S’pore netizen complains about smokers near ‘No Smoking’ sign, rebuffed by commenters

Netizen outraged by smokers smoking next to “No Smoking” sign

An enraged netizen took to the Facebook page Complaint Singapore to express frustration over smokers smoking near a “No Smoking” sign.

“Seriously, what is the point of putting up a NO SMOKING sign if people simply choose to ignore it?” the Original Poster (OP) questioned.

The post shared on Tuesday (13 Oct) included two photos showing a group of people smoking on a pavement along New Market Road, opposite the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Building.

Notably, there is a “No Smoking” sign on the railing facing the covered walkway behind them.

Netizen calls smokers “inconsiderate” and “disrespectful”

Besides noting that they ignored the “clearly displayed signage”, the OP blasted the smokers for lacking “basic consideration for others”.

“Not everyone wants to breathe in your secondhand smoke,” they wrote, adding that pregnant women, young children, and elderly people, among others, also use the walkway.

They emphasised that those who want to smoke should do it in an area where it is allowed “instead of making everyone else breathe it in”.

The OP hoped that the National Environment Agency (NEA) would investigate the incident and step up enforcement at the location.

“Smoking where it’s prohibited isn’t just inconsiderate. It’s disrespectful to everyone sharing that space,” they stressed.

They also questioned whether having enforcement officers in the area is needed before people “follow simple rules”.

Commenters say no laws were broken

Many netizens who commented on the post did not support the OP’s views. They instead criticised the OP for being quickly outraged.

Several commenters pointed out that the pictured smokers were smoking outdoors and not under the shelter where the signage was posted, thus obeying the rules.

Furthermore, they pointed out that the “no smoking” signage faced the walkway, suggesting it does not apply to the pavement beside it.

Smoking in uncovered walkways largely allowed

The Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act 1992 also supports the commenters’ arguments.

Under the act, uncovered walkways (except those at Orchard Road No Smoking Zone) are among designated areas where smoking is allowed.

MS News also reached out to NEA for clarification regarding the incident.

A NEA representative noted that the people in the photo appeared not to be smoking in a prohibited area, as they were on the non-sheltered pavement.

“Also, as the comments point out, the no-smoking signage is facing the other direction, which should be meant for the sheltered pedestrian walkway where smoking is prohibited,” they added.

Also read: Netizen complains about cigarette butts littered outside Woodlands MRT station, NEA issued over 200 fines

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Featured image adapted from EasygoingGrape5516 on Facebook.