First smoking cabin to counter second-hand smoke launched in one-north

Mr Stefen Choo, director of Southern Globe Corporation, speaking at the launch of the smoking cabin outside Fusionopolis. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY

SINGAPORE - A cabin for smokers that converts cigarette smoke into clean air, the first in Singapore, has been installed outside Fusionopolis in the one-north area.

The air-conditioned Smoking Cabin SG, which was launched on Tuesday (May 21), is aimed at tackling the issue of second-hand cigarette smoke in Singapore.

The cabin was developed by Mr Stefen Choo, director of Southern Globe Corporation, an aviation spare parts sales and logistics company

Said Mr Choo: "I am a father of two, and there are many occasions when my family has been inconvenienced by the presence of cigarette smoke. I have always felt that there should be a better solution to contain cigarette smoke in Singapore."

The cabin can fit up to 10 people at one time and incorporates a three-layer filtration system.

The base of the filtering system is fitted with a centrifugal fan, which acts as a suction to pull cigarette smoke into the filtering system. Once the cigarette smoke enters the filtering system, large dust particles, micron particles, as well as tobacco smells and chemicals will be removed from the cabin. This system can be found in countries such as Dubai, Japan, Kuwait and Denmark.

A prototype of the smoking cabin was placed outside Fusionopolis for 10 days in early May and an average of 100 smokers were reported to have used it daily. The smoking cabin will continue to be stationed in the area for a year.

"We plan to launch 60 more of these cabins all around Singapore, and a further 60 next year. The more these cabins are available in Singapore, the less exposed me and my children will be to second-hand smoke," said Mr Choo.

The interior of the smoking cabin, which can fit up to ten people at one time. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY

One cabin costs about $20,000, and Southern Globe Corporation said it is currently in talks with building owners and shopping malls to provide "second-hand smoke free places to their patrons and tenants".

Mr Drake Lim, 36, director of Design Jukebox, was among the the first few who used the smoking cabin.

He said: "I know second-hand smoke is harmful to others, so I think this is a very good addition to what we can do to help the environment."

The master planner and developer of one-north, JTC, noted that the area served as a "Living Lab" where entrepreneurs, technology companies and research institutions could test-bed their urban solutions.

"The smoking cabin at Fusionopolis Plaza is one such smart solution that also provides a nicer and cleaner environment for the one-north community," said Mr Aaron Tham, director of New Estates in JTC Corporation

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has said that there is currently no prohibition for the setting up of smoking cabins, as long as they are not placed in smoking prohibited places under the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Regulations (SPCPR).

NEA has no plans currently to install similar cabins. It noted the recent implementation of the Orchard Road No Smoking Zone where Designated Smoking Areas (DSAs) have been set up and located a distance away from entrances and exits.

NEA also said the setting-up of smoking cabins required careful consideration.

"Companies are advised to consult relevant stakeholders and the community on their plans. Companies are also required to seek permission from the relevant premise owners and land agencies," it said.

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