking things at home, kicking doors in the middle of the night. One day, he collapsed in the living room, his body slouched against the wall, with a vape in hand.
Since The Straits Times launched its anti-vaping campaign, Vaping: The Invisible Crisis, on July 13, several readers have written in to share their experiences about loved ones vaping.
Some said they never knew the effects vapes had on a user's health, while others called for vaping legislation to be strengthened.
Three readers e-mailed ST about how vaping and Kpods, which contain the powerful anaesthetic drug etomidate, have ruined their families.
Used in hospitals for inducing sedation during medical procedures, etomidate is designed to be injected directly into the veins under clinical supervision and never intended to be inhaled.
When vaped, etomidate enters the lungs directly, potentially triggering spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis.
Sons scared of father
For years, the two boys, aged seven and nine, had always known their father to be a loving and doting man.
But everything changed when the man, 41, used Kpods.
Mary, 35, said her husband was so depressed he could not work, and got fired from his technician job.
Mary, who works in marketing, said her husband spiralled into repeated episodes of violence, emotional outbursts and dangerous behaviour while using Kpods.
One night, the family heard him destroying things around the home as they hid in the bedroom. The next morning, they saw their microwave badly damaged.
The microwave that Mary's husband damaged and destroyed after using Kpods. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MARY
Mary's younger son, who has autism, became afraid of his father.
She said: "They used to be close and would play badminton together. But he soon became fearful of his father. My husband would also snap at my older son. He was traumatised and anxious after being yelled at so many times."
In May, Mary moved to her mother's place with her sons, and has filed for divorce.
She said: "We dated for 10 years and were married for nine. Now, I don't even know who he is any more. Kpods broke our marriage and shattered our children."
Calling for stronger laws to tackle vaping, Mary added: "I don't want another family to go through what we went through."
'My sons are like zombies'
One mother, who wanted to be known only as Ms Lim, 53, said she had seen her sons experience seizures from Kpods.
When her 27-year-old son got a job as an antique shop assistant after his release from prison in July 2024, Ms Lim was hopeful about his future.
Then, he was introduced to Kpods at a nightclub. He became sluggish, skipped work often and got fired.
The Singaporean homemaker lives with her husband, who works overseas. She said: "I can monitor my (older) son only using the CCTV in our home. I see him walking around like a zombie, and my neighbours would tell me they see him walking unsteadily and vaping openly in the park."
Her younger son was also addicted to vapes before he was convicted and jailed for assault in February.
Ms Lim sent ST videos of her younger son trembling and struggling to close the gate to their flat after using Kpods in 2024.
Her older son was fined by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) four times for vaping.
She said: "Every time he gets fined and his Kpods get confiscated, he just gets new ones."
Ms Lim's 27-year-old son (left) using Kpods. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MS LIM
Ms Lim said her older son has attempted suicide three times due to Kpods.
In February, she bought him an e-bike after he promised to quit Kpods and get a job as a deliveryman.
She found out he sold the e-bike to gamble and buy more vapes.
Ms Lim said: "I hope possessing and using vapes will become a crime that offenders can be jailed for. If that means my son getting jailed, then so be it. Because once he is behind bars, he will no longer have access to Kpods."
Possessing, using and buying e-vaporisers carry a maximum fine of $2,000.
She added: "My (older) son has attempted suicide before, and we have stopped him. But if he continues using Kpods, it would only be a matter of time before he dies."
Daughter vaped in toilet with boys
When Sara (not her real name) received a call from her daughter, 13, at 4.30am to fetch her from a mall in Yishun, she feared the worst.
The teen had been caught by the police vaping in a handicap-accessible toilet with three older boys.
Sara, 55, who works in social services and is widowed, first found the girl's vape stash in her drawer in 2024.
Different types of vapes belonging to Sara's 13-year-old daughter. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SARA
Sara said: "She used to vape secretly, but then vaped openly. She was caught vaping in Orchard (Road) and in Serangoon."
Sara said she had approached agencies for help, but still feels helpless.
Her daughter is at a residential girls' home undergoing rehabilitation.
