KL to block illegal route to Singapore

JOHOR BARU • Malaysia's Immigration Department will step up enforcement to thwart attempts by people to bypass the Sultan Iskandar Immigration Complex (CIQ) and walk across the Causeway into Singapore to save time.

To date, 54 individuals have been detained for trying to use the illegal route. CIQ director-general Datuk Mustafa Ibrahim said the illegal route may be cordoned off , The Star reported yesterday.

Cambodia passes law on rent control

PHNOM PENH • The National Assembly of Cambodia yesterday adopted a draft law on rent control with the aim of protecting workers and students from housing price hikes.

Garment workers have been subject to surging rentals since their monthly minimum wage rose to US$128 (S$173) in January.

XINHUA

Kim Dae Jung's wife to visit North Korea

SEOUL • The wife of late South Korean president Kim Dae Jung will visit North Korea next month and possibly meet leader Kim Jong Un, his foundation said yesterday.

The Kim Dae Jung Peace Centre said an agreement on dates for the four-day visit by Ms Lee Hee Ho, 93, was reached in talks with officials in Pyongyang.

Mr Kim's "sunshine policy" of engagement with North Korea led to a historic summit with the late dictator Kim Jong Il in 2000.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Beijing names preferred AIIB head

BEIJING • Beijing has named a former vice minister of finance, Mr

Jin Liqun, as its preferred candidate to head the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a potential rival to the United States-based World Bank.

Mr Jin, who is now chief of the AIIB's preparation body, has previously worked for both the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE