Topic: Casinos are the bane of Singapore

Two unemployed men were charged today with stealing 16 cash chips amounting to $8,000 from Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).

Muhammad Firdaus Bin Kamaru Zaman and Hamir Hamzah Bin Mohamed, both 23, are the latest among a growing number of people brought to court to face casino-related offences since the opening of Singapores first casino on February 14.

Both denied committing the offence.

Besides the alleged theft, Hamir Hamzah has been accused of two unrelated matters of drug use and possession of an offensive weapon.

A pre-trial conference has been set for April 16. If convicted, Muhammad Firdaus faces imprisonment of up to 3 years and/or a fine, while Hamir Hamzah faces additional jail terms of up to 3 years for consumption of controlled substances, and 5 years for possession of an offensive weapon.

According to Mr Paul Tay, Deputy Superintendent of Police, the opening of RWS last month has led to a slight increase in crime rate.

The Singapore Police Force is aware that the opening of a casino may lead to an increase of criminal activities such as thefts, loansharking and organised crime. We are prepared, committed and capable of dealing with these threats, he said.

Topic: Casinos are the bane of Singapore

Besides the soaring crime rate, Singaporeans are also concerned over the promotion of social-ills that the casinos bring.

I know that the casino can help improve Singapores economy. I just dont feel comfortable over the fact that my son, who is a compulsive gambler, may end up robbing someone one day because he lost money at the gambling tables, Mr Sim Han Kiong, a retiree, said.

When asked if he was aware that a persons family members could ban him or her from entering the casino, Mr Sim said yes.

He added, Thats the problem my son is only a work permit holder; his permanent residency was revoked last year over a petty crime he committed. Now, not only does he not need to pay the $100 levy, I am also powerless over preventing him from entering the casino to gamble.

Topic: Casinos are the bane of Singapore

Story Process Diary a) Original story idea: Two unemployed men charged with stealing casino chips from Resorts World Sentosa.

b) Origin of story idea: The story came from attending a hearing at court 17 of the subordinate courts. The hearing was at 3.30pm and lasted about 15 minutes. It was preceded by Mr Chia Wee Kiat, a District Judge. After leaving the subordinate courts, I interviewed a retiree about what he thought of casino-related offences, and he gave me a new perspective that in addition to increased crime, RWS may also be promoting social-ills.

c) Why is it of interest? People are interested in crime stories. Furthermore, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is the newest tourist attraction and tourists who visit Singapore would be interested in stories pertaining to the casino.

d) Potential sources: 1. The Singapore Police Forces spokesperson to ask for comments on the escalating crime rate ever since RWS opened. 2. Relatives of the two accused to ask how they felt about the casino now that their sons have been charged for theft.

e) Actual sources: 3

Topic: Casinos are the bane of Singapore

1. Paul Tay, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Assistant Director of Media Relations. Contact: 64782066 2. Sim Han Kiong, a retiree. Contact: 94553553

f) Limitation: I could not find the relatives of the two accused. The courtroom was packed with people and I had to respect the judge and not cause a disturbance to the court proceedings by walking around asking who the relatives were. Time was also a limitation the hearing took place at 3.30pm and after the hearing, I only had an hour left to interview people and churn out the story for submission.

g) Story evolution: The original story idea made for very dry reading. Therefore, I injected into my story an additional view of how RWS may be promoting social-ills in Singapore.

h) Other comments: I think people doing research on RWS or crime will find this story helpful. Furthermore, they can add this story to their collection of related media clippings.