PUBLIC TRANSPORT, LTA STAFF ON PATROL FOR VAPES
On buses, trains and interchanges, public transport staff conduct active patrols and checks to “deter and detect prohibited activities such as the use or possession of vapes”, said LTA in a statement.
They have been empowered under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisement and Sales) Act to serve notices and seize vapes before handing them to HSA.
One such staff member is Mr Romel Cajandab Sangalla, who is a senior station manager at Bishan MRT station.
Earlier this month, he was alerted by the station security officers of a man in his thirties who was caught with five vapes.
Initially, he was afraid that the man would be violent or uncooperative when confronted, but these fears were not realised.
“Of course, he was uneasy, but I tried to calm him down,” said Mr Sangalla. “He was worried that the case might elevate (to the point where) he would lose his job.”
The case was handed to HSA, and the man was given a fine.
For Bishan Bus Interchange supervisor Desmond Chi, he has been walking around the interchange every two hours, looking at secluded areas like smoking corners for commuters who are vaping.
While he has not caught any commuters in the act, he explained that the protocol is to report the particulars of vape users or those in possession of vapes to HSA. If the commuter is uncooperative or leaves the scene, they will make a note of their physical appearance and hand over surveillance footage to the authorities.
Asked if patrolling for vapes adds to his workload, he said: “I still take it as part of our duty, to keep our Bishan Bus Interchange safe for the commuters.”
LTA said that the presence of such staff complements other security measures such as surveillance cameras and random inspections.
On roads, public paths, and public transport facilities, LTA enforcement officers also look out for offences such as the illegal use or possession of vapes.
