🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 84 (from laksa148)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa084.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 FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.mashed.com/467293/the-real-reason-chewing-gum-is-banned-in-singapore/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.mashed.com/467293/the-real-reason-chewing-gum-is-banned-in-singapore/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/467293\/the-real-reason-chewing-gum-is-banned-in-singapore\/","crawl_time":1774141623,"first_indexed_time":1626908061,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,mashed!www,\/467293\/the-real-reason-chewing-gum-is-banned-in-singapore\/ s443","src_root_hash":"18172718054835150684","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"The Real Reason Chewing Gum Is Banned In Singapore","meta_descriptions":["All countries have unique customs and laws. Singapore has one rule that comes across as a complete shock to many of its visitors: Chewing gum is banned."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Shutterstock\nWhen you visit different nations, it's amazing how many things are similar to your home country, and how many things are so vastly different. It's a good idea to check out the local laws and expectations before visiting another country, otherwise you may get stuck with an unpleasant surprise (or fine) when you're caught unawares.\nThe food and a lot of cultural aspects may be surprisingly divergent, but in Singapore they have one rule that comes across as a complete shock to many of its visitors:\nchewing gum\nis banned. There are also a few other strict rules in place around the tidiness of the country, including \"laws against litter, graffiti, jaywalking, spitting, expelling \"mucus from the nose\" and urinating anywhere but in a toilet. (If it's a public toilet, you are legally required to flush it)\" (via\nBBC\n). According to\nGo Abroad\n, you can be charged up to $1,000 as a first-time offender breaking the chewing gum ban, which is probably a lot more than it's worth just for a piece of\nbubble gum\n.\nSingapore's first prime minister wanted to make Singapore cleaner\nShutterstock\nChewing gum has been banned in Singapore since 1992, when the former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew created a series of laws designed to make Singapore a \"first-world oasis in a third-world region\" after its independence in 1965 (via\nBBC\n). As the country's first prime minister, Lee was setting the standard to make Singapore a clean utopia, and gum was not part of that plan. U.S. Journalist Tom Plate was able to write a book dictating his conversations with Lee and describes his opinion on why Lee eradicated the substance: \"as far as LKY and his team were concerned, the yucky habit, commonplace in the old days, was a palpable enemy of progress. The way to edge forward toward utopia was simple: simply outlaw chewing gum\" (per BBC).\nSince 2004, \"therapeutic\" gum can now be sold to those with a prescription, which allows many to enjoy chewing it again. They'd best remember that they'll still be stuck with a hefty fine if they are ever caught spitting it out and leaving it as litter.","attrs_markdown":"[![Mashed](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/img\/mashed_logo_color_2.svg)](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/)\n\n- [RECIPES](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/recipes\/)\n  - [Course](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/course\/)\n  - [Dish Type](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/dish-type\/)\n  - [Main Ingredients](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/main-ingredients\/)\n  - [Drink Recipes](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/drink-recipes\/)\n  - [Baking Recipes](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/baking-recipes\/)\n  - [Dietary Considerations](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/dietary-considerations\/)\n  - [Preparation](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/preparation\/)\n  - [Cuisine](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/cuisine\/)\n  - [Copycat Recipes](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/copycat-recipes\/)\n  - [Tiktok and Trending Recipes](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/tiktok-and-trending-recipes\/)\n- [EXCLUSIVES](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/exclusives\/)\n  - [Interviews](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/exclusives-interviews\/)\n  - [Opinion](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/opinion\/)\n  - [Reviews](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/exclusives-reviews\/)\n- [NEWS](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/news\/)\n- [ENTERTAINMENT](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/entertainment\/)\n  - [Celebs](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/celebs\/)\n  - [TV and Movies](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/tv-and-movies\/)\n- [KITCHEN](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/kitchen\/)\n  - [Tips](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/tips-cooking\/)\n  - [How-To](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/how-to\/)\n  - [Kitchen Tools](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/kitchen-tools\/)\n  - [Storage and Preservation](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/storage-and-preservation\/)\n  - [Cleaning](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/cleaning-cooking\/)\n  - [Grilling and Smoking](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/grilling-and-smoking\/)\n  - [Baking](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/baking\/)\n  - [Cooking](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/cooking\/)\n  - [Cookbooks](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/cookbooks\/)\n  - [Beverages](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/beverages\/)\n- [GROCERY](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/grocery\/)\n  - [Shopping Tips](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/shopping-tips\/)\n  - [Stores and Chains](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/stores-and-chains\/)\n  - [Gas Stations](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/gas-stations\/)\n- [RESTAURANTS](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/restaurants\/)\n  - [Fast Food](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/fast-food\/)\n  - [Casual Dining](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/casual-dining\/)\n  - [Pizzerias](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/pizzerias\/)\n  - [Coffee Shops](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/coffee-shops\/)\n- [FACTS](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/facts\/)\n- [HOLIDAYS](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/holidays\/)\n  - [Christmas](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/christmas\/)\n  - [New Year's](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/new-years\/)\n  - [Easter](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/easter\/)\n  - [Passover](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/passover\/)\n  - [Thanksgiving](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/thanksgiving\/)\n  - [Halloween](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/halloween\/)\n  - [St. Patrick's Day](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/st-patricks-day\/)\n  - [Valentine's Day](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/valentines-day\/)\n  - [Mother's Day](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/mothers-day\/)\n- [FEATURES](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/features\/)\n\n- [Newsletter](https:\/\/subscribe.mashed.com\/newsletter?utm_source=mashed&utm_medium=side-nav \"Newsletter\")\n\n- [About](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/about\/)\n- [Editorial Policies](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/policies\/)\n- [Our Experts](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/our-experts\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.static.com\/mashed-privacy-policy)\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.static.com\/terms)\n\n© 2026 [Static Media](https:\/\/www.static.com\/). All Rights Reserved\n\n[![Mashed](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/img\/mashed_logo_color_2.svg)](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/)\n\n[![Mashed](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/img\/mashed_icon_color.svg)](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/)\n\nThe Real Reason Chewing Gum Is Banned In Singapore\n\n[RECIPES](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/recipes\/) [EXCLUSIVES](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/exclusives\/) [NEWS](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/news\/) [ENTERTAINMENT](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/entertainment\/) [KITCHEN](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/kitchen\/) [GROCERY](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/grocery\/) [RESTAURANTS](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/restaurants\/) [FACTS](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/facts\/) [HOLIDAYS](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/holidays\/) [FEATURES](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/features\/)\n\n- [Newsletter](https:\/\/subscribe.mashed.com\/newsletter?utm_source=mashed&utm_medium=top-nav \"Newsletter\")\n\n- [Facts](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/category\/facts\/)\n# The Real Reason Chewing Gum Is Banned In Singapore\nBy [Rachel Pasche](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/author\/rachelpasche\/)\n\nJuly 21, 2021 4:46 pm EST\n\n![Gumball machine](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/img\/gallery\/the-real-reason-chewing-gum-is-banned-in-singapore\/intro-1626900075.jpg)\n\nShutterstock\n\nWhen you visit different nations, it's amazing how many things are similar to your home country, and how many things are so vastly different. It's a good idea to check out the local laws and expectations before visiting another country, otherwise you may get stuck with an unpleasant surprise (or fine) when you're caught unawares.\n\nThe food and a lot of cultural aspects may be surprisingly divergent, but in Singapore they have one rule that comes across as a complete shock to many of its visitors: [chewing gum](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/301035\/heres-what-happens-when-you-chew-gum-every-day\/) is banned. There are also a few other strict rules in place around the tidiness of the country, including \"laws against litter, graffiti, jaywalking, spitting, expelling \"mucus from the nose\" and urinating anywhere but in a toilet. (If it's a public toilet, you are legally required to flush it)\" (via [BBC](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/magazine-32090420)). According to [Go Abroad](https:\/\/www.goabroad.com\/articles\/study-abroad\/singapore-laws-to-know-before-you-go), you can be charged up to \\$1,000 as a first-time offender breaking the chewing gum ban, which is probably a lot more than it's worth just for a piece of [bubble gum](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/209758\/what-you-dont-want-to-know-about-bubble-gum\/).\n\n## Singapore's first prime minister wanted to make Singapore cleaner\n![Gum stuck to shoe](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/img\/gallery\/the-real-reason-chewing-gum-is-banned-in-singapore\/singapores-first-prime-minister-wanted-to-make-singapore-cleaner-1626900075.jpg)\n\nShutterstock\n\nChewing gum has been banned in Singapore since 1992, when the former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew created a series of laws designed to make Singapore a \"first-world oasis in a third-world region\" after its independence in 1965 (via [BBC](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/magazine-32090420)). As the country's first prime minister, Lee was setting the standard to make Singapore a clean utopia, and gum was not part of that plan. U.S. Journalist Tom Plate was able to write a book dictating his conversations with Lee and describes his opinion on why Lee eradicated the substance: \"as far as LKY and his team were concerned, the yucky habit, commonplace in the old days, was a palpable enemy of progress. The way to edge forward toward utopia was simple: simply outlaw chewing gum\" (per BBC).\n\nSince 2004, \"therapeutic\" gum can now be sold to those with a prescription, which allows many to enjoy chewing it again. They'd best remember that they'll still be stuck with a hefty fine if they are ever caught spitting it out and leaving it as litter.\n## Recommended","attrs_readable_markdown":"![Gumball machine](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/img\/gallery\/the-real-reason-chewing-gum-is-banned-in-singapore\/intro-1626900075.jpg)\n\nShutterstock\n\nWhen you visit different nations, it's amazing how many things are similar to your home country, and how many things are so vastly different. It's a good idea to check out the local laws and expectations before visiting another country, otherwise you may get stuck with an unpleasant surprise (or fine) when you're caught unawares.\n\nThe food and a lot of cultural aspects may be surprisingly divergent, but in Singapore they have one rule that comes across as a complete shock to many of its visitors: [chewing gum](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/301035\/heres-what-happens-when-you-chew-gum-every-day\/) is banned. There are also a few other strict rules in place around the tidiness of the country, including \"laws against litter, graffiti, jaywalking, spitting, expelling \"mucus from the nose\" and urinating anywhere but in a toilet. (If it's a public toilet, you are legally required to flush it)\" (via [BBC](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/magazine-32090420)). According to [Go Abroad](https:\/\/www.goabroad.com\/articles\/study-abroad\/singapore-laws-to-know-before-you-go), you can be charged up to \\$1,000 as a first-time offender breaking the chewing gum ban, which is probably a lot more than it's worth just for a piece of [bubble gum](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/209758\/what-you-dont-want-to-know-about-bubble-gum\/).