To fuel her addiction, she would borrow money from friends and sell her clothes and make-up online for quick cash. She even stole money from her late father's drawer.
Sara said: "I have gone beyond depression, helplessness, tears and frustration. I need to maintain the relationship I have with her. That is all I have.
"But when I remind her about the damaging health effects vaping has, she just sniggers at me. I am at my wits' end."
Referring to ST's anti-vape campaign, she said: "With this push, I hope there will be a review of the law and (it will) open up space for conversations on this issue. Kids are suffering. Parents are suffering."
Classify etomidate as a drug: Vikram Nair
Mr Vikram Nair, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Home Affairs and Law, acknowledged the growing problem of vaping in Singapore and called for a much stricter regime for etomidate.
Mr Nair, who is an MP for Sembawang GRC, said: "I am in favour of etomidate being classified as a drug. The main purpose is for harsher penalties for those trafficking it. This would also permit ordering mandatory treatment for addicts and those caught using it."
Referring to the ST video of an HSA officer diving into a moving car to stop a suspected vape peddler from escaping, Mr Nair said: "HSA is doing the best they can about this issue. I have seen stories on their crackdowns and the dramatic video with the car.
"But if the penalties are somewhat limited after their arrests, there is only so much that can be done under the current framework."
Former Jurong GRC MP Tan Wu Meng said more than 10 Clementi residents, mostly young parents, had spoken to him in 2025 of their concerns of vaping before he retired from politics in April.
He said one 13-year-old girl told him she was worried her friends could get vapes so easily.
In January and March, Dr Tan raised the issue in Parliament. He brought up a case of a parent reporting the child to the police for vaping, and the child getting fined by HSA. Dr Tan then called for agencies to consider helping children curb their addiction rather than handing them fines.
He told ST: "We won't want vaping to be a crack in Singapore's defences against illegal drugs. So, the legislation needs to be looked at, and the agencies need to study ways to handle such vaping devices more effectively and with more muscle."
If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at stnewsdesk@sph.com.sg
Helplines
Mental well-being
National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp)
Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm)
Counselling
Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
We Care Community Services: 3165-8017
Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293
Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990
Online resources

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Straits Times
Vape disposal bins at 23 CCs for users to surrender e-vaporisers without facing penalties
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The bins will be progressively placed in other locations, such as institutes of higher learning. SINGAPORE - Members of the public can throw away vapes in new bins installed within community centres around Singapore without fear of punishment. On July 25, the Ministry of Health, Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and People's Association launched the 'Bin The Vape' initiative. Bins have been placed at 23 community clubs (CCs) and one residents' network centre around the island, including in Punggol, Boon Lay, Mountbatten, Woodlands and Bishan. They will be progressively placed in other locations, such as at institutes of higher learning. The authorities noted that etomidate, a listed poison increasingly found in vapes here , will be classified as a Class C illegal drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in the coming weeks. In a joint news release, the authorities said: 'In the meantime, those who are using e-vaporisers and especially consuming etomidate should give up their habit as soon as possible.' The initiative is meant to encourage vape users to quit before the law catches up with them. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore SMRT to pay lower fine of $2.4m for EWL disruption; must invest at least $600k to boost reliability Singapore MRT service changes needed to modify 3 East-West Line stations on Changi Airport stretch: LTA Singapore S'pore could have nuclear energy 'within a few years', if it decides on it: UN nuclear watchdog chief Asia Recap: Evacuees recount explosions and separations as Thai-Cambodia clashes continue for second day Life 'Do you kill children?': Even before independence, S'pore has always loved its over-the-top campaigns Singapore Lung damage, poor brain development, addiction: What vaping does to the body Singapore Fine for couple whose catering companies owed $432,000 in salaries to 103 employees Singapore Kopi, care and conversation: How this 20-year-old helps improve the well-being of the elderly Possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000, but the authorities said no action will be taken against those who voluntarily dispose of their vapes. Members of the public can visit to locate the nearest bin. The red bin resembles a normal trash bin – but with posters of the initiative plastered