TNP reader Gary Haris' instincts lead to cover stories

SINGAPORE - He is all ears and eyes for The New Paper. And twice, his instincts were spot on, his tip-offs leading to cover stories.

Mr Gary Haris was first to alert us about the recent slashing incident at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4.

Said the business development manager, 39: "One of my family members saw the incident. She was traumatised, but the day after, I called TNP to share information on the location of the slashing."

The second hotline call resulted in last Friday's cover story of an old lady allegedly assaulting an Ang Mo Kio resident with a wooden stick.

Mr Haris was in a bank when he heard a commotion outside. When he went out to check, he saw an old lady shouting at other bank patrons.

He called the police before alerting TNP to this "bizarre" sight.

"This old lady was asking people in the ATM queue for money. She was shouting a lot of vulgarities in Malay and charged at them with a red plastic bag," he said.

"The neighbourhood police officer told me they were aware of her, but said she caused no harm to people. I was afraid she might hurt somebody because she was shouting at everyone."

He alerted TNP as he knew that was not the first time something like that had happened in Ang Mo Kio.

Mr Haris has been reading TNP almost every day for six years and intends to continue calling in to share news about things that are "(not) the norm".

"I like the way the reports are written in TNP. They are more descriptive and contain well-researched details that are not reported in other local papers," he said.

Reading together

"My family reads the paper together on weekends to keep ourselves abreast of local issues."

Another hotline call on an accident along Robinson Road made it into the newspaper last Thursday.

The caller, who wanted to be known only as Mr Tan, said he had just walked out of the AIA tower when he saw a woman lying on the ground.

"I heard the lady groaning very loudly and went to help. Then I saw someone walk out of a black car to lend assistance. It was (Law Minister) Mr Shanmugam," said Mr Tan.

"The lady's head was bleeding profusely so we made a decision to move her to the side into a swivel chair brought by the AIA tower's security officers."

He added that Mr Shanmugam just happened to be there and he commended him for not having any airs when he helped the woman.

Mr Tan, an avid football fan, said he has been reading the paper for more than 16 years.

He said: "I buy the paper for its extensive sports coverage and to track local news. Sometimes the headlines intrigue me so I buy a copy."

For having their stories published, both Mr Haris and Mr Tan will be receiving $100 worth of Manhattan Fish Market dining vouchers and two T-shirts worth $60.

Aside from calling our hotline at 1800-733-4455, readers can also e-mail us at tnp@sph.com.sg, or send in their alerts via SMS or MMS to 9477-8899.

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