That's because it was written by a Singaporean for Singaporeans in Singapore, and they all know well that she is referring to the national ban on selling chewin

That's because it was written by a Singaporean for Singaporeans in Singapore, and they all know well that she is referring to the national ban on selling chewing gum. It was said to be a way to keep the newly built subway system clean, but it has become the go-to symbol of the extent of the nanny state in Singapore when a foreign journalist writes about such things.