\n\n## Singapore's first prime minister wanted to make Singapore cleaner\n![Gum stuck to shoe](https:\/\/www.mashed.com\/img\/gallery\/the-real-reason-chewing-gum-is-banned-in-singapore\/singapores-first-prime-minister-wanted-to-make-singapore-cleaner-1626900075.jpg)\n\nShutterstock\n\nChewing gum has been banned in Singapore since 1992, when the former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew created a series of laws designed to make Singapore a \"first-world oasis in a third-world region\" after its independence in 1965 (via [BBC](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/magazine-32090420)). As the country's first prime minister, Lee was setting the standard to make Singapore a clean utopia, and gum was not part of that plan. U.S. Journalist Tom Plate was able to write a book dictating his conversations with Lee and describes his opinion on why Lee eradicated the substance: \"as far as LKY and his team were concerned, the yucky habit, commonplace in the old days, was a palpable enemy of progress. The way to edge forward toward utopia was simple: simply outlaw chewing gum\" (per BBC).\n\nSince 2004, \"therapeutic\" gum can now be sold to those with a prescription, which allows many to enjoy chewing it again. They'd best remember that they'll still be stuck with a hefty fine if they are ever caught spitting it out and leaving it as litter.","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

28 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.9 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.mashed.com/467293/the-real-reason-chewing-gum-is-banned-in-singapore/
Last Crawled	2026-03-22 01:07:03 (28 days ago)
First Indexed	2021-07-21 22:54:21 (4 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	The Real Reason Chewing Gum Is Banned In Singapore
Meta Description	All countries have unique customs and laws. Singapore has one rule that comes across as a complete shock to many of its visitors: Chewing gum is banned.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Shutterstock When you visit different nations, it's amazing how many things are similar to your home country, and how many things are so vastly different. It's a good idea to check out the local laws and expectations before visiting another country, otherwise you may get stuck with an unpleasant surprise (or fine) when you're caught unawares. The food and a lot of cultural aspects may be surprisingly divergent, but in Singapore they have one rule that comes across as a complete shock to many of its visitors: chewing gum is banned. There are also a few other strict rules in place around the tidiness of the country, including "laws against litter, graffiti, jaywalking, spitting, expelling "mucus from the nose" and urinating anywhere but in a toilet. (If it's a public toilet, you are legally required to flush it)" (via BBC ). According to Go Abroad , you can be charged up to $1,000 as a first-time offender breaking the chewing gum ban, which is probably a lot more than it's worth just for a piece of bubble gum . Singapore's first prime minister wanted to make Singapore cleaner Shutterstock Chewing gum has been banned in Singapore since 1992, when the former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew created a series of laws designed to make Singapore a "first-world oasis in a third-world region" after its independence in 1965 (via BBC ). As the country's first prime minister, Lee was setting the standard to make Singapore a clean utopia, and gum was not part of that plan. U.S. Journalist Tom Plate was able to write a book dictating his conversations with Lee and describes his opinion on why Lee eradicated the substance: "as far as LKY and his team were concerned, the yucky habit, commonplace in the old days, was a palpable enemy of progress. The way to edge forward toward utopia was simple: simply outlaw chewing gum" (per BBC). Since 2004, "therapeutic" gum can now be sold to those with a prescription, which allows many to enjoy chewing it again. They'd best remember that they'll still be stuck with a hefty fine if they are ever caught spitting it out and leaving it as litter.
