Man, 25, fined S$14,000 for using vapes & posting photos & videos on social media

A 25-year-old man, Krish Khalifa, was handed a S$12,000 fine by the courts on Dec. 17 for posting photos and videos of himself using vapes on social media between November 2023 and September 2024.

Additionally, he was fined S$2,000 for the possession of vapes seen in the social media content.

This is the first case in which someone was prosecuted for posting images of himself vaping on social media, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said in a Dec. 17 press release.

Complaints by public

According to HSA, it investigated the man after receiving complaints from members of the public alleging that an individual had posted a TikTok video of himself using a vape.

The investigations revealed that between November 2023 and September 2024, Krish had posted nine videos and photographs of him holding or using vapes in public places and at home.

These photos and videos were posted on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok under the handle @Rapperboya.

In a screenshot of one video, the man posted an image of himself in bed with a vape in hand, in response to a comment that said the act was "relatable".

He was subsequently charged and prosecuted by HSA.

HSA said that this is the first time it has prosecuted such a case.

Content may constitute advertising

Norman Chong, Director of HSA's Tobacco Regulation Branch, said that the promotion of e-vaporisers on social media platforms may normalise their use and influence the public, especially youths, to experiment with vaping.

"HSA takes a zero-tolerance approach and will continue active surveillance and take firm enforcement action against those who promote e-vaporisers," Chong emphasised.

Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, contents encouraging the use of vapes can constitute an advertisement for a prohibited tobacco product, HSA said.

It is an offence under the Act to promote the use of tobacco products and imitation tobacco products, such as vapes, including posting them on social media.

Offenders may be liable to a fine of up to S$10,000, jailed for up six months, or both.

Repeat offenders may be fined up to S$20,000, jailed for up to 12 months, or both.

Since Sep. 1, 2025, stiffer penalties have been in force against vape users.

These include mandatory rehabilitation for recalcitrant users.

Top image via HSA