🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 152 (from laksa035)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa152.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore","crawl_time":1774067947,"first_indexed_time":1601577321,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,wikipedia!en,\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore s443","src_root_hash":"17790707453426894952","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Chewing gum sales ban in Singapore - Wikipedia","meta_descriptions":[],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia\nThe sale of\nchewing gum\nin\nSingapore\nhas been illegal since 1992. Some motivations for the ban included stopping the placement of used chewing gum in inappropriate and costly places, such as the sensors of subway doors, inside lock cylinders, and on elevator buttons. Since 2004, an exception has existed for therapeutic, dental, and nicotine chewing gum,\n[\n1\n]\nwhich can be bought from a doctor or registered pharmacist. It is not illegal to chew gum in Singapore, but it is against the law to import it and sell it, apart from the aforementioned exceptions.\n[\n2\n]\nAccording to a\nBBC News\narticle, it is legal for a traveler to bring in a small amount of chewing gum for personal use, and there is a fine for spitting the gum out in an inappropriate place.\n[\n3\n]\nIn his memoirs,\n[\n4\n]\nLee Kuan Yew\nsaid that in 1983, when he was\nPrime Minister of Singapore\n, a proposal for the ban was brought to him by\nTeh Cheang Wan\n, then\nMinister for National Development\n. Chewing gum was causing maintenance problems in high-rise\npublic-housing\napartments, with vandals disposing of spent gum in mailboxes, inside keyholes, and on lift buttons. Chewing gum left on the ground, stairways, and pavements in public areas increased the cost of cleaning and damaged cleaning equipment. Gum stuck on the seats of public buses was also considered a problem. However, Lee thought that a ban would be \"too drastic\".\nMass rapid transport and implementation\n[\nedit\n]\nIn 1987, the $5 billion local railway system, the\nMass Rapid Transit\n(MRT), started running. It was then the largest public project ever implemented in Singapore.\nIt was reported that vandals had begun sticking chewing gum on the door sensors of MRT trains, preventing doors from functioning properly and causing disruption to train services. Such incidents were rare but costly, and the culprits were difficult to apprehend. In January 1992,\nGoh Chok Tong\n, who had just taken over as prime minister, decided on a ban. The restriction on the distribution of chewing gum was enacted in Singapore Statute Chapter 57, the\nControl of Manufacture Act\n, which also governs the restriction of certain\nalcohol\nand\ntobacco\nproducts.\n[\n5\n]\nAfter the ban was announced, the importation of chewing gum was immediately halted. After a transition period allowing shops to clear existing stock, the sale of chewing gum was completely banned, the penalties being fines of up to\nS$\n2,000 for those convicted of selling chewing gum as well as fines and\/or jail terms for importers. Extant stocks of gum were confiscated.\n[\n6\n]\nWhen first introduced, the ban caused much controversy and some open defiance. Some people took the trouble of travelling to neighbouring\nJohor Bahru\n,\nMalaysia\n, to purchase chewing gum. Offenders were publicly \"named and shamed\" by the government, to serve as a deterrent to other would-be smugglers. No\nblack market\nfor chewing gum in Singapore ever emerged, though some Singaporeans occasionally still manage to purchase gum from Johor Bahru for their own consumption. Subsequent to the ban, town councils reported a substantial decrease in chewing-gum litter in public spaces, and chewing gum no longer jammed lift doors or disrupted MRT systems.\n[\n7\n]\nThe ban has since been partially lifted, as some types of gum are allowable, such as gum chewed for dental health. However, the government refuses to completely lift the ban due to the risk of gum littering again.\nInternational attention\n[\nedit\n]\nIn the mid-1990s, Singapore's laws began to receive international press coverage. US media paid great attention to the case of\nMichael P. Fay\n, an American teenager sentenced in 1994 to\ncaning\nin Singapore for\nvandalism\n(using spray paint, not chewing gum). They also drew attention to some of Singapore's other laws, including the \"mandatory flushing of public toilets\" rule.\n[\n8\n]\nConfused reporting about these issues led to the myth that the use or importation of chewing gum is itself punishable with caning. In fact, the only penalties provided under Chapter 57 are fines and imprisonment.\n[\n9\n]\nWhen a BBC reporter suggested that such laws would stifle the people's creativity, Lee Kuan Yew said: \"If you can't think because you can't chew, try a banana.\"\n[\n10\n]\nU.S. President\nGeorge W. Bush\nand Singapore Prime Minister\nGoh Chok Tong\nsign a free trade agreement in the White House, 6 May 2003. White House photo by Tina Hager.\nIn 1999, United States President\nBill Clinton\nand Singapore Prime Minister\nGoh Chok Tong\nagreed to initiate talks between the two countries for a bilateral free trade agreement (USS-FTA).\n[\n11\n]\nThe talks later continued under the new administration of President\nGeorge W. Bush\n.\nThe\nChicago\n-based\nWm. Wrigley Jr. Company\nenlisted the help of a Washington, D.C.\nlobbyist\nand of Illinois Congressman\nPhil Crane\n, then-\nchairman\nof the\nUnited States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade\n, to get chewing gum on the agenda of the\nUnited States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement\n.\n[\n12\n]\nThis caused a dilemma for the Singapore Government. It recognised the health benefits of certain gums, such as a brand of sugar-free gum that contains\ncalcium lactate\nto strengthen\ntooth enamel\n. Sale of this newly categorised medicinal gum was allowed, provided it was sold by a dentist or pharmacist, who must keep a record of the names of buyers.\n[\n12\n]\n^\n\"National Regulations and Requirements Gen 1.3: Entry, Transit and Departure of Passenger and Crew\"\n(PDF)\n. Civil Aviation Authority Singapore. 2010.\nArchived\n(PDF)\nfrom the original on 23 September 2015.\n^\n\"Why Chewing Gum Is Not Allowed in Singapore\"\n.\nChewing Gum Facts\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 30 September 2018\n. Retrieved\n2 November\n2018\n.\n^\n\"Why Singapore banned chewing gum\"\n.\nBBC News\n. 28 March 2015\n. Retrieved\n6 July\n2023\n.\n^\nLee Kuan Yew (2000).\nFrom Third World to First: The Singapore Story\n.\nISBN\n \n0-06-019776-5\n^\n\"Control of Manufacture Act\"\n.\nSingapore Statutes Online\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 5 April 2018\n. Retrieved\n5 April\n2018\n.\n^\nTeng, Sharon (7 April 2014).\n\"Chewing gum ban\"\n.\nSingapore Infopedia\n. National Library Board.\n^\nNathan, Dominic (31 December 1991).\n\"Chewing gum to be banned\"\n.\nThe Straits Times\n. Singapore. p. 1.\n^\nMetz, Elle (28 March 2015).\n\"Why Singapore banned chewing gum\"\n.\nBBC News\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 1 July 2016\n. Retrieved\n31 July\n2016\n.\n^\n\"Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum) Regulations\"\n.\nSingapore Statutes Online\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 11 October 2015.\n^\n\"Singapore's elder statesman\"\n.\nBBC News\n. 5 July 2000.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 6 September 2010\n. Retrieved\n28 April\n2010\n.\n^\nBill Clinton (2004).\nMy Life\n. Knopf.\nISBN\n \n0-375-41457-6\n.\n^\na\nb\nPrystay, Cris.\n\"At Long Last, Gum Is Legal in Singapore, But There Are Strings\"\n.\nThe Wall Street Journal\n. New York.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 18 August 2016\n. Retrieved\n31 January\n2023\n.\nHo Khai Leong (2003)\nShared Responsibilities, Unshared Power: The Politics of Policy-Making in Singapore\n,\nISBN\n \n981-210-218-3\n.","attrs_markdown":"[Jump to content](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#bodyContent)\n\nMain menu\n\nMain menu\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nNavigation\n\n- [Main page](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page \"Visit the main page [z]\")\n- [Contents](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contents \"Guides to browsing Wikipedia\")\n- [Current events](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:Current_events \"Articles related to current events\")\n- [Random article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Random \"Visit a randomly selected article [x]\")\n- [About Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:About \"Learn about Wikipedia and how it works\")\n- [Contact us](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contact_us \"How to contact Wikipedia\")\n\nContribute\n\n- [Help](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Contents \"Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia\")\n- [Learn to edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Introduction \"Learn how to edit Wikipedia\")\n- [Community portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Community_portal \"The hub for editors\")\n- [Recent changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:RecentChanges \"A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]\")\n- [Upload file](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard \"Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia\")\n- [Special pages](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:SpecialPages \"A list of all special pages [q]\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/icons\/enwiki-25.svg) ![Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/mobile\/copyright\/wikipedia-wordmark-en-25.svg) ![The Free Encyclopedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/mobile\/copyright\/wikipedia-tagline-en-25.svg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page)\n\n[Search](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Search \"Search Wikipedia [f]\")\n\nAppearance\n\n- [Donate](https:\/\/donate.wikimedia.org\/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en)\n- [Create account](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Chewing+gum+sales+ban+in+Singapore \"You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory\")\n- [Log in](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Chewing+gum+sales+ban+in+Singapore \"You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. [o]\")\n\nPersonal tools\n\n- [Donate](https:\/\/donate.wikimedia.org\/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en)\n- [Create account](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Chewing+gum+sales+ban+in+Singapore \"You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory\")\n- [Log in](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Chewing+gum+sales+ban+in+Singapore \"You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. [o]\")\n\n## Contents\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\n- [(Top)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore)\n- [1 Origins](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#Origins)\n  Toggle Origins subsection\n  - [1\\.1 Lee Kuan Yew](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#Lee_Kuan_Yew)\n  - [1\\.2 Mass rapid transport and implementation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#Mass_rapid_transport_and_implementation)\n- [2 Results](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#Results)\n- [3 International attention](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#International_attention)\n- [4 Revision](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#Revision)\n- [5 References](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#References)\n- [6 Further reading](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#Further_reading)\n\nToggle the table of contents\n\n# Chewing gum sales ban in Singapore\n9 languages\n\n- [العربية](https:\/\/ar.