EDUCATION authorities in Malaysia have linked a sudden increase in the number of students wearing tattoos in the state of Johore to secret society infiltration of schools.
Johore is next to Singapore, which has a long history of triad criminal activity. Chinese secret societies operating in the island nation have traditionally used quiet rural areas of Johore for initiation ceremonies.
The Education Ministry's chief inspector of schools for Johore, Husaini Hasbullah, said students with tattoos had been warned to remove them immediately or face expulsion.
'We are on the move to curb secret society activities in schools,' he said.
'Students can engage in other forms of art or activities as encouraged in their schools but not tattooing as at their age it is not a good practice.' Mr Husaini said the ministry's regulations covered all forms of tattooing, including water-soluble prints pasted on the skin.
He said the rise in tattooing could be attributed to 'gangsters indirectly operating in schools'. Tattooing was part of the joining rites, he said.
'In view of the possible linkage to secret societies we will co-operate with police to keep watch on students with tattoos to see if they are involved in gangsterism or criminal activities,' Mr Husaini said.