It seems there has been surge in contract killings this year. It is not clear what has caused it, but there are various theories in play. Contract killings are not new to Malaysia; it seems that, as in other Asian countries, some businesspeople resort to violence to resolve disputes. I recall one Malaysian General Manager working in a new five-star hotel in Thailand telling me how a live grenade was thrown into his office when he refused to give a construction contract to a contractor who didn’t take rejection well. It was only a stroke of good timing that he was not in the room at the time.

Fortunately for expats and tourists in Malaysia, these are not random killings or the result of violent street gangs which are problem in some countries, but targeted killings by disgruntled parties. As long as you avoid upsetting the wrong person, usually in a business dealing, then you are at little risk.

However, it is a problem that needs to be addressed, or Malaysia will receive yet more unwelcome international publicity. It has been suggested that the repeal of the Emergency Ordinances Act, which resulted in some 2,000 hardcore criminals being released, is a contributory factor. Others point to the police force and the levels of corruption which they claim exist within the force. One of those killed was said to have been about to release critical information about links between some police and the drug trade. No matter the underlying reason, it is hoped authorities will take rapid action to deal with this troublesome sort of violence.

Read more: The Economist Highlights the Sudden Rise in Gun Violence in Malaysia