Reply to The Straits Times Forum Letter on "SAF's Smoking Prohibition Policies Aligned with National Policies"

We refer to the letter by Mr Sia Chuan Han, 'How will new smoking age rule be enforced in army camps?', published on 3 January 2019.

The SAF's smoking prohibition policies are aligned with national policies to promote a smoke-free lifestyle in Singapore. Servicemen below the minimum legal age are prohibited from smoking in all MINDEF/SAF premises. Unit commanders and the SAF Military Police conduct checks in all camps and bases, and servicemen caught infringing the smoking law will be subjected to disciplinary actions.

The SAF recognises the harmful effects of tobacco use. We conduct smoking cessation talks and workshops for our servicemen. SAF medical officers and counsellors offer resources and advice, and support servicemen who smoke to quit smoking and adopt healthy lifestyles. The SAF, in partnership with the Health Promotion Board, also trains SAF servicemen to serve as smoking cessation peer counsellors.

COL Goh Si Mien
Head Joint Manpower Department
Singapore Armed Forces