Police sweep airport for chemicals after killing of Kim Jong-un’s brother

MALAYSIAN police have started a sweep of the terminal at Kuala Lumpur’s airport where North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un’s half-brother was killed to check for possible traces of the toxic chemical suspected to have been used in the attack.

The check involves officers from the police’s chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear teams, as well as the hazardous materials unit under the fire department and the atomic energy board.

Since the attack on Kim Jong-nam, right, on February 13, tens of thousands of passengers have passed through Kuala Lumpur’s airport. No areas were cordoned off and protective measures were not taken, though officials announced on Friday that the facility would be decontaminated.

The investigation has unleashed a serious diplomatic fight between Malaysia and North Korea, a prime suspect in the death of Kim Jong-nam.

On Friday, Malaysian police said the banned chemical weapon VX nerve agent was used to kill him.

Malaysia said earlier in the week that Hyon Kwang Song, a second secretary at the North Korean Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, was wanted for questioning. But authorities at the time acknowledged he has diplomatic immunity and that they could not compel him to appear. Yesterday, Malaysia’s tone changed. Abdul Samah Mat, police chief leading the investigation, said authorities would give the diplomat time to come forward. If he does not, police will issue a notice compelling him to do so, though diplomats have immunity privileges even in criminal cases.

Indonesia’s deputy ambassador to Malaysia said the Indonesian suspect in the death of Kim Jong-nam was paid 90 dollars (£72) to help carry out the attack involving the VX nerve agent. But deputy ambassador Andriano Erwin repeated Siti Aisyah’s previous claim that she was duped into the plot, thinking she was taking part in a prank. He met her yesterday in Malaysia, where the 25-year-old is in custody. A Vietnamese woman, has also been arrested.