The Daily Ketchup Confronting Ong Ye Kung: Real Answers on the KPOD Crackdown!
Sep 4, 2025
Ong Ye Kung, Singapore's Minister for Health, discusses the nation's tough stance on vaping and K-Pods. He addresses why crackdowns weren't implemented sooner and explores the legality of non-drugged vapes. The conversation dives into Singapore's stringent drug regulations, balancing punishment and rehabilitation for youth. Ong humorously touches on the influence of content creators on young vapers and elaborates on the need for supportive initiatives like the QuitVape programme to encourage healthier choices.
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Sudden Rise Prompted Policy Shift
- Etomidate vapes emerged suddenly and escalated from sporadic cases to widespread harm prompting urgent action.
- A house visit showing domestic abuse after K-pod use convinced Ong Ye Kung to reclassify it under drug law.
Deterrence Via Raised Criminal Risk
- Harsher penalties target the economics of trafficking by raising the criminal risk calculation for sellers and importers.
- Ong Ye Kung believes longer jail terms and caning will deter profit-driven importers and distributors.
Offer A No-Record Quit Path
- Allow voluntary, non-punitive entry points so young users seek help without criminal records.
- Offer free counseling and rehabilitation as an alternative to immediate prosecution.