Markdown	[![Mashed](https://www.mashed.com/img/mashed_logo_color_2.svg)](https://www.mashed.com/) - [RECIPES](https://www.mashed.com/category/recipes/) - [Course](https://www.mashed.com/category/course/) - [Dish Type](https://www.mashed.com/category/dish-type/) - [Main Ingredients](https://www.mashed.com/category/main-ingredients/) - [Drink Recipes](https://www.mashed.com/category/drink-recipes/) - [Baking Recipes](https://www.mashed.com/category/baking-recipes/) - [Dietary Considerations](https://www.mashed.com/category/dietary-considerations/) - [Preparation](https://www.mashed.com/category/preparation/) - [Cuisine](https://www.mashed.com/category/cuisine/) - [Copycat Recipes](https://www.mashed.com/category/copycat-recipes/) - [Tiktok and Trending Recipes](https://www.mashed.com/category/tiktok-and-trending-recipes/) - [EXCLUSIVES](https://www.mashed.com/category/exclusives/) - [Interviews](https://www.mashed.com/category/exclusives-interviews/) - [Opinion](https://www.mashed.com/category/opinion/) - [Reviews](https://www.mashed.com/category/exclusives-reviews/) - [NEWS](https://www.mashed.com/category/news/) - [ENTERTAINMENT](https://www.mashed.com/category/entertainment/) - [Celebs](https://www.mashed.com/category/celebs/) - [TV and Movies](https://www.mashed.com/category/tv-and-movies/) - [KITCHEN](https://www.mashed.com/category/kitchen/) - [Tips](https://www.mashed.com/category/tips-cooking/) - [How-To](https://www.mashed.com/category/how-to/) - [Kitchen Tools](https://www.mashed.com/category/kitchen-tools/) - [Storage and Preservation](https://www.mashed.com/category/storage-and-preservation/) - [Cleaning](https://www.mashed.com/category/cleaning-cooking/) - [Grilling and Smoking](https://www.mashed.com/category/grilling-and-smoking/) - [Baking](https://www.mashed.com/category/baking/) - [Cooking](https://www.mashed.com/category/cooking/) - [Cookbooks](https://www.mashed.com/category/cookbooks/) - [Beverages](https://www.mashed.com/category/beverages/) - [GROCERY](https://www.mashed.com/category/grocery/) - [Shopping Tips](https://www.mashed.com/category/shopping-tips/) - [Stores and Chains](https://www.mashed.com/category/stores-and-chains/) - [Gas Stations](https://www.mashed.com/category/gas-stations/) - [RESTAURANTS](https://www.mashed.com/category/restaurants/) - [Fast Food](https://www.mashed.com/category/fast-food/) - [Casual Dining](https://www.mashed.com/category/casual-dining/) - [Pizzerias](https://www.mashed.com/category/pizzerias/) - [Coffee Shops](https://www.mashed.com/category/coffee-shops/) - [FACTS](https://www.mashed.com/category/facts/) - [HOLIDAYS](https://www.mashed.com/category/holidays/) - [Christmas](https://www.mashed.com/category/christmas/) - [New Year's](https://www.mashed.com/category/new-years/) - [Easter](https://www.mashed.com/category/easter/) - [Passover](https://www.mashed.com/category/passover/) - [Thanksgiving](https://www.mashed.com/category/thanksgiving/) - [Halloween](https://www.mashed.com/category/halloween/) - [St. Patrick's Day](https://www.mashed.com/category/st-patricks-day/) - [Valentine's Day](https://www.mashed.com/category/valentines-day/) - [Mother's Day](https://www.mashed.com/category/mothers-day/) - [FEATURES](https://www.mashed.com/category/features/) - [Newsletter](https://subscribe.mashed.com/newsletter?utm_source=mashed&utm_medium=side-nav "Newsletter") - [About](https://www.mashed.com/about/) - [Editorial Policies](https://www.mashed.com/policies/) - [Our Experts](https://www.mashed.com/our-experts/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.static.com/mashed-privacy-policy) - [Terms of Use](https://www.static.com/terms) © 2026 [Static Media](https://www.static.com/). All Rights Reserved [![Mashed](https://www.mashed.com/img/mashed_logo_color_2.svg)](https://www.mashed.com/) [![Mashed](https://www.mashed.com/img/mashed_icon_color.svg)](https://www.mashed.com/) The Real Reason Chewing Gum Is Banned In Singapore [RECIPES](https://www.mashed.com/category/recipes/) [EXCLUSIVES](https://www.mashed.com/category/exclusives/) [NEWS](https://www.mashed.com/category/news/) [ENTERTAINMENT](https://www.mashed.com/category/entertainment/) [KITCHEN](https://www.mashed.com/category/kitchen/) [GROCERY](https://www.mashed.com/category/grocery/) [RESTAURANTS](https://www.mashed.com/category/restaurants/) [FACTS](https://www.mashed.com/category/facts/) [HOLIDAYS](https://www.mashed.com/category/holidays/) [FEATURES](https://www.mashed.com/category/features/) - [Newsletter](https://subscribe.mashed.com/newsletter?utm_source=mashed&utm_medium=top-nav "Newsletter") - [Facts](https://www.mashed.com/category/facts/) # The Real Reason Chewing Gum Is Banned In Singapore By [Rachel Pasche](https://www.mashed.com/author/rachelpasche/) July 21, 2021 4:46 pm EST ![Gumball machine](https://www.mashed.com/img/gallery/the-real-reason-chewing-gum-is-banned-in-singapore/intro-1626900075.jpg) Shutterstock When you visit different nations, it's amazing how many things are similar to your home country, and how many things are so vastly different. It's a good idea to check out the local laws and expectations before visiting another country, otherwise you may get stuck with an unpleasant surprise (or fine) when you're caught unawares. The food and a lot of cultural aspects may be surprisingly divergent, but in Singapore they have one rule that comes across as a complete shock to many of its visitors: [chewing gum](https://www.mashed.com/301035/heres-what-happens-when-you-chew-gum-every-day/) is banned. There are also a few other strict rules in place around the