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Malaysia to deport suspect in Kim murder

Ri Jong Chol (C) is escorted with a heavy police presence as he leaves the Sepang police headquaters
Ri Jong Chol (C) is escorted with a heavy police presence as he leaves the Sepang police headquaters

A North Korean suspect detained by Malaysia in connection with the murder of Kim Jong-nam will be deported to Pyongyang and not allowed back, the Malaysian deputy prime minister said.

"He was found not to have worked for the company where he was said to have worked, and instead was carrying out activities Malaysia will not stand for," Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told reporters.

Ri Jong Chol, a suspect in the killing of the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, was taken to the immigration office wearing a bullet proof vest to prepare for his deportation.

Malaysia has said it does not have enough evidence to charge him.

Mr Zahid also said Malaysia will investigate Glocom, a North Korea-linked company operating an arms business in the country.