Singapore has lifted its ban on chewing gum after a 12-year restriction - but it will only be sold in pharmacies to registered users.

The ultra-tidy state, known for its clean streets and tight social controls, lifted the ban as part of a compromise under trade talks with the US.

But sales are limited to therapeutic use with chewers having to provide their ID when purchasing the gum. Dealers still face a jail term and fine if they break the rules.

Singapore outlawed the manufacture, import and sale of chewing gum in 1992 after the city-state's founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, complained that it was fouling streets, buildings, buses and subway trains.

The press is already quoting street cleaners complaining that pavements are being sullied by discarded gum.

Other draconian measures that remain in place are fines for spitting or failing to flush public toilets.