Ex-drug addicts get subsidised tattoo removal

Ex-drug addict Mohd Iswandy Aziz, 31, who had the visible tattoos on his arm removed. -- ST PHOTO: SEAH KWANG PENG
Ex-drug addict Mohd Iswandy Aziz, 31, who had the visible tattoos on his arm removed. -- ST PHOTO: SEAH KWANG PENG

SINGAPORE - The National Skin Centre is organising a charity walk this Saturday to raise money for a tattoo removal programme for former drug addicts.

Under the programme, which was started last August by the Singapore Anti Narcotics Association, ex-addicts only have to pay 10 per cent of the total cost, or about $120.

It can take up to 10 sessions to remove a tattoo, depending on its size and colour, said associate prof Tan Suat Hoon, director of the National Skin Centre.

Both the NSC and SANA are hoping to raise $50,000, which will help improve the employability of 80 former drug offenders who have come clean

Mr Mohd Iswandy Aziz, 31, completed his 10 sessions last month. The logistics assistant said: "My bosses were very happy, they said it was a good thing for me."

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.