Ultra-tidy Singapore has lifted its notorious ban on chewing gum after 12 long years - but only for registered users. Gum dealers face jail if they break the rules.

Before Singaporeans think about unwrapping a pack of the Wrigley's Orbit gum that has just gone on sale - and only in chemists - they have to submit their names and ID card numbers.

If they don't, chemists who sell them gum could be jailed for up to two years and fined.

This Southeast Asian city-state, known for its immaculate streets and tight social controls, outlawed the manufacture, import and sale of chewing gum in 1992 after the country's founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, complained that it was fouling streets, buildings, buses and subway trains.

Lee, 80, stepped down as prime minister in 1990 but still wields considerable influence under the title "senior minister".

Gum became a sticking point months ago in Singapore's free trade talks with Washington, when representative Philip Crane of Illinois - home of chewing gum giant Wrigley - pressed the issue.

Singapore compromised, agreeing to allow only the sale of "therapeutic" gum in pharmacies. The free trade pact took effect in January.

The Health Sciences Authority said it had allowed the sale of 19 "medicinal" and "dental" gum products.

Wrigley's Orbit, which the company claims is good for teeth, hit chemist shelves just days ago.

Nicorette, a nicotine gum meant to help smokers kick their addiction, has been available since March.

Singaporeans, many of whom have long derided the chewing gum ban, seemed unimpressed by the change.

"It's ridiculous that it's easier for 16-year-olds to visit prostitutes than it is to get chewing gum here," said 22-year old college student Fayen Wong.

Prostitution is legal in parts of Singapore and no registration is required.