Latest news with #Kpods
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Straits Times
School, parents on alert after vape peddlers approach primary school pupil
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Officers from the Health Sciences Authority questioning teenagers at Woodlands Civic Centre on July 14, as they prepare to search their bags. SINGAPORE – A Primary 4 pupil from Fairfield Methodist School (Primary) was approached by two teenagers who tried to get the child to buy an e-vaporiser. The incident happened on July 25. As the pupil was walking home from school, two older boys made the approach at a zebra crossing along Dover Rise. The pupil declined the offer and walked away from the teens. FMS (Primary) principal Soh Mei Foong told The Straits Times that the school had reported the incident to the authorities. Said Mrs Soh: 'Students were informed of the incident and reminded not to engage with strangers and to inform trusted adults should they be approached by any stranger or suspicious person. 'As a precautionary measure, the school will monitor activities in the vicinity of the school premises after school.' Parents had shared details of the incident in various chat groups. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Water supply issues during Toa Payoh blaze affected firefighting operations; SCDF investigating Singapore MHA to support HSA's crackdown on Kpod abusers and help in treatment of offenders: Shanmugam Singapore Tampines, Toa Payoh BTO flats most popular among first-time home buyers in July HDB launch Singapore Bukit Panjang LRT to shut on 2 Sundays to facilitate tests; some upgrading work nearing completion Singapore Jail, fine for man linked to case involving 3 bank accounts that received over $680m in total Singapore Provision shop owner who raped 11-year-old gets more than 14 years' jail Business S'pore's economic resilience will face headwinds in second half of 2025 from tariffs, trade conflicts: MAS A parent, who gave her name only as Ms Wong, said her daughter in FMS (Secondary) mentioned that students were told at morning assembly on July 28 that a police report was made. Ms Wong, 49, said: 'I worry for my child's safety because they are young and they probably don't know the consequences of vaping, especially Kpods.' Kpods are vapes laced with synthetic drugs such as etomidate. Abusing etomidate through vaping can lead to muscle spasms, respiratory depression and psychosis. Parents in the chat groups called for adults to look out for strangers near the school premises. Ms Wong said: 'Parents who pick up their kids after school can be an 'extra pair of eyes', to ensure the students are safe.' Mr Kelvin Koh, 50, said parents in the chat groups were alerted to the incident. The father of two boys – one in FMS (Primary) and the other in FMS (Secondary) – said he had seen notices earlier in 2025 at the primary school's foyer and canteen warning pupils of the dangers of vaping. Mr Koh said: 'I was surprised. It's basically like 'no smoking' signs in primary school, which I thought was a bit young for a primary school. Who in the world would be vaping in a primary school?' The Ministry of Education (MOE) told ST that students' safety is a top priority, adding that school personnel and security remain vigilant for any suspicious activities which may pose threats to students. 'School personnel are provided with resources on smoking and vaping prevention, and procedures to report smoking and vaping cases to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). 'These include 'No Vaping' signage placed in school compounds,' said an MOE spokesperson. The ministry added that school leaders and key personnel share resources and regularly engage in discussion on student-related matters. It includes collaboration on strategies to better manage student matters in school, including smoking and vaping. MOE added that parents also play an important role in vaping and drug prevention. Since 2023, MOE has been working with the Health Promotion Board and HSA to issue joint advisories to parents of students in primary schools, secondary schools, junior colleges and centralised institutes via MOE's Parents Gateway portal every semester. 'These advisories emphasise both the illegality of vapes and their harmful health effects, raise awareness on the issue, and share useful tips on how parents can engage their children in conversations and to support them,' said the MOE spokesperson. Ms Rachel Ong, an MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, who oversees Telok Blangah, had flagged the incident on her Facebook and Instagram pages. She said on Instagram: 'This happened in broad daylight. Thankfully, he (the Primary 4 pupil) knew to walk away, but not all our children may know how to respond.' Ms Ong also urged parents to speak to their children about how to react in such situations. Mr Koh said parents in the chat groups shared that they take pictures of suspicious activities in the area and alert the authorities. In 2024, there were 2,000 cases of students – from primary to institutes of higher learning – reported for possessing or using vapes. This is an increase from 800 cases in 2022, and 900 cases in 2023. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced on July 20 that etomidate found in Kpods will be classified as a Class C illegal drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, carrying heavier penalties for possession and trafficking. Possessing, using or buying vapes carry a maximum fine of $2,000. Anyone who distributes, imports or sells vapes and their components can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. Those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000. To report vaping-related offences, call the HSA reporting hotline on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, including on public holidays. The public can report online at
AsiaOne
6 hours ago
- Health
- AsiaOne
Listing etomidate as Class C drug 'interim measure', MHA to assist HSA on Kpod crackdown: Shanmugam
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will back the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in its crackdown against etomidate-laced vapes, said Coordinating Minister for National Security & Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam. Speaking on the sidelines of a media event on Wednesday (July 30), Shanmugam said that MHA will be classifying etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) as an "interim measure" while the Ministry of Health (MOH) conducts further studies to form legislation regarding etomidate and related substances. Etomidate is currently classified as a poison that is regulated under the Poisons Act. Listing it as Class C drug under the MDA allows for "tougher enforcement measures", where abusers will be subjected to mandatory supervision and rehabilitation regimes if convicted. Now the abusers are given a fine and sellers can face up to two years in jail. "Those who import, sell, distribute etomidate-laced vapes can expect much stiffer penalties than today," he said. Shanmugam said that his ministry will second officers to "assist with the supervision, treatment, and rehab of etomidate abusers" at HSA, following a request for assistance from MOH. The minister said public education regarding Kpods will have to start with parents and schools, considering the younger demographic of Kpod users. He said: "This is something we'll have to discuss with MOH, and MOH will have to decide how they want to bring it across, and how they want to do the public education for the young children." Shanmugam also defended Singapore's tough stance on drugs, which are comparatively much harsher than other countries. "We look after Singaporeans, and Singaporeans support our policies," he said, adding that such harsh penalties on drug offenders need to be in place to protect Singaporeans. As at July 25, MOH, HSA and People's Association have placed 24 bins at designated locations for members of the public to voluntarily dispose of their vapes in a new initiative called Bin the Vape. Those who surrender their devices by binning them, or voluntarily seek support for quitting, will not face any penalties for doing so. [[nid:720627]]
AsiaOne
6 hours ago
- Health
- AsiaOne
Listing etomidate as Class C drug 'interim measure', MHA to assist HSA on Kpod crackdown: Shanmugam, Singapore News
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will back the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in its crackdown against etomidate-laced vapes, said Coordinating Minister for National Security & Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam. Speaking on the sidelines of a media event on Wednesday (July 30), Shanmugam said that MHA will be classifying etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) as an "interim measure" while the Ministry of Health (MOH) conducts further studies to form legislation regarding etomidate and related substances. Etomidate is currently classified as a poison that is regulated under the Poisons Act. Listing it as Class C drug under the MDA allows for "tougher enforcement measures", where abusers will be subjected to mandatory supervision and rehabilitation regimes if convicted. Now the abusers are given a fine and sellers can face up to two years in jail. "Those who import, sell, distribute etomidate-laced vapes can expect much stiffer penalties than today," he said. Shanmugam said that his ministry will second officers to "assist with the supervision, treatment, and rehab of etomidate abusers" at HSA, following a request for assistance from MOH. The minister said public education regarding Kpods will have to start with parents and schools, considering the younger demographic of Kpod users. He said: "This is something we'll have to discuss with MOH, and MOH will have to decide how they want to bring it across, and how they want to do the public education for the young children." Shanmugam also defended Singapore's tough stance on drugs, which are comparatively much harsher than other countries. "We look after Singaporeans, and Singaporeans support our policies," he said, adding that such harsh penalties on drug offenders need to be in place to protect Singaporeans. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AsiaOne (@asiaonecom) As at July 25, MOH, HSA and People's Association have placed 24 bins at designated locations for members of the public to voluntarily dispose of their vapes in a new initiative called Bin the Vape. Those who surrender their devices by binning them, or voluntarily seek support for quitting, will not face any penalties for doing so. [[nid:720627]]
Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Malaysia says study needed before classifying etomidate as a dangerous drug
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Etomidate is reportedly being misused as a recreational substance in vape products, often marketed as Kpods. PUTRAJAYA - A thorough study will be conducted before any decision is made to list etomidate as a dangerous drug under the law, says Malaysia's Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad. Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said that the ministry took heed of the recent proposal to list the substance under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 but would not make a hasty decision without proper evidence. At the moment, etomidate is listed as an intravenous sedative and anaesthesia used in clinical practice. 'It is not an issue as it is already listed under the Poisons Act but not under the Dangerous Drugs Act,' he told reporters at a press conference after launching the National Health Technology Assessment Conference 2025 on July 30. Dr Dzulkefly was responding to a proposal made by Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii to list etomidate as a dangerous drug, following reports of deaths caused by the drug in Singapore. Dr Yii said in Parliament on July 28 that etomidate was being misused as a recreational substance in vape products, often marketed as Kpods. He said the misuse of etomidate could result in death due to severe respiratory distress, sudden unconsciousness, injury and adrenal crisis. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore MHA to support HSA's crackdown on Kpod abusers and help in treatment of offenders: Shanmugam Business S'pore's economic resilience will face headwinds in second half of 2025 from tariffs, trade conflicts: MAS Business S'pore's Q2 total employment rises, but infocomm and professional services sectors see more job cuts Singapore Fewer than 1 in 5 people noticed suspicious items during MHA's social experiments Asia Powerful 8.8-magnitude quake in Russia's far east causes tsunami; Japan, Hawaii order evacuations Singapore Migrant workers who gave kickbacks to renew work passes were conservancy workers at AMK Town Council Asia 'Hashing things out': Japan, Vietnam, EU contest terms of US tariff deals behind the scenes Singapore Escape, discover, connect: Where new memories are made Dr Yii said Kpods, which often contain etomidate, are targeted at young people. It was reported that Singapore is working to list etomidate as a Class C drug under its Misuse of Drugs Act. Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung was recently reported to have said that random tests found that one-third out of 100 vape devices seized were found to contain etomidate. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Health