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D9%85%D9%86%D8%B9_%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%B9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%83_%D9%81%D9%8A_%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9 \"منع بيع العلك في سنغافورة – Arabic\")\n- [فارسی](https:\/\/fa.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D9%85%D9%85%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B9%DB%8C%D8%AA_%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B4_%D8%A2%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B3_%D8%AF%D8%B1_%D8%B3%D9%86%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%BE%D9%88%D8%B1 \"ممنوعیت فروش آدامس در سنگاپور – Persian\")\n- [Français](https:\/\/fr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Interdiction_du_chewing-gum_%C3%A0_Singapour \"Interdiction du chewing-gum à Singapour – French\")\n- [Bahasa Indonesia](https:\/\/id.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Larangan_penjualan_permen_karet_di_Singapura \"Larangan penjualan permen karet di Singapura – Indonesian\")\n- [Nederlands](https:\/\/nl.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kauwgomverbod_in_Singapore \"Kauwgomverbod in Singapore – Dutch\")\n- [Português](https:\/\/pt.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Proibi%C3%A7%C3%A3o_da_venda_de_pastilhas_el%C3%A1sticas_em_Singapura \"Proibição da venda de pastilhas elásticas em Singapura – Portuguese\")\n- [Русский](https:\/\/ru.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%97%D0%B0%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%82_%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%B6%D1%83_%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B9_%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B7%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%B2_%D0%A1%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%B0%D0%BF%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B5 \"Запрет на продажу жевательной резинки в Сингапуре – Russian\")\n- [Українська](https:\/\/uk.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%97%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%B6%D1%83%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%97_%D0%B3%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%B2_%D0%A1%D1%96%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%B0%D0%BF%D1%83%D1%80%D1%96 \"Заборона жувальної гумки в Сінгапурі – Ukrainian\")\n- [中文](https:\/\/zh.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E6%96%B0%E5%8A%A0%E5%9D%A1%E5%8F%A3%E9%A6%99%E7%B3%96%E7%A6%81%E4%BB%A4 \"新加坡口香糖禁令 – Chinese\")\n\n[Edit links](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Special:EntityPage\/Q3153129#sitelinks-wikipedia \"Edit interlanguage links\")\n\n- [Article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore \"View the content page [c]\")\n- [Talk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Talk:Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore \"Discuss improvements to the content page [t]\")\n\nEnglish\n\n- [Read](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore)\n- [Edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit \"Edit this page [e]\")\n- [View history](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=history \"Past revisions of this page [h]\")\n\nTools\n\nTools\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nActions\n\n- [Read](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore)\n- [Edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit \"Edit this page [e]\")\n- [View history](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=history)\n\nGeneral\n\n- [What links here](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:WhatLinksHere\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore \"List of all English Wikipedia pages containing links to this page [j]\")\n- [Related changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:RecentChangesLinked\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore \"Recent changes in pages linked from this page [k]\")\n- [Upload file](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:File_Upload_Wizard \"Upload files [u]\")\n- [Permanent link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&oldid=1323775210 \"Permanent link to this revision of this page\")\n- [Page 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item](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Special:EntityPage\/Q3153129 \"Structured data on this page hosted by Wikidata [g]\")\n\nAppearance\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia\n\nChewing gum ban in Singapore\n\nThe sale of [chewing gum](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum \"Chewing gum\") in [Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Singapore \"Singapore\") has been illegal since 1992. Some motivations for the ban included stopping the placement of used chewing gum in inappropriate and costly places, such as the sensors of subway doors, inside lock cylinders, and on elevator buttons. Since 2004, an exception has existed for therapeutic, dental, and nicotine chewing gum,[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-1) which can be bought from a doctor or registered pharmacist. It is not illegal to chew gum in Singapore, but it is against the law to import it and sell it, apart from the aforementioned exceptions.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-2) According to a [BBC News](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BBC_News \"BBC News\") article, it is legal for a traveler to bring in a small amount of chewing gum for personal use, and there is a fine for spitting the gum out in an inappropriate place.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-3)\n\n## Origins\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=1 \"Edit section: Origins\")\\]\n\n### Lee Kuan Yew\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=2 \"Edit section: Lee Kuan Yew\")\\]\n\nIn his memoirs,[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-4) [Lee Kuan Yew](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lee_Kuan_Yew \"Lee Kuan Yew\") said that in 1983, when he was [Prime Minister of Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prime_Minister_of_Singapore \"Prime Minister of Singapore\"), a proposal for the ban was brought to him by [Teh Cheang Wan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Teh_Cheang_Wan \"Teh Cheang Wan\"), then [Minister for National Development](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Minister_for_National_Development_\$Singapore\$ \"Minister for National Development (Singapore)\"). Chewing gum was causing maintenance problems in high-rise [public-housing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Housing_and_Development_Board \"Housing and Development Board\") apartments, with vandals disposing of spent gum in mailboxes, inside keyholes, and on lift buttons. Chewing gum left on the ground, stairways, and pavements in public areas increased the cost of cleaning and damaged cleaning equipment. Gum stuck on the seats of public buses was also considered a problem. However, Lee thought that a ban would be \"too drastic\".\n\n### Mass rapid transport and implementation\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=3 \"Edit section: Mass rapid transport and implementation\")\\]\n\nIn 1987, the \\$5 billion local railway system, the [Mass Rapid Transit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mass_Rapid_Transit_\$Singapore\$ \"Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)\") (MRT), started running. It was then the largest public project ever implemented in Singapore.\n\nIt was reported that vandals had begun sticking chewing gum on the door sensors of MRT trains, preventing doors from functioning properly and causing disruption to train services. Such incidents were rare but costly, and the culprits were difficult to apprehend. In January 1992, [Goh Chok Tong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Goh_Chok_Tong \"Goh Chok Tong\"), who had just taken over as prime minister, decided on a ban. The restriction on the distribution of chewing gum was enacted in Singapore Statute Chapter 57, the *Control of Manufacture Act*, which also governs the restriction of certain [alcohol](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Alcohol_\$drug\$ \"Alcohol (drug)\") and [tobacco](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tobacco \"Tobacco\") products.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-5)\n\n## Results\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=4 \"Edit section: Results\")\\]\n\nAfter the ban was announced, the importation of chewing gum was immediately halted. After a transition period allowing shops to clear existing stock, the sale of chewing gum was completely banned, the penalties being fines of up to [S\\$](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Singapore_dollar \"Singapore dollar\")2,000 for those convicted of selling chewing gum as well as fines and\/or jail terms for importers. Extant stocks of gum were confiscated.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-6)\n\nWhen first introduced, the ban caused much controversy and some open defiance. Some people took the trouble of travelling to neighbouring [Johor Bahru](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Johor_Bahru \"Johor Bahru\"), [Malaysia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malaysia \"Malaysia\"), to purchase chewing gum. Offenders were publicly \"named and shamed\" by the government, to serve as a deterrent to other would-be smugglers. No [black market](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Black_market \"Black market\") for chewing gum in Singapore ever emerged, though some Singaporeans occasionally still manage to purchase gum from Johor Bahru for their own consumption. Subsequent to the ban, town councils reported a substantial decrease in chewing-gum litter in public spaces, and chewing gum no longer jammed lift doors or disrupted MRT systems.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-7)\n\nThe ban has since been partially lifted, as some types of gum are allowable, such as gum chewed for dental health. However, the government refuses to completely lift the ban due to the risk of gum littering again.\n\n## International attention\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=5 \"Edit section: International attention\")\\]\n\nIn the mid-1990s, Singapore's laws began to receive international press coverage. US media paid great attention to the case of [Michael P. Fay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Michael_P._Fay \"Michael P. Fay\"), an American teenager sentenced in 1994 to [caning](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caning_in_Singapore \"Caning in Singapore\") in Singapore for [vandalism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vandalism \"Vandalism\") (using spray paint, not chewing gum). They also drew attention to some of Singapore's other laws, including the \"mandatory flushing of public toilets\" rule.