As an expert in international regulations and cultural norms, I've had the opportunity to study a wide range of laws and customs across different countries. When it comes to the topic of chewing gum in Singapore, there's a unique history and set of rules that have been established over the years. Let's delve into the specifics of this regulation.
Step 1: English Answer
Singapore's stance on chewing gum is well-known for being quite strict. The ban on chewing gum in Singapore dates back to 1992, which was implemented by the government to address the issue of littering and the maintenance problems it caused, particularly with gum stuck on public transportation and other public facilities.

The ban was not absolute, however. There are exceptions to this rule. Since 2004, the government has allowed the import and sale of chewing gum that serves a therapeutic purpose. This includes dental and nicotine gums, which are designed to help with oral health or to assist in smoking cessation. These types of gum are not available over the counter in stores; they must be purchased with a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.

The rationale behind the therapeutic exemption is to balance the need for public cleanliness with the health needs of individuals who require these products for medical reasons. The regulation is governed by the "Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum) Regulations," which stipulates the conditions under which therapeutic chewing gum can be legally imported and used in Singapore.

It's important to note that the enforcement of this ban is quite serious. Violations can result in hefty fines, and in some cases, even imprisonment. The ban has been credited with significantly reducing the amount of gum-related litter in the country.

However, the chewing gum ban is not universally applied to every type of gum. The government has recognized that certain types of gum can provide health benefits and have made provisions for these to be available to the public under strict conditions.

In summary, while it is generally illegal to chew gum in Singapore, there are specific exceptions for therapeutic chewing gum, which includes dental and nicotine gums. These can be purchased with a prescription from a doctor, adhering to the regulations set forth by the government.

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Chewing gum ban in Singapore. ... Since 2004, only chewing gum of therapeutic value is allowed into Singapore under the "Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum) Regulations". The exception is made for dental or nicotine gum. Gum can be bought from a doctor, but must be prescribed.read more >>