Kim Jong-Nam case: Ministry waiting for DNA samples to confirm identity of victim

GEORGE TOWN: The Health Ministry is waiting for DNA samples as well as medical and dental records from the relevant authorities to verify and confirm the identity of a North Korean man killed with a nerve toxin.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said identification can be established through these means.
He said there was precedence in using health and dental records, as was the case with the identification process of the victims of the MH17 tragedy.
"We have sophisticated equipments now, 'sekejap saja' (only a moment)," he said today at a press conference when asked how long it would take to ascertain the identity of a person via DNA testing.
The man who was killed on Feb 13 with a VX nerve agent is Kim Chol or Kim Jong-Nam, the estranged half brother to North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.
He was at klia2 waiting to board a flight to Macau when two women suddenly approached him and wiped his face with their palms which were covered in the toxin.
Jong-nam sought help at a customer service counter and was rushed to the Putrajaya Hospital but died on the way.
Last Wednesday, Indonesia national Siti Aisyah, 25, and Vietnam national Doan Thi Huong, 29, were charged for his murder at the Sepang Magistrate Court.
On the supply of medicine to armed forces veterans, Hilmi said there should be no issue as these persons can obtain their medication from government clinics or hospitals.
"All Malaysians have the right to get medication from government clinics and hospitals," he added.
On hand, foot and mouth (HFM) disease in Malacca, Hilmi said the disease was endemic to the country.
He said there were regulations in place to prevent the spread including the closure of kindergartens where the disease was detected.
"Wash your hands and ensure the surroundings are clean," he added when asked about the spread of rotavirus.
Hilmi earlier attended the launch of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Penang Volunteer Team at KD Sri Pinang here.
He urged the MMEA to set up a base in Balik Pulau (he is the MP for the constituency) to protect the interests of fishermen there.
Meanwhile, MMEA North Malaysia Director First Admiral Zulkarnian Mohd Omar said the 262 volunteers had signed up and expected to hit the target of about 1,000 volunteers soon.
He said the volunteers would undergo various types of training, including how to navigate boats, and would help supplement MMEA regulars in their duties on enforcing maritime law.
"They are required to serve eight hours a week of four hours each shift," he added.
The MMEA is embarking on a volunteer recruitment drive to sign up 5,000 volunteers nationwide and those interested are urged to visit their website for more information.