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-8) Confused reporting about these issues led to the myth that the use or importation of chewing gum is itself punishable with caning. In fact, the only penalties provided under Chapter 57 are fines and imprisonment.[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-9)\n\nWhen a BBC reporter suggested that such laws would stifle the people's creativity, Lee Kuan Yew said: \"If you can't think because you can't chew, try a banana.\"[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-10)\n\n## Revision\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=6 \"Edit section: Revision\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/15\/SingaporeUS_FreeTrade.jpg\/250px-SingaporeUS_FreeTrade.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:SingaporeUS_FreeTrade.jpg)\n\nU.S. President [George W. Bush](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/George_W._Bush \"George W. Bush\") and Singapore Prime Minister [Goh Chok Tong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Goh_Chok_Tong \"Goh Chok Tong\") sign a free trade agreement in the White House, 6 May 2003. White House photo by Tina Hager.\n\nIn 1999, United States President [Bill Clinton](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bill_Clinton \"Bill Clinton\") and Singapore Prime Minister [Goh Chok Tong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Goh_Chok_Tong \"Goh Chok Tong\") agreed to initiate talks between the two countries for a bilateral free trade agreement (USS-FTA).[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-11) The talks later continued under the new administration of President [George W. Bush](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/George_W._Bush \"George W. Bush\").\n\nThe [Chicago](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chicago,_Illinois \"Chicago, Illinois\")\\-based [Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wm._Wrigley_Jr._Company \"Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company\") enlisted the help of a Washington, D.C. [lobbyist](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lobbyist \"Lobbyist\") and of Illinois Congressman [Phil Crane](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Phil_Crane \"Phil Crane\"), then-[chairman](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chairman \"Chairman\") of the [United States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States_House_Ways_and_Means_Subcommittee_on_Trade \"United States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade\"), to get chewing gum on the agenda of the [United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States-Singapore_Free_Trade_Agreement \"United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement\").[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-:0-12) This caused a dilemma for the Singapore Government. It recognised the health benefits of certain gums, such as a brand of sugar-free gum that contains [calcium lactate](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Calcium_lactate \"Calcium lactate\") to strengthen [tooth enamel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tooth_enamel \"Tooth enamel\"). Sale of this newly categorised medicinal gum was allowed, provided it was sold by a dentist or pharmacist, who must keep a record of the names of buyers.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-:0-12)\n\n## References\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=7 \"Edit section: References\")\\]\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-1)**\n   [\"National Regulations and Requirements Gen 1.3: Entry, Transit and Departure of Passenger and Crew\"](http:\/\/www.caas.gov.sg\/caasWeb2010\/export\/sites\/caas\/en\/Regulations\/Aeronautical_Information\/AIP\/general\/gen1\/GEN_1.3.pdf) (PDF). Civil Aviation Authority Singapore. 2010. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150923195750\/http:\/\/www.caas.gov.sg\/caasWeb2010\/export\/sites\/caas\/en\/Regulations\/Aeronautical_Information\/AIP\/general\/gen1\/GEN_1.3.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 23 September 2015.\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2)**\n   [\"Why Chewing Gum Is Not Allowed in Singapore\"](http:\/\/www.chewinggumfacts.com\/chewing-gum-facts\/chewing-gum-in-singapore). *Chewing Gum Facts*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20180930225032\/http:\/\/www.chewinggumfacts.com\/chewing-gum-facts\/chewing-gum-in-singapore\/) from the original on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2018.\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-3)**\n   [\"Why Singapore banned chewing gum\"](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/magazine-32090420). *BBC News*. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2023.\n4. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-4)**\n   Lee Kuan Yew (2000). *From Third World to First: The Singapore Story*.\n   \n   [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [0-06-019776-5](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-06-019776-5 \"Special:BookSources\/0-06-019776-5\")\n5. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-5)**\n   [\"Control of Manufacture Act\"](https:\/\/sso.agc.gov.sg\/Act\/CMA1959). *Singapore Statutes Online*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20180405153243\/https:\/\/sso.agc.gov.sg\/Act\/CMA1959) from the original on 5 April 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2018.\n6. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-6)**\n   Teng, Sharon (7 April 2014). [\"Chewing gum ban\"](https:\/\/eresources.nlb.gov.sg\/infopedia\/articles\/SIP_2014-04-07_091840.html). *Singapore Infopedia*. National Library Board.\n7. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-7)**\n   Nathan, Dominic (31 December 1991). [\"Chewing gum to be banned\"](http:\/\/eresources.nlb.gov.sg\/newspapers\/Digitised\/Article\/straitstimes19911231-1.2.2). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. p. 1.\n8. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-8)**\n   Metz, Elle (28 March 2015). [\"Why Singapore banned chewing gum\"](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/magazine-32090420). *BBC News*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20160701044729\/http:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/magazine-32090420) from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2016.\n9. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-9)**\n   [\"Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum) Regulations\"](http:\/\/statutes.agc.gov.sg\/aol\/search\/display\/view.w3p;ident=cbefa04c-7341-4a57-9762-15d39db691e6;page=0;query=DocId%3A%22125e649f-9e18-4cd1-9950-619cd8e2e0a1%22%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0). *Singapore Statutes Online*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20151011165648\/http:\/\/statutes.agc.gov.sg\/aol\/search\/display\/view.w3p;ident=cbefa04c-7341-4a57-9762-15d39db691e6;page=0;query=DocId%3A%22125e649f-9e18-4cd1-9950-619cd8e2e0a1%22%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0-) from the original on 11 October 2015.\n10. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-10)**\n    [\"Singapore's elder statesman\"](https:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/2\/hi\/programmes\/from_our_own_correspondent\/820234.stm). *BBC News*. 5 July 2000. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100906071321\/http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/2\/hi\/programmes\/from_our_own_correspondent\/820234.stm) from the original on 6 September 2010. Retrieved 28 April 2010.\n11. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-11)**\n    Bill Clinton (2004). *My Life*. Knopf.\n    \n    [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [0-375-41457-6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-375-41457-6 \"Special:BookSources\/0-375-41457-6\")\n    \n    .\n12. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-:0_12-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-:0_12-1)\n    Prystay, Cris. [\"At Long Last, Gum Is Legal in Singapore, But There Are Strings\"](https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/SB108629672446328324). *The Wall Street Journal*. New York. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20160818072901\/http:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/SB108629672446328324) from the original on 18 August 2016. Retrieved 31 January 2023.\n\n## Further reading\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=8 \"Edit section: Further reading\")\\]\n\n1. Ho Khai Leong (2003) *Shared Responsibilities, Unshared Power: The Politics of Policy-Making in Singapore*,\n   [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   [981-210-218-3](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/981-210-218-3 \"Special:BookSources\/981-210-218-3\")\n   .\n\n![](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:CentralAutoLogin\/start?useformat=desktop&type=1x1&usesul3=1)\n\nRetrieved from \"<https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&oldid=1323775210>\"\n\n[Categories](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Category \"Help:Category\"):\n\n- [1992 in law](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:1992_in_law \"Category:1992 in law\")\n- [Singaporean criminal law](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Singaporean_criminal_law \"Category:Singaporean criminal law\")\n- [Chewing gum](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Chewing_gum \"Category:Chewing gum\")\n- [Singapore government policies](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Singapore_government_policies \"Category:Singapore government policies\")\n- [1992 establishments in Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:1992_establishments_in_Singapore \"Category:1992 establishments in Singapore\")\n\nHidden categories:\n\n- [Articles with short description](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Articles_with_short_description \"Category:Articles with short description\")\n- [Short description is different from Wikidata](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Short_description_is_different_from_Wikidata \"Category:Short description is different from Wikidata\")\n- [Use dmy dates from September 2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Use_dmy_dates_from_September_2023 \"Category:Use dmy dates from September 2023\")\n- [Use British English from March 2021](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Use_British_English_from_March_2021 \"Category:Use British English from March 2021\")\n- [All Wikipedia articles written in British English](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:All_Wikipedia_articles_written_in_British_English \"Category:All Wikipedia articles written in British English\")\n\n- This page was last edited on 23 November 2025, at 18:18 (UTC).\n- Text is available under the [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Text_of_the_Creative_Commons_Attribution-ShareAlike_4.0_International_License \"Wikipedia:Text of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License\"); additional terms may apply. 