Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Dr Wan Rizal, Jalan Besar GRC
Question
To ask the Minister for Education (a) what initiatives are in place to educate students and parents about the dangers of using e-vaporisers laced with substances like etomidate and ketamine; and (b) how does the Ministry plan to collaborate with social service agencies to address this issue.
Response
1. The Ministry of Education (MOE) takes a firm stance against substance abuse. In schools, students learn about Singapore's laws and regulations concerning illegal substances, their harmful consequences and new developments to be mindful of. Students are taught to recognise impulsive and addictive behaviours and are equipped with skills for self-control and managing negative peer influences. Schools share resources with parents to raise awareness of the consequences of substance abuse and strategies to support a substance-free lifestyle.
2. MOE also works closely with the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) on preventive education and enforcement. This includes collaborations to raise awareness among students, parents and social service agencies of the illegality and harms of any new or emerging substances. When schools are informed of substance abuse cases, including those identified by social service agencies, they work with enforcement and social service agencies to rehabilitate the students and support their well-being.