Jong-nam murder: No cooperation from North Korea, says IGP

GEORGE TOWN: North Korean officials are not cooperating with Malaysian authorities in the investigation into the murder of Kim Jong-nam, says the country’s top policeman.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar (pic) said authorities believe Hyong Kwang-song, the 44-year-old second secretary at the North Korean Embassy in Malaysia, and Kim Uk-il, 37, an Air Koryo staff member, were still in the country.

A warrant of arrest was issued for Uk-il last week. A letter requesting the cooperation of Kwan-song was sent through Wisma Putra and delivered to the embassy.

Khalid also said they had sought help from Interpol to locate another four North Koreans who had left the country soon after the murder.

"We have sent a blue notice to Interpol.

"Where ever they travel, Interpol will refer them to us.

"North Korean authorities have not got back to us although we have requested them to hand (the suspects) over.

"They are not cooperating with us in the investigation," he said after launching the 34th International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) - Far East Regional Working Group Meeting at Equatorial Hotel here Tuesday.

Malaysian police have previously said the four suspects are believed to have returned to Pyongyang.

Jong-nam was assassinated on Feb 13 by two women, who smeared his face with the deadly VX nerve agent at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 departure hall just before he was to take a flight to Macau.

The women - Indonesian Siti Aisyah and Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong - were charged with the murder.