Singapore’s Chewing Gum Saga
Who Got Caught by the ICA?
Picture this: a sunny vacation in Johor Bahru, a quick stop at a convenience store, a couple of little tubes of chewing gum, and a return home… only to be stopped in the middle of your Singaporean journey by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). That’s exactly what happened to a 19‑year‑old TikTok user named Its_cheryl this past weekend.
Why the Drama?
Because Singapore is famous (and a tad ominous) for its chewing gum ban. While many think buying a few pieces abroad is harmless, the ICA took a stand. In the now‑deleted TikTok clip, Cheryl was pulled off the passenger railing by an ICA officer. As she lined up, the officer discreetly shoved a handful of gum into a plastic bin – a dramatic “cough and drop” moment that went viral before vanishing.
Public Reaction
- “Literally the first person I know getting caught for this” – a netizen who witnessed the clip.
- Others whispered that ICA would usually let a quick gum tuck slip under the radar, but this case seemed different.
- TikTok user Darlenivanderwind reminded everyone that Singapore doesn’t ban chewing gum consumption – it only bans import.
- Followers ridiculed the loss of “promised happiness” after seeing the ICA warning in another TikTok: (source: Ministry of Home Affairs)
What the Law Says
The ICA’s own website lists what is shut down from import:
- Chewing gum (unless it’s for dental or medicinal reasons)
- Chewing tobacco
- Controlled drugs & psychotropic substances
- Obscene or pornographic material
So, bringing back two tiny tubes? That falls under the general “chewing gum” ban. If you bought a peppermint stick or a sugar‑free stick from a mall in Kuala Lumpur, it’s still disallowed.
Exception for Health Gums
The Health Sciences Authority states that visitors can bring in up to a three‑month supply of Singapore‑registered medicinal or oral dental gum. But that’s a special category – ordinary gum sold in convenience stores does not qualify.
Takeaway
Short answer: If you’re heading to Singapore, be a smart gum‑buyer. Either leave the gum in Malaysia, or check if the gum you’re bringing is part of the medicinal exemption. It might feel a bit funny to think that your bubble‑gum might land you in an immigration checkpoint, but the hard‑line ban is real.
So next time you get a deal on gum at a local Malaysian shop, think: “Is this the gum that ends up in the ICA bin?” Keep your tummy relaxed, and your chews should be fine—just let the chewing stick stay in its country of origin.
