GENEVA: The World Health Organi sation has raised the alert for swine flu to Phase Five, which means that a pandemic is imminent.

It advised countries to take steps to be prepared for outbreaks and brace their populations for the disease.

In Malaysia, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the Government was on "high alert".

> Under the country's National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan, the ministry will go all out to raise awareness on the flu.

> Pharmacies across the nation are stocking up on face masks and flu medication.

> Experts warn that swine flu could be as big a killer as the 1918 Spanish flu if not properly contained.

> Mexico to partially shut down economy.

> Doubts over thermal scanners in swine flu fight.

> WHO changes swine flu name to "influenza A (H1N1)"

-The Star/Asia News Network