People are discarding their vapes on their way to Singapore – but not in the rubbish cans.
A TikTok video from the Mothership (@mothershipsg) account showed vape after vape spread across the causeway that connects Johor Bahru, Malaysia and Singapore.
According to the BBC, Singapore banned vaping in 2018, but has since clamped down with even harsher penalties. There are serious concerns about vapes laced with etomidate, a type of anesthetic. Vapes containing these are sometimes called “K-pods” or “space oil” and can cause severe health problems when inhaled.
On September 1st, new laws came into effect classifying etomidate as a Class C controlled drug for the next six months. Anyone caught with regular vapes could face fines close to $400 and state-mandated rehab. But if you’re caught with vapes laced with etomidate, you could face jail time, according to the BBC.
Along with these new laws, vape disposal bins have been placed in airports, border crossings, universities, community clubs, and other places. Despite this, people are dropping their illegal vapes on the highway, creating harmful and dangerous litter.
In addition to the health issues that vaping causes, it can also be dangerous on the road. The sharp metal components can puncture a tire if cut, or the internal lithium battery can explode. Many Redditors have posted about this issue, which can result in expensive car repairs.
Dropping vapes from the car window also contributes to the world’s problem of plastic pollution. Lithium batteries create fire hazards, microplastics break down and accumulate in wild animals, and unsightly garbage makes cities dirty.
Disposing of vapes in designated bins is more responsible, but the best way to reduce health issues, environmental damage, and road hazards is to stop using disposable vapes altogether.
Many other TikTokers were disappointed with this behavior.
One person asked, “Isn’t dumping really an illegal activity too?”
Someone else asked, “Actual question: just … why?”
Another person pointed out sarcastically that the new laws are meant to protect people, not limit freedoms, saying, “A government that cares about the well-being of their people!!! I didn’t think that was a real thing.”
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