World Notes: Singapore

Like spitting, public chewing may wind up on the wrong side of the law in the sternly ruled island republic. The government has banned the manufacture, sale and importation of chewing gum. Mere possession of the stuff is not illegal yet, but offending sellers face fines of up to $1,200 and importers could get a year in jail. Gum, explains a government spokesman, "causes filthiness to our public facilities."

Singapore's subway trains have been halted several times recently when wads of chewing gum jammed their doors. The gum lobby argues that gum does not clog doors, people do. The government is unmoved.

Gum fanciers arriving from abroad must declare any they have with them on their customs forms. They will be allowed to bring in small amounts for their personal use, but the government reserves the right to define how much that may be.