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NOTICE PAPER NO. 2629
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 4 MARCH 2024
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Yip Hon Weng
MP for Yio Chu Kang
Question No. 5812
To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether there have been any reports of the use of nasal inhalers or “energy sticks” in Singapore, especially amongst children and students; and (b) whether the Ministry has studied (i) the effects of such inhalers and (ii) the need to treat them like vaporisers and e-cigarettes.
NOTICE PAPER NO. 2636
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 6 MARCH 2024
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim
MP for Choa Chu Kang
Question No. 5632
To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether HSA is monitoring the trend on the use of “energy stick” inhalers among youths; and (b) whether the Ministry will be raising awareness of the dangers of such inhalers as gateway devices for potential drug abuse.
Answer
1 My response will also cover the matters raised in the written question by Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim for a subsequent sitting.
2 “Energy stick” nasal inhalers claim to give users an energy boost. They contain ingredients that are similar to the conventional nasal decongestant inhaler. The Ministry and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) are closely monitoring their use, especially when its marketing on social media and availability of flavours target the young. We will continue to evaluate these products to ensure they are not adulterated with harmful ingredients such as nicotine as they evolve, and will take the necessary actions to protect public health.