Although the recent Beach Road slashing incident may have left many of us horrified, a group of people have stepped up to go beyond their duties and help a fellow human being in need.
And if you have no idea what I’m talking about, here’s all you need to know about the incident that shocked all Singaporeans on 14 April.
With restaurant workers and owners being lauded for their admirable and brave behaviour in trying to stop Cheng Guoyuan, 46, from attacking his wife, another group of people have surfaced in the past few days as well for their kind acts.
In particular, over 50 restaurant owners in Bugis, Chinatown and Geylang have extended their compassion and generosity towards Han Hongli, the 41-year-old victim of the slashing incident.
Fundraiser for Victim
Mr Leonard Shi, the owner of Samurai BBQ, started a fundraiser last Friday (15 April) with the intention of raising funds for Ms Han and her family.
Ms Han has two young children with Cheng. The couple are apparently estranged.
Mr Shi, 42, was also one of the people who tried to stop Cheng from attacking Ms Han further by using a metal signpost to fight Cheng.
As of now, over 50 restaurant owners operating in Bugis, Chinatown and Geylang have contributed to the initiative, raising approximately $2,000 for Ms Han and her children. (Yes, this is another good reason to eat out and support restaurants in the area.)
He mentioned that her injuries might impair her ability to work for the time being, but she still has to raise both of her young children even without an income, and that the owners hope that the donations will be able to help her in this part of her life.
Mr Zhuang Qian Hua, the owner of Pan Gao Ling, a company that runs eight eateries in Bugis and Chinatown, also talked about how his workers got together and forked out around $3,000 collectively for Ms Han in another donation drive.
As for Mr Zhuang himself, the 45-year-old said that he will be donating around $10,000 out of his own pocket to the donation drive.
However, Ms Han is not the sole beneficiary of this particular donation drive.
Mr Zhuang, whose company runs Chef China, a restaurant located at Beach Road, explained that part of the funds will go to Ms Han’s medical expenses.
As for the rest of the money, the restaurant staff members who stepped in to help fight off Cheng during the attack will be rewarded for their bravery and helpfulness. These staff members mainly did so by throwing large and heavy objects such as crates and ladders at Cheng.
Each of them will receive around $500 each.
Han’s Current Condition
As of now, Han is still unconscious and is warded at Tan Tock Seng hospital, but those who know the woman said that her condition has improved since the incident.
According to The Straits Times, restaurant staff in the Bugis area also mentioned that she will also need more surgery in the days to come, putting more pressure on her financial situation.
Her boss, the owner of Chong Qing (Origin) Steamboat restaurant also revealed through Facebook that he has visited her in the hospital.
The man, only known as Edmund, commented, “She’s fine but her injuries are quite bad. I went to visit her… She is stable now.”
Additionally, The Straits Times also reported that Ms Han’s family members, who are in China, have since known of the unfortunate incident.
The couple’s hometown is Henan, a province in Central China.
Chinese Netizens’ Reactions
Apart from Singaporeans, the attack has also caught the attention of many netizens in China, with clips of the incident circulating throughout Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo and Douyin.
In the comments section, many offered words of praise to the restaurant staff members for their quick thinking and courage in defending the woman and preventing her from getting hurt further.
Some also expressed their horror and fear while watching the video clip, while others were glad that Ms Han was able to survive the attack.
“So many came forward to help the victim. This is an example of a caring society,” one netizen, whose profile name is Zhong Yong, commented.
As for Cheng, he actually got injured during the incident as well.
He ended up cutting his own wrists and neck while attacking his wife, and required surgery too. (But I’m sure no one’s setting up a fundraiser for him lah.)
In addition to that, he was charged last Saturday (16 April) with attempted murder of his wife.
According to the way he appeared in court on 16 April, he is currently warded at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and has undergone the necessary surgery.
Once he is discharged from the hospital, Cheng will immediately be remanded for psychiatric assessment.
He is expected to return to court on 6 May.
Featured Image: Facebook (Farouk Hakim)