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Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the [Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.](https:\/\/wikimediafoundation.org\/), a non-profit organization.\n\n- [Privacy policy](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Privacy_policy)\n- [About Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:About)\n- [Disclaimers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:General_disclaimer)\n- [Contact Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contact_us)\n- [Legal & safety contacts](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Legal:Wikimedia_Foundation_Legal_and_Safety_Contact_Information)\n- [Code of Conduct](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Universal_Code_of_Conduct)\n- [Developers](https:\/\/developer.wikimedia.org\/)\n- [Statistics](https:\/\/stats.wikimedia.org\/#\/en.wikipedia.org)\n- [Cookie statement](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Cookie_statement)\n- [Mobile view](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&mobileaction=toggle_view_mobile)\n\n- [![Wikimedia Foundation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/footer\/wikimedia.svg)](https:\/\/www.wikimedia.org\/)\n- [![Powered by MediaWiki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/resources\/assets\/mediawiki_compact.svg)](https:\/\/www.mediawiki.org\/)\n\nSearch\n\nToggle the table of contents\n\nChewing gum sales ban in Singapore\n\n9 languages\n\n[Add topic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore)","attrs_readable_markdown":"From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia\n\nThe sale of [chewing gum](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum \"Chewing gum\") in [Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Singapore \"Singapore\") has been illegal since 1992. Some motivations for the ban included stopping the placement of used chewing gum in inappropriate and costly places, such as the sensors of subway doors, inside lock cylinders, and on elevator buttons. Since 2004, an exception has existed for therapeutic, dental, and nicotine chewing gum,[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-1) which can be bought from a doctor or registered pharmacist. It is not illegal to chew gum in Singapore, but it is against the law to import it and sell it, apart from the aforementioned exceptions.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-2) According to a [BBC News](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BBC_News \"BBC News\") article, it is legal for a traveler to bring in a small amount of chewing gum for personal use, and there is a fine for spitting the gum out in an inappropriate place.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-3)\n\nIn his memoirs,[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-4) [Lee Kuan Yew](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lee_Kuan_Yew \"Lee Kuan Yew\") said that in 1983, when he was [Prime Minister of Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prime_Minister_of_Singapore \"Prime Minister of Singapore\"), a proposal for the ban was brought to him by [Teh Cheang Wan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Teh_Cheang_Wan \"Teh Cheang Wan\"), then [Minister for National Development](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Minister_for_National_Development_\$Singapore\$ \"Minister for National Development (Singapore)\"). Chewing gum was causing maintenance problems in high-rise [public-housing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Housing_and_Development_Board \"Housing and Development Board\") apartments, with vandals disposing of spent gum in mailboxes, inside keyholes, and on lift buttons. Chewing gum left on the ground, stairways, and pavements in public areas increased the cost of cleaning and damaged cleaning equipment. Gum stuck on the seats of public buses was also considered a problem. However, Lee thought that a ban would be \"too drastic\".\n\n### Mass rapid transport and implementation\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=3 \"Edit section: Mass rapid transport and implementation\")\\]\n\nIn 1987, the \\$5 billion local railway system, the [Mass Rapid Transit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mass_Rapid_Transit_\$Singapore\$ \"Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)\") (MRT), started running. It was then the largest public project ever implemented in Singapore.\n\nIt was reported that vandals had begun sticking chewing gum on the door sensors of MRT trains, preventing doors from functioning properly and causing disruption to train services. Such incidents were rare but costly, and the culprits were difficult to apprehend. In January 1992, [Goh Chok Tong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Goh_Chok_Tong \"Goh Chok Tong\"), who had just taken over as prime minister, decided on a ban. The restriction on the distribution of chewing gum was enacted in Singapore Statute Chapter 57, the *Control of Manufacture Act*, which also governs the restriction of certain [alcohol](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Alcohol_\$drug\$ \"Alcohol (drug)\") and [tobacco](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tobacco \"Tobacco\") products.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-5)\n\nAfter the ban was announced, the importation of chewing gum was immediately halted. After a transition period allowing shops to clear existing stock, the sale of chewing gum was completely banned, the penalties being fines of up to [S\\$](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Singapore_dollar \"Singapore dollar\")2,000 for those convicted of selling chewing gum as well as fines and\/or jail terms for importers. Extant stocks of gum were confiscated.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-6)\n\nWhen first introduced, the ban caused much controversy and some open defiance. Some people took the trouble of travelling to neighbouring [Johor Bahru](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Johor_Bahru \"Johor Bahru\"), [Malaysia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malaysia \"Malaysia\"), to purchase chewing gum. Offenders were publicly \"named and shamed\" by the government, to serve as a deterrent to other would-be smugglers. No [black market](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Black_market \"Black market\") for chewing gum in Singapore ever emerged, though some Singaporeans occasionally still manage to purchase gum from Johor Bahru for their own consumption. Subsequent to the ban, town councils reported a substantial decrease in chewing-gum litter in public spaces, and chewing gum no longer jammed lift doors or disrupted MRT systems.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-7)\n\nThe ban has since been partially lifted, as some types of gum are allowable, such as gum chewed for dental health. However, the government refuses to completely lift the ban due to the risk of gum littering again.\n\n## International attention\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=5 \"Edit section: International attention\")\\]\n\nIn the mid-1990s, Singapore's laws began to receive international press coverage. US media paid great attention to the case of [Michael P. Fay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Michael_P._Fay \"Michael P. Fay\"), an American teenager sentenced in 1994 to [caning](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caning_in_Singapore \"Caning in Singapore\") in Singapore for [vandalism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vandalism \"Vandalism\") (using spray paint, not chewing gum). They also drew attention to some of Singapore's other laws, including the \"mandatory flushing of public toilets\" rule.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-8) Confused reporting about these issues led to the myth that the use or importation of chewing gum is itself punishable with caning. In fact, the only penalties provided under Chapter 57 are fines and imprisonment.[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-9)\n\nWhen a BBC reporter suggested that such laws would stifle the people's creativity, Lee Kuan Yew said: \"If you can't think because you can't chew, try a banana.\"[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-10)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/15\/SingaporeUS_FreeTrade.jpg\/250px-SingaporeUS_FreeTrade.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:SingaporeUS_FreeTrade.jpg)\n\nU.S. President [George W. Bush](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/George_W._Bush \"George W. Bush\") and Singapore Prime Minister [Goh Chok Tong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Goh_Chok_Tong \"Goh Chok Tong\") sign a free trade agreement in the White House, 6 May 2003. White House photo by Tina Hager.\n\nIn 1999, United States President [Bill Clinton](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bill_Clinton \"Bill Clinton\") and Singapore Prime Minister [Goh Chok Tong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Goh_Chok_Tong \"Goh Chok Tong\") agreed to initiate talks between the two countries for a bilateral free trade agreement (USS-FTA).[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-11) The talks later continued under the new administration of President [George W. Bush](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/George_W._Bush \"George W. Bush\").\n\nThe [Chicago](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chicago,_Illinois \"Chicago, Illinois\")\\-based [Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wm._Wrigley_Jr._Company \"Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company\") enlisted the help of a Washington, D.C. [lobbyist](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lobbyist \"Lobbyist\") and of Illinois Congressman [Phil Crane](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Phil_Crane \"Phil Crane\"), then-[chairman](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chairman \"Chairman\") of the [United States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States_House_Ways_and_Means_Subcommittee_on_Trade \"United States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade\"), to get chewing gum on the agenda of the [United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States-Singapore_Free_Trade_Agreement \"United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement\").[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-:0-12) This caused a dilemma for the Singapore Government. It recognised the health benefits of certain gums, such as a brand of sugar-free gum that contains [calcium lactate](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Calcium_lactate \"Calcium lactate\") to strengthen [tooth enamel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tooth_enamel \"Tooth enamel\"). Sale of this newly categorised medicinal gum was allowed, provided it was sold by a dentist or pharmacist, who must keep a record of the names of buyers.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-:0-12)\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-1)**\n   [\"National Regulations and Requirements Gen 1.3: Entry, Transit and Departure of Passenger and Crew\"](http:\/\/www.caas.gov.sg\/caasWeb2010\/export\/sites\/caas\/en\/Regulations\/Aeronautical_Information\/AIP\/general\/gen1\/GEN_1.3.pdf) (PDF). Civil Aviation Authority Singapore. 