- Straits Times
MHA to support HSA's crackdown on Kpod abusers and help in treatment of offenders: Shanmugam
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam speaking to the media at the launch of the SGSecure web series on July 30. SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will second its officers to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to tackle the scourge of etomidate-laced vaporisers, also known as Kpods . On July 30, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said this comes after a request for assistance from the Ministry of Health (MOH) . Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an SGSecure event, Mr Shanmugam said officers from his ministry will assist HSA with enforcement efforts , including the supervision, treatment and rehabilitation of etomidate abusers. Mr Shanmugam, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, said: 'The cases you hear about are distressing. The abusers of etomidate lose control of themselves, they put themselves in dangerous positions. They become vulnerable. They become zombies.' He said that as an interim measure, MHA will list etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) , while his ministry continues to support MOH as the Health Ministry decides on further legislative actions to take against Kpod offenders. This comes after Health Minister Ong Ye Kung had said on July 20 that MOH and MHA were working together to list etomidate under the MDA . Mr Ong had said the interim measure will be enacted in the coming weeks. Etomidate is classified as a poison and regulated under the Poisons Act. It has clinical use as an anaesthetic agent, and is permitted only in clinical settings and subject to strict conditions. Under this law, abusers face only a fine. Sellers face possible jail time of up to two years. If listed as a Class C drug, users can be subjected to supervision and mandatory participation in a rehabilitation programme or committed to drug rehabilitation centres, like what drug abusers undergo. Those who reoffend or commit other serious offences can also be jailed for at least a year. Mr Shanmugam drew parellels between etomidate abuse and drug abuse, pointing to a report in The Sunday Times on June 27 of a mother lamenting about her son's addiction to Kpods. Mr Shanmugam said: 'She feels helpless and feels there is no way for her to help her son. Now, this is the damage that vapes laced with etomidate has done within just a short period. This is not just one story. There are many such instances. 'For drugs, the consequences if we take a light approach will be multiplied several folds compared with what you are seeing with etomidate.' Mr Shanmugam said that many ambassadors, foreign ministers and activist groups have told him that Singapore's drug laws are harsh and that the Republic's approach is wrong. Tough measures But he defended Singapore's tough stance. He said: 'Whose streets are safer? Where do parents feel that they can bring up their children in safety? So I tell them, look, you look after yourselves. We (will) look after Singaporeans and Singaporeans support our policies.' Mr Shanmugam said enforcement and awareness efforts surrounding Kpods may be similar to how MHA deals with hard drugs, adding it could start in schools and with parents as vape users are starting at a younger age. He said: 'Our public education on drugs also starts very young and this is something we will have to discuss with MOH, and MOH will have to decide how they want to bring it across and how they want to do the public education for young children.' Several teachers recently told ST how schools were grappling with vapes, with offenders starting the habit in primary schools. Both ministries had told ST on July 12 they were considering enhancing laws around vaping, to tackle the scourge . Between January 2024 and March 2025, HSA had seized more than $41 million worth of vapes and their components . On July 20, Mr Ong, who is also Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, had said Kpods made up a third of more than 100 randomly tested seized vapes . He said several deaths here , including from traffic accidents and unnatural deaths, have been linked to etomidate . On July 25, HSA said two people involved in a fatal road accident in Punggol Road tested positive for etomidate in their blood samples . The pair were in a car that collided with a bus at about 2.50pm on May 13. They had about 42 e-vaporisers and more than 1,200 pods in the vehicle , with some containing etomidate. The 30-year-old male driver is assisting with investigations. His passenger, a 28-year-old woman, died in hospital. The authorities have recently increased efforts to tackle the vaping crisis. On July 9, MOH and HSA issued a circular to public healthcare institutions telling them to record all suspected and confirmed etomidate-linked vaping cases and to get patients to surrender their vapes. On July 16, HSA said it had taken down more than 600 Telegram groups advertising or selling vapes and Kpods to Singaporeans since April 2024. And on July 25, the Bin The Vape initiative was launched. Vape disposal bins were installed at 23 community clubs and one residents' network centre, where users can throw away the devices without fear of punishment. To report vaping-related offences, call the HSA reporting hotline on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, including on public holidays. The public can report online at If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at stnewsdesk@
