Malaysian embassy staff in Pyongyang were seen burning documents and loading their luggage into vehicles since last night, according to China Central Television (CCTV).
The report also stated that the Malaysian and Asean flags in the embassy compound were lowered this morning, while three vehicles were spotted leaving the premises.
Yesterday, Pyongyang expelled Malaysian ambassador Mohamad Nizam Mohamad in response to Wisma Putra declaring North Korean ambassador Kang Chol to Malaysia a “persona non grata”.
Kang Chol left for Beijing yesterday evening.
This morning, Pyongyang revealed that it had imposed a temporary ban on Malaysians in North Korea from leaving the country.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia would bar North Korean embassy officials and staff from leaving.
Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Merican, when met in Parliament, said there are 11 Malaysians in North Korea, which include embassy staff and their families.
Asked if the Malaysians are being held hostage, he replied: "Well, let us not come to that point yet."
He also said that no threats have been made against the Malaysians.
On whether Putrajaya intends to shut down the embassy in Pyongyang, he said: "For that, you will need to wait for a statement by the government."
Diplomatic ties between North Korea and Malaysia became strained following the murder of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) on Feb 13.
North Korea has accused Malaysia of colluding with other forces and even fabricating evidence with regard to the case.
Malaysia has denied these allegations.- Mkini
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