In light of the brazen assasination of North Korean Kim Jong Nam at the KL International Airport (KLIA) in Malaysia, the shroud of secrecy on the activities of Pyongyang's intelligence operatives in the country is slowly being lifted.
Malaysia's friendly diplomatic relations with North Korea prior to the latest incident, coupled with relaxed immigration rules including no-visa requirement has been taken advantage of, by that country's intelligence agents.
A regional security analyst with IHS-Jane, Anthony Davis said North Korean intelligence operatives, either from the Recconaisance General Bureau (RGB) or other security apparatus had been active in Malaysia.
"Given that North Korean citizens can enter Malaysia without a visa, North Korean intelligence agents have been more active in Malaysia than in any other country in Southeast Asia.
"It has become a sort of regional hub," he told Bernama in an email interview recently.
But the activities of North Korean intelligence operatives in Malaysia, according to Davis who is based in Bangkok but has travelled widely throughout the region, have not gone unchecked by its regional and western counterparts.
"Regional and western intelligence services have been well aware of this, and covert operations aimed at discouraging North Korean activities have been undertaken," he said without elaborating.
Jong-nam, the exiled half-brother of North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un was assasinated at the busy airport on the morning of Feb 13, just before he could board a flight back to Macau.
Two women, an Indonesian and a Vietnamese were arrested for allegedly smearing their poison liquid-laced hands on Jong Nam's face, which preliminary tests by the Chemistry Department confirmed was 'VX' nerve agents.
Jong Nam, who was travelling under the nom de guerre, 'Kim Chol', died on the way to the Putrajaya Hospital.
According to Davis, as a result of Jong Nam's assassination, repercussions will be felt not only diplomatically but also at the intelligence level, with the activities of North Korean operatives coming under greater scrutiny.
North Korea's front companies and intelligence operatives in Malaysia and the region, he said, would face elevated level of intrusive surveillance and possibly, direct harassment.
"Intelligence services conduct covert operations, including harassment against enemy services on a regular basis and after this affair, life will become a lot tougher for the North Koreans in this region and probably, beyond," he added.
On the use of the highly toxic 'VX' nerve agent to kill Jong-nam, Davis said it was almost certainly intended to show that this operation was sanctioned at the highest level of the state.
"Rogue operators do not get access to a weapon of this type," he said, on the nerve agent which was listed as a chemical weapon under Schedule 1 of the Chemical Weapons Convention Act 2005 and Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) 1997.
On the selection of the two women to execute the mission instead of well-trained operatives, Davis noted two attractive young women "fooling around" with an older man would be less likely to cause by-standers to intervene than an attack by males.
"Also in the event of arrests, as indeed occurred, using foreigners will avoid North Korean intelligence officers being either directly implicated or facing a no-holds-barred interrogation," he said. - BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Mar 01 2017
Jong Nam, who was travelling under the nom de guerre, 'Kim Chol', died on the way to the Putrajaya Hospital. - Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.