The Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association's (Sana's) new Step-Up Centre for former offenders seeking financial, emotional and employment support was officially opened by Parliamentary Secretary of Home Affairs Amrin Amin (right) yesterday. With him were (from left) Mrs Quek Bin Hwee, president of Sana; Mr Jonathan Ng, a director of Far East Organisation and founder of Far East Ventures; and Mr Mohamad Fahmi Ahmad Abu Bakar, head of the centre. Far East Organisation is a donor to Sana.

Located at the Sengkang Community Hub, the centre will also be a contact point for those seeking information on drug abuse. The centre saw 339 cases last year during its pilot phase, and this figure is expected to rise above 500 this year.

Mr Amrin called this an "encouraging start" and Mrs Quek said Sana will be exploring plans to open more of such centres as early as next year.