KUALA LUMPUR: Gang robberies in Malaysia appear to have jumped drastically this year compared with the previous year, but police say the public should not worry too much.

Police have merely reclassified certain types of crimes so that criminals can be given heavier sentences if convicted.

Gang robbery cases this year have been reclassified as those involving just two robbers, compared with five previously.

For more The Straits Times stories, click here.