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Ban on tobacco would lead to better health, savings on medical costs

I refer to the letters, “Coordinated approach, not outright ban, needed to address smoking” and “Easier to tackle smuggling if cigarettes were banned” (both June 30).

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Stella Hoe Choy Kuen

I refer to the letters, “Coordinated approach, not outright ban, needed to address smoking” and “Easier to tackle smuggling if cigarettes were banned” (both June 30).

Whether tobacco is banned or not, there is smuggling. But how many smokers can get cigarettes through smuggling if tobacco were banned in Singapore, where we have efficient authorities to catch smugglers?

Although cigarettes bring in tax revenue, let us not forget that the amount spent on medical subsidies is rising. A ban would, for example, help keep MediShield Life premiums low.

At the least, should smokers not pay higher premiums or enjoy no subsidies, as they are affecting their health and that of others?

As a non-smoker, I feel it is unfair to pay the same MediShield premium as smokers, who will have to pay more in other insurance schemes.

Also, one often finds smokers flouting the no-smoking law. Some people smoke at MRT station entrances, shop entrances, taxi stands, bus stops, traffic lights, lift lobbies and inside lifts.

I have seen students in uniform lighting up, gathering sometimes at the void deck or the staircase, or near the library. Our Government should do more to prevent children, who are influenced easily by their peers, from picking up smoking.

The air around us has become more polluted. We are taught from a young age to avoid smoking, and that second-hand smoke can also affect our health. Many of my friends and colleagues would like our country to be smoke-free.

If Singapore could ban tobacco as Bhutan has, our people would enjoy better health, and this country would be a better place to live in. Singapore would enjoy the reputation of truly being a Garden City, with fresh air.

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