Singapore: Chewing gum back for registered users

Ultra-tidy Singapore has lifted its notorious ban on chewing gum after 12 years – but only for registered users. Gum dealers face jail if they break the rules.

Before Singaporeans think about unwrapping a pack of the Wrigley’s Orbit gum that has just gone on sale – and only in chemists – they have to submit their names and ID card numbers.

If they don’t, chemists who sell them gum could be jailed up to two years and fined €2,400.

The Southeast Asian city-state, known for its immaculate streets and tight social controls, outlawed the manufacture, import and sale of chewing gum in 1992 after the country’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, complained that it was fouling streets, buildings, buses and subway trains.

Lee, 80, stepped down as prime minister in 1990 but still wields considerable influence under the title “senior minister.”

Gum became a sticking point months ago in Singapore’s free trade talks with Washington, when Representative Philip Crane of Illinois – home of chewing gum giant Wrigley – pressed the issue.

Singapore compromised, agreeing to allow only the sale of ”therapeutic” gum in pharmacies. The free trade pact took effect on January 1.

The Health Sciences Authority said it has allowed the sale of 19 ”medicinal” and “dental” gum products.

Wrigleys’ Orbit, which the company claims is good for teeth, hit chemists shelves just days ago. Nicorette, a nicotine gum meant to help smokers kick their addiction, has been available since March.

Nicorette costs almost €9 for a pack of 30 pieces. A pack of Orbit goes for €1.25.

Singaporeans, many of whom have long derided the chewing gum ban, seemed unimpressed by the change.

“It’s ridiculous that it’s easier for 16-year-olds to visit prostitutes than it is to get chewing gum here,” said 22-year old college student Fayen Wong. Prostitution is legal in parts of Singapore – and no registration is required.

“Why would I go through the trouble of getting nicotine gum if I can buy a pack of cigarettes without giving my name?” said Wong. “I don’t think the new rules will help smokers to quit.”

The Straits Times newspaper, which has close government ties, said street cleaners have already been complaining about the return of spent wads of chewing gum to their once pristine pavements.

Singapore has been at pains in recent years to shed its ”nanny state” image and promote itself as a hip, cosmopolitan hub for media and the arts in Asia.

But this has proven a difficult task in a country where films and television shows are often censored, home satellite TV dishes are banned and various books, magazines and even popular songs are outlawed. Fines are levied for spitting or failing to flush public toilets.

Critics of restrictions have often cited the chewing gum ban as an example of the government’s excesses.