Without DNA sample, Malaysia has not yet handed over Kim Jong Nam's body

Malaysia will not release Kim Jong Nam's body until his family provides DNA, despite Pyongyang's demand for his body to be returned.

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Malaysian forensic officers are examining blood and tissue samples of Mr. Kim Jong Nam - Photo: AFP

"So far no family member or relative has come forward to identify the body. We need a DNA sample from a family member to compare with the deceased's profile," Selangor state police chief Abdul Samah told AFP on February 17.

"The DPRK has sent a request to Malaysia to return the body of Kim Jong Nam, but before we return the body, we must confirm the exact identity of this person," Mr. Samah added.

On the same day, forensic experts examined Kim Jong Nam's body to determine what type of poison was sprayed on his face, leading to his death.

Malaysian officials said North Korean diplomats had objected to an autopsy on Kim Jong Nam, but Kuala Lumpur authorities were adamant that they would not release the body until the autopsy was completed.

AFP quoted Dr. Cornelia Charito Siricord of the chemistry department of the Malaysian Ministry of Science as saying that laboratory technicians are testing blood and tissue samples to be able to give analysis results as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, police are still questioning two female suspects and a Malaysian man. Police suspect that this Malaysian man is the lover of one of the two female suspects.

Previously, the Malaysian deputy prime minister confirmed based on the passport on the victim that the man assassinated with poison at Kuala Lumpur airport on February 12 was Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of leader Kim Jong Un.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also said that Malaysia was willing to make a satisfactory arrangement with Pyongyang for the return of Kim Jong Nam's body.

According to Tuoi Tre