2010. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150923195750\/http:\/\/www.caas.gov.sg\/caasWeb2010\/export\/sites\/caas\/en\/Regulations\/Aeronautical_Information\/AIP\/general\/gen1\/GEN_1.3.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 23 September 2015.\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2)**\n   [\"Why Chewing Gum Is Not Allowed in Singapore\"](http:\/\/www.chewinggumfacts.com\/chewing-gum-facts\/chewing-gum-in-singapore). *Chewing Gum Facts*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20180930225032\/http:\/\/www.chewinggumfacts.com\/chewing-gum-facts\/chewing-gum-in-singapore\/) from the original on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2018.\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-3)**\n   [\"Why Singapore banned chewing gum\"](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/magazine-32090420). *BBC News*. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2023.\n4. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-4)**\n   Lee Kuan Yew (2000). *From Third World to First: The Singapore Story*. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [0-06-019776-5](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-06-019776-5 \"Special:BookSources\/0-06-019776-5\")\n5. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-5)**\n   [\"Control of Manufacture Act\"](https:\/\/sso.agc.gov.sg\/Act\/CMA1959). *Singapore Statutes Online*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20180405153243\/https:\/\/sso.agc.gov.sg\/Act\/CMA1959) from the original on 5 April 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2018.\n6. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-6)**\n   Teng, Sharon (7 April 2014). [\"Chewing gum ban\"](https:\/\/eresources.nlb.gov.sg\/infopedia\/articles\/SIP_2014-04-07_091840.html). *Singapore Infopedia*. National Library Board.\n7. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-7)**\n   Nathan, Dominic (31 December 1991). [\"Chewing gum to be banned\"](http:\/\/eresources.nlb.gov.sg\/newspapers\/Digitised\/Article\/straitstimes19911231-1.2.2). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. p. 1.\n8. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-8)**\n   Metz, Elle (28 March 2015). [\"Why Singapore banned chewing gum\"](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/magazine-32090420). *BBC News*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20160701044729\/http:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/magazine-32090420) from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2016.\n9. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-9)**\n   [\"Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum) Regulations\"](http:\/\/statutes.agc.gov.sg\/aol\/search\/display\/view.w3p;ident=cbefa04c-7341-4a57-9762-15d39db691e6;page=0;query=DocId%3A%22125e649f-9e18-4cd1-9950-619cd8e2e0a1%22%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0). *Singapore Statutes Online*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20151011165648\/http:\/\/statutes.agc.gov.sg\/aol\/search\/display\/view.w3p;ident=cbefa04c-7341-4a57-9762-15d39db691e6;page=0;query=DocId%3A%22125e649f-9e18-4cd1-9950-619cd8e2e0a1%22%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0-) from the original on 11 October 2015.\n10. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-10)**\n    [\"Singapore's elder statesman\"](https:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/2\/hi\/programmes\/from_our_own_correspondent\/820234.stm). *BBC News*. 5 July 2000. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100906071321\/http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/2\/hi\/programmes\/from_our_own_correspondent\/820234.stm) from the original on 6 September 2010. Retrieved 28 April 2010.\n11. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-11)**\n    Bill Clinton (2004). *My Life*. Knopf. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [0-375-41457-6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-375-41457-6 \"Special:BookSources\/0-375-41457-6\")\n    \n    .\n12. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-:0_12-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-:0_12-1)\n    Prystay, Cris. [\"At Long Last, Gum Is Legal in Singapore, But There Are Strings\"](https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/SB108629672446328324). *The Wall Street Journal*. New York. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20160818072901\/http:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/SB108629672446328324) from the original on 18 August 2016. Retrieved 31 January 2023.\n\n1. Ho Khai Leong (2003) *Shared Responsibilities, Unshared Power: The Politics of Policy-Making in Singapore*, [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   [981-210-218-3](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/981-210-218-3 \"Special:BookSources\/981-210-218-3\")\n   .","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Law_and_Government\":617,\"\/Law_and_Government\/Legal\":590,\"\/Health\":242,\"\/Law_and_Government\/Legal\/Other\":144,\"\/Health\/Public_Health\":131,\"\/Health\/Public_Health\/Health_Policy\":108}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":999,\"\/Article\/Wiki\":770}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Informational\":999}","meta_language":"en","attrs_author":null,"attrs_publish_time":0,"attrs_original_publish_time":1601577321,"attrs_is_republished":0,"attrs_nr_words":"1569","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"1218","body_ext_links_number":28,"body_int_links_number":102,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":0,"props_was_rendered":0,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":341,"download_ttfb_msec":340,"download_size":20438}

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The sale of chewing gum in Singapore has been illegal since 1992. Some motivations for the ban included stopping the placement of used chewing gum in inappropriate and costly places, such as the sensors of subway doors, inside lock cylinders, and on elevator buttons. Since 2004, an exception has existed for therapeutic, dental, and nicotine chewing gum, [ 1 ] which can be bought from a doctor or registered pharmacist. It is not illegal to chew gum in Singapore, but it is against the law to import it and sell it, apart from the aforementioned exceptions. [ 2 ] According to a BBC News article, it is legal for a traveler to bring in a small amount of chewing gum for personal use, and there is a fine for spitting the gum out in an inappropriate place. [ 3 ] In his memoirs, [ 4 ] Lee Kuan Yew said that in 1983, when he was Prime Minister of Singapore , a proposal for the ban was brought to him by Teh Cheang Wan , then Minister for National Development . Chewing gum was causing maintenance problems in high-rise public-housing apartments, with vandals disposing of spent gum in mailboxes, inside keyholes, and on lift buttons. Chewing gum left on the ground, stairways, and pavements in public areas increased the cost of cleaning and damaged cleaning equipment. Gum stuck on the seats of public buses was also considered a problem. However, Lee thought that a ban would be "too drastic". Mass rapid transport and implementation [ edit ] In 1987, the $5 billion local railway system, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), started running. It was then the largest public project ever implemented in Singapore. It was reported that vandals had begun sticking chewing gum on the door sensors of MRT trains, preventing doors from functioning properly and causing disruption to train services. Such incidents were rare but costly, and the culprits were difficult to apprehend. In January 1992, Goh Chok Tong , who had just taken over as prime minister, decided on a ban. The restriction on the distribution of chewing gum was enacted in Singapore Statute Chapter 57, the Control of Manufacture Act , which also governs the restriction of certain alcohol and tobacco products. [ 5 ] After the ban was announced, the importation of chewing gum was immediately halted. After a transition period allowing shops to clear existing stock, the sale of chewing gum was completely banned, the penalties being fines of up to S$ 2,000 for those convicted of selling chewing gum as well as fines and/or jail terms for importers. Extant stocks of gum were confiscated. [ 6 ] When first introduced, the ban caused much controversy and some open defiance. Some people took the trouble of travelling to neighbouring Johor Bahru , Malaysia , to purchase chewing gum. Offenders were publicly "named and shamed" by the government, to serve as a deterrent to other would-be smugglers. No black market for chewing gum in Singapore ever emerged, though some Singaporeans occasionally still manage to purchase gum from Johor Bahru for their own consumption. Subsequent to the ban, town councils reported a substantial decrease in chewing-gum litter in public spaces, and chewing gum no longer jammed lift doors or disrupted MRT systems. [ 7 ] The ban has since been partially lifted, as some types of gum are allowable, such as gum chewed for dental health. However, the government refuses to completely lift the ban due to the risk of gum littering again. International attention [ edit ] In the mid-1990s, Singapore's laws began to receive international press coverage. US media paid great attention to the case of Michael P. Fay , an American teenager sentenced in 1994 to caning in Singapore for vandalism (using spray paint, not chewing gum). They also drew attention to some of Singapore's other laws, including the "mandatory flushing of public toilets" rule. [ 8 ] Confused reporting about these issues led to the myth that the use or importation of chewing gum is itself punishable with caning. In fact, the only penalties provided under Chapter 57 are fines and imprisonment. [ 9 ] When a BBC reporter suggested that such laws would stifle the people's creativity, Lee Kuan Yew said: "If you can't think because you can't chew, try a banana." [ 10 ] U.S. President George W. Bush and Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong sign a free trade agreement in the White House, 6 May 2003. White House photo by Tina Hager. In 1999, United States President Bill Clinton and Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong agreed to initiate talks between the two countries for a bilateral free trade agreement (USS-FTA). [ 11 ] The talks later continued under the new administration of President George W. Bush . The Chicago -based Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company enlisted the help of a Washington, D.C. lobbyist and of Illinois Congressman Phil Crane , then- chairman of the United States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade , to get chewing gum on the agenda of the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement . [ 12 ] This caused a dilemma for the Singapore Government. It recognised the health benefits of certain gums, such as a brand of sugar-free gum that contains calcium lactate to strengthen tooth enamel . Sale of this newly categorised medicinal gum was allowed, provided it was sold by a dentist or pharmacist, who must keep a record of the names of buyers. [ 12 ] ^ "National Regulations and Requirements Gen 1.3: Entry, Transit and Departure of Passenger and Crew" (PDF) . Civil Aviation Authority Singapore. 2010. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 September 2015. ^ "Why Chewing Gum Is Not Allowed in Singapore" . Chewing Gum Facts . Archived from the original on 30 September 2018 . Retrieved 2 November 2018 . ^ "Why Singapore banned chewing gum" . BBC News . 28 March 2015 . Retrieved 6 July 2023 . ^ Lee Kuan Yew (2000). From Third World to First: The Singapore Story . ISBN 0-06-019776-5 ^ "Control of Manufacture Act" . Singapore Statutes Online . Archived from the original on 5 April 2018 . Retrieved 5 April 2018 . ^ Teng, Sharon (7 April 2014). "Chewing gum ban" . Singapore Infopedia . National Library Board. ^ Nathan, Dominic (31 December 1991). "Chewing gum to be banned" . The Straits Times . Singapore. p. 1. ^ Metz, Elle (28 March 2015). "Why Singapore banned chewing gum" . BBC News . Archived from the original on 1 July 2016 . Retrieved 31 July 2016 . ^ "Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum) Regulations" . Singapore Statutes Online . Archived from the original on 11 October 2015. ^ "Singapore's elder statesman" . BBC News . 5 July 2000. Archived from the original on 6 September 2010 . Retrieved 28 April 2010 . ^ Bill Clinton (2004). My Life . Knopf. ISBN 0-375-41457-6 . ^ a b Prystay, Cris. "At Long Last, Gum Is Legal in Singapore, But There Are Strings" . The Wall Street Journal . New York. Archived from the original on 18 August 2016 . Retrieved 31 January 2023 . Ho Khai Leong (2003) Shared Responsibilities, Unshared Power: The Politics of Policy-Making in Singapore , ISBN 981-210-218-3 .

