IGP: Jong-nam attackers knew substance was toxic

Khalid gestures when answering questions at the press conference. On the right is Selangor police chief Datuk Abdul Samah Mat.

KUALA LUMPUR: The two women detained in connection with the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s half-brother Kim Jong-nam knew the substance they used in the attack was toxic.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police also believe that the women - Doan Thi Huong and Siti Aisyah - were instructed to wash their hands after the attack on Feb 13.

"We are ruling out the possibility that the women thought the attack was a prank or even that they believed they were shooting a television show.

"We expect their remand to be extended today for seven more days," he told a press conference on Wednesday.