SINGAPORE — An initiative piloted three years ago for a smoke-free estate will come full circle by the year’s end, when Nee Soon South will become the first constituency to have all its public housing blocks within reach of a designated smoking point.

Some 50 smoking points — roughly one every three blocks — will dot the constituency.

At the launch of the redesigned smoking points yesterday, Member of Parliament for the area Lee Bee Wah said they were a “win-win situation” for residents.

Non-smokers have said the amount of secondary smoke had gone down, while smokers have cooperated. The amount of litter caused by smoking has also reduced significantly, she added.

There are now 42 smoking points across Nee Soon South, including the six piloted in 2014 that have been upgraded.

Ms Lee said there was positive feedback from grassroots leaders, so they decided to roll out more of them. She added that at the busiest smoking point, around 200 cigarette butts could be collected in a day.

Residents picked the new design from a shortlist of three last year, and gone are the plastic sheet walls and umbrella shelter previously.

In the latest iteration, designed by three National University of Singapore engineering undergraduates, the 3m-by-3m smoking points boast a sturdier structure, brighter interior, angled benches and a zinc roof to shelter smokers from the elements.

Mr Aaron Ong from the winning team told TODAY that they drew their design inspiration from smoking points in Germany, the United Kingdom and South Korea, where the students had been for their study exchange.

The 50 smoking points cost S$500,000 to build and were funded by donations from 27 individuals and private companies.

On whether the smoking corners would encourage smoking, Ms Lee stressed that “smoking is a personal choice”.

“If the smokers wish to quit, we have a community point at our wellness centre to help and guide them to quit smoking. If they wish to continue to smoke, that’s their choice, and we urge them to make use of the designated smoking points,” she said.

While there are no penalties for not using the smoking points, those caught smoking along covered walkways and pedestrian bridges may be liable for a fine of up to S$1,000 under current laws.

Residents TODAY spoke to welcomed the presence of more smoking points. Mdm T Letchumi, 59, said it will “give smokers more reason not to smoke irresponsibly”, and reduce secondary smoke.

Smokers, meanwhile, said they need not travel too far to light up.

A resident who wanted to be known only as Mr Ho, 32, said it was more convenient now that there was a smoking point beside his block. He hoped other estates will adopt the idea.

Ms Lee said she welcomed other constituencies taking up the idea and added that it was encouraging to note that areas such as Orchard Road are setting up designated smoking areas.

A couple of other MPs TODAY contacted said they had not received much negative feedback on smoking issues, with residents finding the current laws sufficient.

MP (West Coast GRC) Patrick Tay said there was only one case in his Boon Lay ward in the past year, while MP (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC) Zainal Sapari said more ground engagement would be needed before implementing any such smoking points.

“The only feedback we have got so far is to extend the no-smoking zone to cover coffee shops entirely, especially the outdoor areas,” said Mr Zainal.