IGP says it again: Only next of kin can claim Jong Nam’s body

This follows reports that North Korea had sent a delegation to Malaysia to claim the body.

KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar reiterated today that only the next of kin of murdered North Korean Kim Jong Nam can claim his body, now kept at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

The next of kin would have to subject themselves to a DNA test and confirmation prior to collecting the body at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine at the hospital, he said.

He said police would not accept requests to claim the body from anyone else, including the North Korean embassy or delegation, because of the standard operating procedures in the country on the claiming of bodies.

“The police have to match the DNA and confirm it. Only then can we hand over the body to the next of kin,” he told Bernama.

Khalid was asked to comment on an international media report that North Korea had sent a delegation to Malaysia to claim the body of Jong Nam, estranged elder half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Asked about developments in the hunt for seven suspects in the case, Khalid said the police were on their trail.

“Although two women suspects – a Vietnamese and an Indonesian – are to be charged in the Sepang Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, the police will continue their hunt for the others to help in the investigation.

“We will use all avenues available, including seeking the cooperation of Interpol,” he said.

Jong Nam was at the KL International Airport 2 (klia2) at 8am on Feb 13 to board a flight to Macau an hour later when two women suddenly confronted him and wiped his face with what was later identified as VX nerve agent.

Jong Nam sought help at a customer service counter at the airport and was rushed to the Putrajaya Hospital but died on the way.

He had come to Malaysia on Feb 6 and carried a passport bearing the name Kim Chol. FMT