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[o]") ## Contents move to sidebar hide - [(Top)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore) - [1 Origins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#Origins) Toggle Origins subsection - [1\.1 Lee Kuan Yew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#Lee_Kuan_Yew) - [1\.2 Mass rapid transport and implementation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#Mass_rapid_transport_and_implementation) - [2 Results](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#Results) - [3 International attention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#International_attention) - [4 Revision](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#Revision) - [5 References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#References) - [6 Further reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#Further_reading) Toggle the table of contents # Chewing gum sales ban in Singapore 9 languages - 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[Printable version](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&printable=yes "Printable version of this page [p]") In other projects - [Wikidata item](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityPage/Q3153129 "Structured data on this page hosted by Wikidata [g]") Appearance move to sidebar hide From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Chewing gum ban in Singapore The sale of [chewing gum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum "Chewing gum") in [Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore "Singapore") has been illegal since 1992. Some motivations for the ban included stopping the placement of used chewing gum in inappropriate and costly places, such as the sensors of subway doors, inside lock cylinders, and on elevator buttons. Since 2004, an exception has existed for therapeutic, dental, and nicotine chewing gum,[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-1) which can be bought from a doctor or registered pharmacist. It is not illegal to chew gum in Singapore, but it is against the law to import it and sell it, apart from the aforementioned exceptions.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-2) According to a [BBC News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_News "BBC News") article, it is legal for a traveler to bring in a small amount of chewing gum for personal use, and there is a fine for spitting the gum out in an inappropriate place.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-3) ## Origins \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=1 "Edit section: Origins")\] ### Lee Kuan Yew \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=2 "Edit section: Lee Kuan Yew")\] In his memoirs,[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-4) [Lee Kuan Yew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Kuan_Yew "Lee Kuan Yew") said that in 1983, when he was [Prime Minister of Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Singapore "Prime Minister of Singapore"), a proposal for the ban was brought to him by [Teh Cheang Wan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teh_Cheang_Wan "Teh Cheang Wan"), then [Minister for National Development](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minister_for_National_Development_$Singapore$ "Minister for National Development (Singapore)"). Chewing gum was causing maintenance problems in high-rise [public-housing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_and_Development_Board "Housing and Development Board") apartments, with vandals disposing of spent gum in mailboxes, inside keyholes, and on lift buttons. Chewing gum left on the ground, stairways, and pavements in public areas increased the cost of cleaning and damaged cleaning equipment. Gum stuck on the seats of public buses was also considered a problem. However, Lee thought that a ban would be "too drastic". ### Mass rapid transport and implementation \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section: Mass rapid transport and implementation")\] In 1987, the \$5 billion local railway system, the [Mass Rapid Transit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Rapid_Transit_$Singapore$ "Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)") (MRT), started running. It was then the largest public project ever implemented in Singapore. It was reported that vandals had begun sticking chewing gum on the door sensors of MRT trains, preventing doors from functioning properly and causing disruption to train services. Such incidents were rare but costly, and the culprits were difficult to apprehend. In January 1992, [Goh Chok Tong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goh_Chok_Tong "Goh Chok Tong"), who had just taken over as prime minister, decided on a ban. The restriction on the distribution of chewing gum was enacted in Singapore Statute Chapter 57, the *Control of Manufacture Act*, which also governs the restriction of certain [alcohol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_$drug$ "Alcohol (drug)") and [tobacco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacco "Tobacco") products.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-5) ## Results \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section: Results")\] After the ban was announced, the importation of chewing gum was immediately halted. After a transition period allowing shops to clear existing stock, the sale of chewing gum was completely banned, the penalties being fines of up to [S\$](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_dollar "Singapore dollar")2,000 for those convicted of selling chewing gum as well as fines and/or jail terms for importers. Extant stocks of gum were confiscated.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-6) When first introduced, the ban caused much controversy and some open defiance. Some people took the trouble of travelling to neighbouring [Johor Bahru](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johor_Bahru "Johor Bahru"), [Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia "Malaysia"), to purchase chewing gum. Offenders were publicly "named and shamed" by the government, to serve as a deterrent to other would-be smugglers. No [black market](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_market "Black market") for chewing gum in Singapore ever emerged, though some Singaporeans occasionally still manage to purchase gum from Johor Bahru for their own consumption. Subsequent to the ban, town councils reported a substantial decrease in chewing-gum litter in public spaces, and chewing gum no longer jammed lift doors or disrupted MRT systems.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-7) The ban has since been partially lifted, as some types of gum are allowable, such as gum chewed for dental health. However, the government refuses to completely lift the ban due to the risk of gum littering again. ## International attention \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section: International attention")\] In the mid-1990s, Singapore's laws began to receive international press coverage. US media paid great attention to the case of [Michael P. Fay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_P._Fay "Michael P. Fay"), an American teenager sentenced in 1994 to [caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore "Caning in Singapore") in Singapore for [vandalism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandalism "Vandalism") (using spray paint, not chewing gum). They also drew attention to some of Singapore's other laws, including the "mandatory flushing of public toilets" rule.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-8) Confused reporting about these issues led to the myth that the use or importation of chewing gum is itself punishable with caning. In fact, the only penalties provided under Chapter 57 are fines and imprisonment.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-9) When a BBC reporter suggested that such laws would stifle the people's creativity, Lee Kuan Yew said: "If you can't think because you can't chew, try a banana."[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-10) ## Revision \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=6 "Edit section: Revision")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/SingaporeUS_FreeTrade.jpg/250px-SingaporeUS_FreeTrade.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SingaporeUS_FreeTrade.jpg) U.S. President [George W. Bush](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush "George W. Bush") and Singapore Prime Minister [Goh Chok Tong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goh_Chok_Tong "Goh Chok Tong") sign a free trade agreement in the White House, 6 May 2003. White House photo by Tina Hager. In 1999, United States President [Bill Clinton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Clinton "Bill Clinton") and Singapore Prime Minister [Goh Chok Tong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goh_Chok_Tong "Goh Chok Tong") agreed to initiate talks between the two countries for a bilateral free trade agreement (USS-FTA).[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-11) The talks later continued under the new administration of President [George W. Bush](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush "George W. Bush"). The [Chicago](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago,_Illinois "Chicago, Illinois")\-based [Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wm._Wrigley_Jr._Company "Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company") enlisted the help of a Washington, D.C. [lobbyist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobbyist "Lobbyist") and of Illinois Congressman [Phil Crane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Crane "Phil Crane"), then-[chairman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chairman "Chairman") of the [United States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_Ways_and_Means_Subcommittee_on_Trade "United States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade"), to get chewing gum on the agenda of the [United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States-Singapore_Free_Trade_Agreement "United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement").