Singapore is known for its commitment and dedication for cleanliness and sanitation. In fact, Singapore is tagged to be the toughest country to impose laws that are only a minor offense in many countries. The most popular law that is implemented in Singapore that you may see as a minor offense is the chewing, selling and purchasing (without permission) of gum. Anyone caught doing such act may result to imprisonment depending on the decision of the court.
Before the law wasn’t implemented, there are a lot of people who are leaving their chewing gums on public places and vehicles like the MRT and buses. Actually, there is a huge amount of chewing gum seen in public areas making the government spent a lot of dollars to clean those dirty places with chewing gums.
Implementation: In the past, chewing gums are smoothly flowing around the markets of Singapore. However, there are so many problems that challenged the government of Singapore. Thus, the implementation of selling, buying and chewing of gum in the country was produced. The implementation of the law started on 1992 of January which was implemented by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.
Penalty: Singapore law states that chewing, selling and purchasing of gum are considered littering. Thus, the fine for this law is the same with the littering law which is $500-$2,000.
Law Revision: In 2004, the law that banned the export of chewing gum is revised because there are chewing gums that are helpful especially to people who wants to quit smoking. However, these chewing gums are only sold in drug stores. Any drug store caught selling for people who will not show any proof that they need the chewing gum can be jail in 2 years and pay a fine of nearly $3,000.