tidiness of the country, including "laws against litter, graffiti, jaywalking, spitting, expelling "mucus from the nose" and urinating anywhere but in a toilet. (If it's a public toilet, you are legally required to flush it)" (via [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32090420)). According to [Go Abroad](https://www.goabroad.com/articles/study-abroad/singapore-laws-to-know-before-you-go), you can be charged up to \$1,000 as a first-time offender breaking the chewing gum ban, which is probably a lot more than it's worth just for a piece of [bubble gum](https://www.mashed.com/209758/what-you-dont-want-to-know-about-bubble-gum/). ## Singapore's first prime minister wanted to make Singapore cleaner ![Gum stuck to shoe](https://www.mashed.com/img/gallery/the-real-reason-chewing-gum-is-banned-in-singapore/singapores-first-prime-minister-wanted-to-make-singapore-cleaner-1626900075.jpg) Shutterstock Chewing gum has been banned in Singapore since 1992, when the former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew created a series of laws designed to make Singapore a "first-world oasis in a third-world region" after its independence in 1965 (via [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32090420)). As the country's first prime minister, Lee was setting the standard to make Singapore a clean utopia, and gum was not part of that plan. U.S. Journalist Tom Plate was able to write a book dictating his conversations with Lee and describes his opinion on why Lee eradicated the substance: "as far as LKY and his team were concerned, the yucky habit, commonplace in the old days, was a palpable enemy of progress. The way to edge forward toward utopia was simple: simply outlaw chewing gum" (per BBC). Since 2004, "therapeutic" gum can now be sold to those with a prescription, which allows many to enjoy chewing it again. They'd best remember that they'll still be stuck with a hefty fine if they are ever caught spitting it out and leaving it as litter. ## Recommended
Readable Markdown	![Gumball machine](https://www.mashed.com/img/gallery/the-real-reason-chewing-gum-is-banned-in-singapore/intro-1626900075.jpg) Shutterstock When you visit different nations, it's amazing how many things are similar to your home country, and how many things are so vastly different. It's a good idea to check out the local laws and expectations before visiting another country, otherwise you may get stuck with an unpleasant surprise (or fine) when you're caught unawares. The food and a lot of cultural aspects may be surprisingly divergent, but in Singapore they have one rule that comes across as a complete shock to many of its visitors: [chewing gum](https://www.mashed.com/301035/heres-what-happens-when-you-chew-gum-every-day/) is banned. There are also a few other strict rules in place around the tidiness of the country, including "laws against litter, graffiti, jaywalking, spitting, expelling "mucus from the nose" and urinating anywhere but in a toilet. (If it's a public toilet, you are legally required to flush it)" (via [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32090420)). According to [Go Abroad](https://www.goabroad.com/articles/study-abroad/singapore-laws-to-know-before-you-go), you can be charged up to \$1,000 as a first-time offender breaking the chewing gum ban, which is probably a lot more than it's worth just for a piece of [bubble gum](https://www.mashed.com/209758/what-you-dont-want-to-know-about-bubble-gum/). ## Singapore's first prime minister wanted to make Singapore cleaner ![Gum stuck to shoe](https://www.mashed.com/img/gallery/the-real-reason-chewing-gum-is-banned-in-singapore/singapores-first-prime-minister-wanted-to-make-singapore-cleaner-1626900075.jpg) Shutterstock Chewing gum has been banned in Singapore since 1992, when the former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew created a series of laws designed to make Singapore a "first-world oasis in a third-world region" after its independence in 1965 (via [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32090420)). As the country's first prime minister, Lee was setting the standard to make Singapore a clean utopia, and gum was not part of that plan. U.S. Journalist Tom Plate was able to write a book dictating his conversations with Lee and describes his opinion on why Lee eradicated the substance: "as far as LKY and his team were concerned, the yucky habit, commonplace in the old days, was a palpable enemy of progress. The way to edge forward toward utopia was simple: simply outlaw chewing gum" (per BBC). Since 2004, "therapeutic" gum can now be sold to those with a prescription, which allows many to enjoy chewing it again. They'd best remember that they'll still be stuck with a hefty fine if they are ever caught spitting it out and leaving it as litter.
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