There is a ban on importing chewing gum into Singapore which is strictly enforced since 2004. Gum can be bought from a doctor, but must be prescribed. These chewing gums can only be sold in pharmacies, and consumers must provide name and ID. Pharmacists who sell the gum without collecting the required information can be fined up to $2,940 USD and jailed for two years. The penalties for violating restrictions on chewing gum in Singapore, such as fines, Corrective Work Orders, and jail time, are often considered severe by outsiders. Similar fineable activities include spitting in public and not flushing public toilets. And the officials want to keep the country's public spaces clean.