Shisha to be banned in Singapore from later this month

SINGAPORE: Singapore today decided to impose a ban on Shisha smoking, saying it is no less harmful than other forms of tobacco.

According to the National Health Survey 2010, 7.8 per cent of young adults aged 18-29 years smoke shisha at least occasionally, compared to 1 per cent among older adults.

The Student Health Survey found that the proportion of students who used alternative tobacco products, including shisha, had increased from 2 per cent in 2009 to 9 per cent in 2012.

Parlimentary Secretary for Ministry of Health Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said the ban on shisha will be effected later this month.

Speaking in parliament, he said that the decision was taken in view of the health risks associated with shisha smoking.

"However, as a transitional measure, existing licensed tobacco importers and retailers who import or sell shisha tobacco will be allowed to continue importing and retailing shisha tobacco until Jul 31, 2016," he said.

"This allows such importers and retailers ample time to deplete their stock and restructure their businesses away from the shisha business," the Channel News Asia quoted Faishal as saying.

Health experts have warned that a single session of smoking shisha is the same as smoking 200 cigarettes.