Forum: Ban smoking while walking in public spaces

I would like to urge the authorities to consider extending Singapore’s smoking restrictions to include a ban on smoking while walking in public spaces.

Although smoking is already prohibited in many areas such as bus stops, parks and covered walkways, it is still common to see people smoking while walking along the streets.

This exposes nearby pedestrians to second-hand smoke, often without warning or any opportunity to avoid it.

Second-hand smoke is well documented to be harmful, and it is unfair that non-smokers – including children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions – are forced to inhale it simply because someone chooses to light up while walking.

This behaviour also undermines the efforts made to create smoke-free zones, as the smoke inevitably drifts into public areas where smoking is otherwise banned.

Cities such as Tokyo and parts of Hong Kong have successfully implemented bans on smoking while walking, with designated smoking areas provided instead.

Singapore could adopt a similar approach to safeguard public health and promote civic responsibility.

A ban on smoking while walking would be a logical next step in Singapore’s journey towards a cleaner and healthier environment for all.

Edwin Goh