Stomper fumes over 'overwhelming' number of smokers in Tampines Central
Concerns about public smoking in Singapore have been raised by several Stompers, who shared observations from Tampines, Telok Blangah and Bukit Batok.
One Stomper, who asked to remain anonymous, said the number of people smoking outdoors around Tampines Central appeared "overwhelming" when he visited the area on Jan 24 between 3pm and 6pm.
He said smokers could be seen puffing along pedestrian paths, near coffee shops, traffic lights, malls, office buildings and MRT stations, and shared photos of several of them.
"You can play spot the smoker by their body language and count how many children and members of the public have to walk past them," the Stomper said, adding that he felt Singapore's outdoor environment had become "unhealthy, smelly, ugly and frustrating".
"It's hard to walk outside without walking into the stench of tar, plumes of cigarette smoke and cigarette butt litter," he said.
The Stomper suggested that enclosed smoking rooms with air filtration systems be provided at designated locations away from pedestrian traffic, so that smokers would know where to go and members of the public could avoid second-hand smoke.
"Right now, everywhere you go, there would be smokers," he said.
In a separate incident, Stomper YCG said he had repeatedly seen a man smoking at a coffee shop at Block 65 Telok Blangah Drive.
The Stomper shared a video of the latest sighting, which occurred on Feb 2 at 9.09pm.
Smoking has been banned at all coffee shops since July 2006, except at designated smoking corners.
According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), existing smoking corners in retail food establishments will be phased out when the licences of the establishments are terminated or cancelled.
Stomper Simon also raised concerns after seeing a man smoking at a bus stop at Bukit Batok East Avenue 4 on Feb 3 at around 6.15pm.
"I think people should not smoke at bus stops as there are many people around, especially during peak hours," Simon said.
"Many people may be irritated or have allergies that could be triggered by second-hand smoke.
"I am someone who gets allergic reactions from cigarette smoke and soft dust in the air, so I think this shouldn't be allowed."
Smoking is prohibited in many public places in Singapore, including bus stops, covered linkways and within five metres of building entrances, under regulations enforced by the NEA.
Offenders caught smoking in a prohibited place are generally liable to a composition fine of $200. If convicted in court, they can face a fine of up to $1,000.
Members of the public can report smoking in prohibited areas to the NEA via the myENV app.
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