on its front and top, promising a safe and confidential disposal of vapes. Its lid is secured with a lock, and a metal chain secures the bin to a pillar or other fixtures. A CCTV camera aimed at the bin deters theft of the disposed vapes and tampering. The media was invited to witness the installation of one such bin at Canberra Community Club on July 25. Canberra resident and retiree Kwan Kong Hua, 68, is not convinced, though, doubting that people who spent money on vapes would voluntarily dispose of their devices. Following the increased detection in Singapore of electronic vaporisers containing substances such as etomidate and other controlled drugs, Mr Kwan called for tougher enforcement efforts against vaping. The former delivery driver, who quit cigarette smoking about a decade ago as it affected his health, is especially concerned when he sees young vapers around the estate. Mr Kwan said: 'Sometimes, they take several puffs and stumble around unsteadily. Any kind of smoking is really harmful for their health.' Another resident, who gave his name only as Mr Adzhar, 24, knows people who vape. He said some may not give up vaping because they see it as a cheaper alternative to smoking cigarettes. Mr Adzhar, who is interning at a transport company, added: 'It's 50-50 (chance of people using the bin). There may also be people who throw their vapes to avoid being fined.' The idea for the bins was first adopted on Nov 18, 2023, by MacPherson Youth Network's 'Drop it, Stop it!' anti-vape campaign. It was co-organised with youth charity Bilby Community Development. Then MacPherson MP Tin Pei Ling had said the group worked with HSA and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) to waive vaping-related penalties for those who discarded their vapes. Sembawang GRC MP Ng Shi Xuan, who was then a grassroots leader in the MacPherson Youth Network, told The Straits Times on July 25 that the two-month campaign saw 70 individuals voluntarily surrender their vapes, exceeding the target of 50 people. Of the 70 who disposed of their vapes, 14 young people said they wanted to quit vaping but did not know how to begin, added Mr Ng. He said he was heartened to see the idea scaled up nationwide, and added: 'This showed us that with the right support, many are willing to take that first step. 'Don't wait until it's too late. Step forward and surrender your vape, the community is here to help you.' Mr Gopal Mahey, a senior counsellor at the Centre for Psychotherapy who works with young people who vape, said the bins could become bridges for those who need professional help. But he noted that the presence of CCTV cameras could trigger anxiety about being watched or identified, and some young people may fear the footage would be used against them. To address this, Mr Mahey said signs could be put up to reinforce confidentiality and encourage young people to speak to a trusted adult if they are struggling. Said the counsellor: 'It's also important to supplement physical interventions like bins with clear and strong messaging and assurance.' Those who need help to quit vaping can join HPB's I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000. Participants need not worry about being prosecuted, as it does not presume they are using or have used vaping products. But those caught using or possessing such items will be prosecuted. Since July 21, HSA has extended the operating hours for its Tobacco Regulation Branch hotline on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 to report vaping-related offences. The hotline now operates from 9am to 9pm daily, including on public holidays. HSA has also launched a new online portal to report vaping-related offences at If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at stnewsdesk@

Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Straits Times
Israel will let foreign countries drop aid into Gaza, Israel army radio says
Find out what's new on ST website and app. FILE PHOTO: Parcels of humanitarian aid await transfer into Gaza, at the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing in the Gaza Strip, July 24, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo DUBAI - Israel will allow foreign countries to parachute aid into Gaza starting on Friday, Israeli army radio quoted a military official as saying. An Israeli military spokesperson did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment on the report. The Gaza health ministry says more than 100 people have died from starvation in the Palestinian enclave since Israel cut off supplies to the territory in March. Israel, which has been at war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza since October 2023, lifted that blockade in May but has restrictions in place that it says are needed to prevent aid from being diverted to militant groups. In the first two weeks of July, the U.N. children's agency UNICEF treated 5,000 children facing acute malnutrition in Gaza. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday Gaza was suffering man-made mass starvation caused by a blockade on aid into the enclave. REUTERS

Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Straits Times
Time off, career setbacks: New S'pore survey on fertility challenges at workplaces