[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-:0-12) This caused a dilemma for the Singapore Government. It recognised the health benefits of certain gums, such as a brand of sugar-free gum that contains [calcium lactate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_lactate "Calcium lactate") to strengthen [tooth enamel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_enamel "Tooth enamel"). Sale of this newly categorised medicinal gum was allowed, provided it was sold by a dentist or pharmacist, who must keep a record of the names of buyers.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-:0-12) ## References \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=7 "Edit section: References")\] 1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-1)** ["National Regulations and Requirements Gen 1.3: Entry, Transit and Departure of Passenger and Crew"](http://www.caas.gov.sg/caasWeb2010/export/sites/caas/en/Regulations/Aeronautical_Information/AIP/general/gen1/GEN_1.3.pdf) (PDF). Civil Aviation Authority Singapore. 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150923195750/http://www.caas.gov.sg/caasWeb2010/export/sites/caas/en/Regulations/Aeronautical_Information/AIP/general/gen1/GEN_1.3.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 23 September 2015. 2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2)** ["Why Chewing Gum Is Not Allowed in Singapore"](http://www.chewinggumfacts.com/chewing-gum-facts/chewing-gum-in-singapore). *Chewing Gum Facts*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180930225032/http://www.chewinggumfacts.com/chewing-gum-facts/chewing-gum-in-singapore/) from the original on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2018. 3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-3)** ["Why Singapore banned chewing gum"](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32090420). *BBC News*. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2023. 4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-4)** Lee Kuan Yew (2000). *From Third World to First: The Singapore Story*. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [0-06-019776-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-06-019776-5 "Special:BookSources/0-06-019776-5") 5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-5)** ["Control of Manufacture Act"](https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/CMA1959). *Singapore Statutes Online*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180405153243/https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/CMA1959) from the original on 5 April 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2018. 6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-6)** Teng, Sharon (7 April 2014). ["Chewing gum ban"](https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2014-04-07_091840.html). *Singapore Infopedia*. National Library Board. 7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-7)** Nathan, Dominic (31 December 1991). ["Chewing gum to be banned"](http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19911231-1.2.2). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. p. 1. 8. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-8)** Metz, Elle (28 March 2015). ["Why Singapore banned chewing gum"](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32090420). *BBC News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160701044729/http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32090420) from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2016. 9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-9)** ["Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum) Regulations"](http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;ident=cbefa04c-7341-4a57-9762-15d39db691e6;page=0;query=DocId%3A%22125e649f-9e18-4cd1-9950-619cd8e2e0a1%22%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0). *Singapore Statutes Online*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151011165648/http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;ident=cbefa04c-7341-4a57-9762-15d39db691e6;page=0;query=DocId%3A%22125e649f-9e18-4cd1-9950-619cd8e2e0a1%22%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0-) from the original on 11 October 2015. 10. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-10)** ["Singapore's elder statesman"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/820234.stm). *BBC News*. 5 July 2000. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100906071321/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/820234.stm) from the original on 6 September 2010. Retrieved 28 April 2010. 11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-11)** Bill Clinton (2004). *My Life*. Knopf. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [0-375-41457-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-375-41457-6 "Special:BookSources/0-375-41457-6") . 12. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-:0_12-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-:0_12-1) Prystay, Cris. ["At Long Last, Gum Is Legal in Singapore, But There Are Strings"](https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB108629672446328324). *The Wall Street Journal*. New York. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160818072901/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB108629672446328324) from the original on 18 August 2016. Retrieved 31 January 2023. ## Further reading \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=8 "Edit section: Further reading")\] 1. Ho Khai Leong (2003) *Shared Responsibilities, Unshared Power: The Politics of Policy-Making in Singapore*, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [981-210-218-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/981-210-218-3 "Special:BookSources/981-210-218-3") . ![](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAutoLogin/start?useformat=desktop&type=1x1&usesul3=1) Retrieved from "<https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&oldid=1323775210>" [Categories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Category "Help:Category"): - [1992 in law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:1992_in_law "Category:1992 in law") - [Singaporean criminal law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Singaporean_criminal_law "Category:Singaporean criminal law") - [Chewing gum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chewing_gum "Category:Chewing gum") - [Singapore government policies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Singapore_government_policies "Category:Singapore government policies") - [1992 establishments in Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:1992_establishments_in_Singapore "Category:1992 establishments in Singapore") Hidden categories: - [Articles with short description](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Articles_with_short_description "Category:Articles with short description") - [Short description is different from Wikidata](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Short_description_is_different_from_Wikidata "Category:Short description is different from Wikidata") - [Use dmy dates from September 2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Use_dmy_dates_from_September_2023 "Category:Use dmy dates from September 2023") - [Use British English from March 2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Use_British_English_from_March_2021 "Category:Use British English from March 2021") - [All Wikipedia articles written in British English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:All_Wikipedia_articles_written_in_British_English "Category:All Wikipedia articles written in British English") - This page was last edited on 23 November 2025, at 18:18 (UTC). - Text is available under the [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_the_Creative_Commons_Attribution-ShareAlike_4.0_International_License "Wikipedia:Text of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License"); additional terms may apply. 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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The sale of [chewing gum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum "Chewing gum") in [Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore "Singapore") has been illegal since 1992. Some motivations for the ban included stopping the placement of used chewing gum in inappropriate and costly places, such as the sensors of subway doors, inside lock cylinders, and on elevator buttons. Since 2004, an exception has existed for therapeutic, dental, and nicotine chewing gum,[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-1) which can be bought from a doctor or registered pharmacist. It is not illegal to chew gum in Singapore, but it is against the law to import it and sell it, apart from the aforementioned exceptions.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-2) According to a [BBC News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_News "BBC News") article, it is legal for a traveler to bring in a small amount of chewing gum for personal use, and there is a fine for spitting the gum out in an inappropriate place.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-3) In his memoirs,[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-4) [Lee Kuan Yew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Kuan_Yew "Lee Kuan Yew") said that in 1983, when he was [Prime Minister of Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Singapore "Prime Minister of Singapore"), a proposal for the ban was brought to him by [Teh Cheang Wan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teh_Cheang_Wan "Teh Cheang Wan"), then [Minister for National Development](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minister_for_National_Development_$Singapore$ "Minister for National Development (Singapore)"). Chewing gum was causing maintenance problems in high-rise [public-housing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_and_Development_Board "Housing and Development Board") apartments, with vandals disposing of spent gum in mailboxes, inside keyholes, and on lift buttons. Chewing gum left on the ground, stairways, and pavements in public areas increased the cost of cleaning and damaged cleaning equipment. Gum stuck on the seats of public buses was also considered a problem. However, Lee thought that a ban would be "too drastic". ### Mass rapid transport and implementation \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section: Mass rapid transport and implementation")\] In 1987, the \$5 billion local railway system, the [Mass Rapid Transit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Rapid_Transit_$Singapore$ "Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)") (MRT), started running. It was then the largest public project ever implemented in Singapore. It was reported that vandals had begun sticking chewing gum on the door sensors of MRT trains, preventing doors from functioning properly and causing disruption to train services. Such incidents were rare but costly, and the culprits were difficult to apprehend. In January 1992, [Goh Chok Tong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goh_Chok_Tong "Goh Chok Tong"), who had just taken over as prime minister, decided on a ban. The restriction on the distribution of chewing gum was enacted in Singapore Statute Chapter 57, the *Control of Manufacture Act*, which also governs the restriction of certain [alcohol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_$drug$ "Alcohol (drug)") and [tobacco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacco "Tobacco") products.