Singapore has reinstated an old punishment to combat a sharp rise in online scams. Parliament has amended the criminal law to permit caning for individuals involved in scams and scam mule activities, according to The Washington Post.

The move comes after tens of thousands of scam cases resulted in nearly $385 million ( ₹ 3,411 crore) in losses during the first half of this year.

Punishment is carried out with a rattan cane after a medical check. Women, girls and men over 50 are exempt from the punishment. Also Read | Sebi asks social media to help tackle online investment scams

Rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have long criticised the practice. They call it a form of torture under international law.

Scams now account for approximately 60% of all

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