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Rafidah Jalil with her husband Mimrah Mahmooh, their seven-year-old son Mika Mimrah, and four-year-old twins Maira Mimrah and Abdul Matin Mimrah. SINGAPORE - Some 41 per cent of respondents who struggled to conceive said in a poll that fertility treatment affected their work, with 13 per cent saying they quit their jobs to undergo such treatment. Top workplace challenges cited were seeking approval for time off (34%), career progression setbacks (31%), and getting their colleagues' understanding (15%). These findings come from a sensing poll in June by non-profit initiative Fertility Support Singapore, which surveyed 504 of its members - 80 per cent women and 20 per cent men - who have faced fertility struggles. The poll aims to shed light on the workplace experiences of those facing infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of trying. Results were released on July 25 at an event hosted by Fertility Support Singapore to mark World IVF Day. The demand for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment in Singapore has grown, with more couples delaying marriage and childbirth, and seeking medical help to have a baby. Giving a speech at the event, Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, called on more companies to provid e fertility benefits such as paid time off and training for managers, so that employees can pursue both personal and work commitments. 'You have the power to create workplaces where employees feel seen, heard, and supported, and where talents feel cherished and stand ready to give their all in return to support your business needs. That is a win-win outcome,' she said. Ms Indranee, who assists in overseeing the National Population and Talent Division, including the marriage and parenthood portfolio, said the Government has provided 75 per cent co-funding for eligible couples to receive Assisted Reproduction Technology treatments for up to three fresh and three frozen cycles at public healthcare institutions. Fertility Support Singapore was started in 2020 by a group of women facing infertility, to advocate for better support for individuals navigating fertility challenges here. On July 25, the group also launched a Workplace Fertility Support Guide to help companies better support employees. The guide provides practical tools such as a email template for those going through fertility treatments to raise the matter to bosses, t he typical IVF timeline and medical leave required, and tips on how to talk to colleagues undergoing treatment. The guide can be found at / To understand the barriers to fertility support in the workplace, Fertility Support Singapore also partnered market research firm Milieu Insight to conduct a study in March with 400 Singaporeans aged 25 to 55. The survey found public awareness to be lacking, with 62 per cent not knowing what fertility support is. Some 77 per cent of respondents perceive there to be a tradeoff between work and pursuing such treatments. Nearly 60 per cent of people would be interested in joining a new employer that offers fertility benefits, results showed. Yet only 27 per cent said their companies offered some form of fertility benefits, such as flexible work hours to attend appointments, and paid or unpaid leave for treatment. Ms Rosalyn Wee and her husband sought help from a fertility specialist after a year of trying to conceive. Ms Rosalyn Wee with her husband Shaun Low after her embryo transfer in August 2023, which resulted in successful pregnancy. PHOTO: ROSALYN WEE The educational therapist and project lead, who underwent IVF, did not tell her boss as she felt fertility treatments were personal. 'It doesn't really occur to you how painful emotionally and physically discomfitting it is, until you actually go through it,' she said. Her first embryo transfer ended up in failure. The news came while she was in an important meeting. 'That really broke me,' she said. She decided to open up to her bosses, who offered both paid and unpaid leave for treatment. After taking 10 weeks of no-pay leave for another IVF cycle, Ms Wee successfully conceived in August 2023. Another mum, Mrs Rafidah Jalil, 39, had just been promoted and was managing a team at a bank when she decided to start a family at 31. Her first IVF cycle was successful. At 34, she tried IVF again but felt more stress due to greater work responsibilities and a lower egg count. But her bosses were supportive, and she could work flexibly, which helped her through the process. She is now a proud mum of a seven-year-old son and four-year-old boy-girl twins. Global health care company Merck, which sponsored the Fertility Support Singapore study , offers a lifetime cap of EUR 100,000 for fertility treatments, including IVF, elective egg freezing, and male infertility treatments. Employees can get 90 per cent of their eligible fertility expenses reimbursed by the company. Ms Pixie Yee, general manager of Merck Healthcare Malaysia and Singapore, said Merck has seen 79 claims amounting to $160,000 since the benefit was introduced in March 2024. Merck has 429 employees in Singapore. Ms Yee said she hopes to create a safe space where employees feel comfortable to tell their bosses about their fertility journey , to avoid any misunderstandings. 'Most people, when they have a very supportive manager, they will share,' she said.