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-5) After the ban was announced, the importation of chewing gum was immediately halted. After a transition period allowing shops to clear existing stock, the sale of chewing gum was completely banned, the penalties being fines of up to [S\$](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_dollar "Singapore dollar")2,000 for those convicted of selling chewing gum as well as fines and/or jail terms for importers. Extant stocks of gum were confiscated.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-6) When first introduced, the ban caused much controversy and some open defiance. Some people took the trouble of travelling to neighbouring [Johor Bahru](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johor_Bahru "Johor Bahru"), [Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia "Malaysia"), to purchase chewing gum. Offenders were publicly "named and shamed" by the government, to serve as a deterrent to other would-be smugglers. No [black market](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_market "Black market") for chewing gum in Singapore ever emerged, though some Singaporeans occasionally still manage to purchase gum from Johor Bahru for their own consumption. Subsequent to the ban, town councils reported a substantial decrease in chewing-gum litter in public spaces, and chewing gum no longer jammed lift doors or disrupted MRT systems.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-7) The ban has since been partially lifted, as some types of gum are allowable, such as gum chewed for dental health. However, the government refuses to completely lift the ban due to the risk of gum littering again. ## International attention \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section: International attention")\] In the mid-1990s, Singapore's laws began to receive international press coverage. US media paid great attention to the case of [Michael P. Fay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_P._Fay "Michael P. Fay"), an American teenager sentenced in 1994 to [caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore "Caning in Singapore") in Singapore for [vandalism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandalism "Vandalism") (using spray paint, not chewing gum). They also drew attention to some of Singapore's other laws, including the "mandatory flushing of public toilets" rule.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-8) Confused reporting about these issues led to the myth that the use or importation of chewing gum is itself punishable with caning. In fact, the only penalties provided under Chapter 57 are fines and imprisonment.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-9) When a BBC reporter suggested that such laws would stifle the people's creativity, Lee Kuan Yew said: "If you can't think because you can't chew, try a banana."[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-10) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/SingaporeUS_FreeTrade.jpg/250px-SingaporeUS_FreeTrade.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SingaporeUS_FreeTrade.jpg) U.S. President [George W. Bush](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush "George W. Bush") and Singapore Prime Minister [Goh Chok Tong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goh_Chok_Tong "Goh Chok Tong") sign a free trade agreement in the White House, 6 May 2003. White House photo by Tina Hager. In 1999, United States President [Bill Clinton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Clinton "Bill Clinton") and Singapore Prime Minister [Goh Chok Tong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goh_Chok_Tong "Goh Chok Tong") agreed to initiate talks between the two countries for a bilateral free trade agreement (USS-FTA).[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-11) The talks later continued under the new administration of President [George W. Bush](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush "George W. Bush"). The [Chicago](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago,_Illinois "Chicago, Illinois")\-based [Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wm._Wrigley_Jr._Company "Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company") enlisted the help of a Washington, D.C. [lobbyist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobbyist "Lobbyist") and of Illinois Congressman [Phil Crane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Crane "Phil Crane"), then-[chairman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chairman "Chairman") of the [United States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_Ways_and_Means_Subcommittee_on_Trade "United States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade"), to get chewing gum on the agenda of the [United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States-Singapore_Free_Trade_Agreement "United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement").[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-:0-12) This caused a dilemma for the Singapore Government. It recognised the health benefits of certain gums, such as a brand of sugar-free gum that contains [calcium lactate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_lactate "Calcium lactate") to strengthen [tooth enamel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_enamel "Tooth enamel"). Sale of this newly categorised medicinal gum was allowed, provided it was sold by a dentist or pharmacist, who must keep a record of the names of buyers.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_note-:0-12) 1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-1)** ["National Regulations and Requirements Gen 1.3: Entry, Transit and Departure of Passenger and Crew"](http://www.caas.gov.sg/caasWeb2010/export/sites/caas/en/Regulations/Aeronautical_Information/AIP/general/gen1/GEN_1.3.pdf) (PDF). Civil Aviation Authority Singapore. 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150923195750/http://www.caas.gov.sg/caasWeb2010/export/sites/caas/en/Regulations/Aeronautical_Information/AIP/general/gen1/GEN_1.3.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 23 September 2015. 2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2)** ["Why Chewing Gum Is Not Allowed in Singapore"](http://www.chewinggumfacts.com/chewing-gum-facts/chewing-gum-in-singapore). *Chewing Gum Facts*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180930225032/http://www.chewinggumfacts.com/chewing-gum-facts/chewing-gum-in-singapore/) from the original on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2018. 3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-3)** ["Why Singapore banned chewing gum"](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32090420). *BBC News*. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2023. 4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-4)** Lee Kuan Yew (2000). *From Third World to First: The Singapore Story*. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [0-06-019776-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-06-019776-5 "Special:BookSources/0-06-019776-5") 5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-5)** ["Control of Manufacture Act"](https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/CMA1959). *Singapore Statutes Online*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180405153243/https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/CMA1959) from the original on 5 April 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2018. 6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-6)** Teng, Sharon (7 April 2014). ["Chewing gum ban"](https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2014-04-07_091840.html). *Singapore Infopedia*. National Library Board. 7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-7)** Nathan, Dominic (31 December 1991). ["Chewing gum to be banned"](http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19911231-1.2.2). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. p. 1. 8. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-8)** Metz, Elle (28 March 2015). ["Why Singapore banned chewing gum"](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32090420). *BBC News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160701044729/http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32090420) from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2016. 9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-9)** ["Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum) Regulations"](http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;ident=cbefa04c-7341-4a57-9762-15d39db691e6;page=0;query=DocId%3A%22125e649f-9e18-4cd1-9950-619cd8e2e0a1%22%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0). *Singapore Statutes Online*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151011165648/http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;ident=cbefa04c-7341-4a57-9762-15d39db691e6;page=0;query=DocId%3A%22125e649f-9e18-4cd1-9950-619cd8e2e0a1%22%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0-) from the original on 11 October 2015. 10. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-10)** ["Singapore's elder statesman"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/820234.stm). *BBC News*. 5 July 2000. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100906071321/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/820234.stm) from the original on 6 September 2010. Retrieved 28 April 2010. 11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-11)** Bill Clinton (2004). *My Life*. Knopf. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [0-375-41457-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-375-41457-6 "Special:BookSources/0-375-41457-6") . 12. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-:0_12-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore#cite_ref-:0_12-1) Prystay, Cris. ["At Long Last, Gum Is Legal in Singapore, But There Are Strings"](https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB108629672446328324). *The Wall Street Journal*. New York. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160818072901/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB108629672446328324) from the original on 18 August 2016. Retrieved 31 January 2023. 1. Ho Khai Leong (2003) *Shared Responsibilities, Unshared Power: The Politics of Policy-Making in Singapore*, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [981-210-218-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/981-210-218-3 "Special:BookSources/981-210-218-3") .

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