PENANG, MALAYSIA: Newspaper vendors have become the latest targets of criminals here - at least 10 of them have been beaten up and robbed in various parts of the island in the past two months.

Penang Newsvendors and Book Sellers Association president P. Krishnan said the robberies usually occurred when they picked up their newspapers.

"They would find the robbers waiting for them at the pick-up points. There have also been cases of our members being confronted while delivering newspapers.

"We have advised our members not to carry cash or wear jewellery while working," he told a press conference yesterday.

Krishnan said the recent incidentsoccurred in Air Itam, Jalan Mesjid Negri, the inner city and Presgrave Street. Three reports had been lodged.

He urged newspaper subscribers to be patient if their newspapers were a bit late as many members were now afraid to go to work so early.

The latest incident occurred at 4.30am on Tuesday when a 60-year-old vendor was punched and kicked in the face by two men in Gelugor.

I. Pasupahti received 12 stitches for a lip wound.