In many sources you can read about the ban on the use of chewing gum on the territory of one of the most economically developed countries in Asia. We checked whether such a ban really exists.

That's what reported special correspondent of Rossiyskaya Gazeta in Singapore Vladimir Snegirev in 2012: “The fight of Singaporeans for cleanliness has long become the talk of the town. Unthinkable fines for throwing a cigarette butt or piece of paper, a ban on chewing gum, smoking in all public places without exception... Some people admire this, others smile. In fact, this is not paranoia and not eccentricity at all, but just part of the state policy that is designed to forever root in the minds and souls of local citizens respect and love for the house in which they live.”

The fact that in this small state the law prohibits the use of chewing gum was also written at various times “RIA Novosti» (repeatedly) And "Gazeta.ru". Magazine "Around the World" clarified that the fine for use is 1,000 Singapore dollars (about $700), but for importing gum into the country - as much as 100,000 (about $7,000). IN social networks Since 2021, a version has been circulating that mentions a much lower fine for importing chewing gum - S$5,500.

But that’s not all. In another publication of RIA Novosti claimed, that chewing gum that gets on the asphalt can get you a year in prison in Singapore. And in some publications with reference to witnesses, it is stated that the punishment for this offense in Singapore can also be corporal - several blows with sticks.

Some popular sources trace the history of Singapore's difficult relationship with chewing gum back to 1987. If you believe the already mentioned article in "Around the World", “As soon as the subway started operating in Singapore, hooligans started sticking chewing gum to automatic door sensors, causing them, authorities claimed, to break down.” Further mention is made of damaged asphalt, residents' shoes and cars: all this supposedly led to the ban on chewing gum in the country in 1992.

If you look into Singapore Media, it turns out that chewing gum has been fought here before. In 1983, the country's Minister of Culture Suppia Danabalan raised a question about a possible ban on the sale of chewing gum. The Singapore Housing and Development Board was then spending S$150,000 annually scraping the used product from city streets and houses. By initiative Minister, advertising of chewing gum was banned on state television, and even earlier it was no longer sold on school grounds. But in a broad sense, the ban had not yet taken place - the then Prime Minister of Singapore, the symbol of all reforms in the country and the initiator of many bans, Lee Kuan Yew counted such a legislative measure is “too tough.” However, in November 1987, as mentioned above, the first line of the Singapore metro opened, and the issue of chewing gum was brought to a head - problems with closing train doors began to lead to failures on their schedule. After this, Lee Kuan Yew no longer interfered with more serious measures (his replica “If you can’t think without chewing, try a banana”), but it took more than four years and a change in the chief executive to solve the problem.

Finally, on January 3, 1992, the amendment, which included chewing gum in the list of goods prohibited (without a special clause) for production in the country. The fine for violation was set at up to S$50,000. At the same time we updated food sales law - Now chewing gum has become impossible to sell or advertise, otherwise you would have to part with up to 2,000 local dollars. In 2004 this situation was somewhat softened - in accordance with the free trade agreement signed with the United States of America. However, the list of approved products was limited to medical products, such as chewing gum for smoking and oral care. Similar ban valid for imports - in case of the first violation you will have to pay up to 100,000 Singapore dollars or even serve up to two years in prison. However, this restriction applies only to those volumes of imported product that may indicate a desire to sell it. Judging by the statements in reputable media and numerous user comments, no one will stop you for a moderate amount of gum, even up to a box or two.

I must say that all these steps turned out to be effective. Already in February 1993, a year after the introduction of bans, the average number of cases of chewing gum found on the street amounted to just two a day, down from 525 before the ban. Thanks to a dramatic reduction in chewing gum waste, councils have reported huge savings on cleaning costs.

As you can see, Singapore has fairly strict (albeit without corporal punishment) measures regarding the production, sale, advertising and import of chewing gum. However, no one forbids using it or even bringing it with you in your pocket or backpack.

Cover image: Pixabay.