Are Malaysians afraid of VX nerve agent?

The police last week announced early analysis from the investigators revealed that VX nerve agent, a toxic chemical substance was used in the murder of 'Kim Chol', believed to be Kim Jong-nam, the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

VX nerve agent is an extremely toxic chemical substance and was found to be present in the dry swabs of the face and dry mucosa.

Earlier today, a team led by the police in collaboration with the Hazmat and Chemical Biological Radiological explosive team from the Fire and Rescue Department and Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) conducted a sweep operation at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) from 1.50am and ended at about 3am.

The operation was conducted to ensure that KLIA2 is free of any hazardous materials, Selangor police chief Abu Samah Mat said during a press conference after the sweep.

"The screening process was carried out at areas and locations related to this case in KLIA2.

"(Firstly), as a result of this screening process being done, we confirm that there are no hazardous materials found at KLIA2.

"Secondly, KLIA2 is free from any form of contamination of hazardous material. Thirdly, KLIA2 is declared a safe zone," Abu Samah said.

12 days after the attack on the North Korean national at KLIA2 by two female suspects who had allegedly used the VX nerve agent on Kim Jong-nam, how do Malaysians feel?

Malaysiakini spoke to a staff member of the airport who said they were unaware of the screening operation carried out during the wee hours of the night.

"I am not aware of that actually. We have heard about the case but so far, there haven't been any incidents since. Travellers and visitors still visit KLIA2 without any complaints," the staff said on condition of anonymity.

Amira Arshad (photo) from Kedah said she was aware about the murder case has been following updates of the investigation in the papers.

When asked whether she was concerned with the use of VX nerve agent, she said, "I'm not afraid at all."

However, Ridhwan (photo), who works in an accounting firm said he was a little scared upon hearing that the nerve agent had been used on Jong-nam.

"I was quite scared. I think it will somehow affect Malaysia in terms of the relationship between the two countries with this incident.

"Although it happened more than a week ago, everything seems fine to me here," Ridhwan said.

Travelling alone 'wrong move'

Ken (photo), who was assisting a Japanese media crew at the location felt that it was a "wrong move" by Jong-nam to travel to Malaysia alone.

"I don't think I'm worried about the security here. I think he (Jong-nam) may have made a mistake by travelling alone here.

"This incident will not affect our country's tourism per se and I felt that the police force did pretty well in their investigation," Ken added.

However, he said he was taken by surprise with such an incident happening in Malaysia.

Satoru (photo), who was travelling back to Japan, said the assassination has not changed his perception at all towards the Malaysia.

"No, it didn't really. I don't think I'm worried about the safety here.

"I saw it in the news, but it is just that (such things are) happening around the world," he said.

Ivan (photo), a Malaysian who on his way to Osaka with his wife, said he has read quite a number of rumours circulating in the social media about the murder.

"Malaysia is safe, everyone is welcomed to come to the country. Safety is good here, there's a lot of police around.

"It is very unfortunate to see such things happening, but I have no worries about the security here," he said.- Mkini