AVIAN FLU WAR: (Nov 18) The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) proposed that an international fund be set up to aid poor nations affected by the avian flu, especially to compensate poultry farmers whose stocks were culled. Supporting the suggestion by Canada, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi urged developed countries to support the fund to counter a possible pandemic.
EQUAL TREATMENT: (Nov 13) The Government will carry out stricter monitoring to ensure that foreign workers in the country are treated in accordance with the provisions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said an amendment would be made to the Employment Act 1955 to make it mandatory for employers to submit regular reports on the condition of their foreign workers.