New Delhi, Nov. 6 -- 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 ( Rs.3,411 crore) in losses during the first half of this year.

In Singapore, caning already applies to around 65 offences, such as robbery. It is a colonial-era punishment. The amendment removed mandatory caning for some crimes, like vandalism. Such crimes may now be subject to discretionary caning.

Punishment is carried out with a rattan cane after a medical check. Women, girls and men over 50 are ex...