Only next-of-kin can claim body of Kim Jong Nam - IGP

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 the police would not accept requests to claim the body from anyone else, including the North Korean Embassy or delegation, because of the standard operating procedure 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 said to 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 appeared before him and wiped his face with the palms of their hands which contained what was later identified as the 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.