The Malaysian Government has stopped issuing work permits for people from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea - Illustrative image (Photo: theatlantic.com)Hanoi (VNA) – The Malaysian Government has stoppedissuing work permits for people from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(DPRK) after the murder of a DPRK citizen at a Malaysian airport earlier thisyear, according to Kyodo news agency.
Diplomatic sources said all employees of a DPRKrestaurant in downtown Kuala Lumpur were deported after their work permitsexpired in May but were not extended.
About 1,000 DPRK labourers are working in Malaysia, mainlyin mining and construction in Sarawak state on Borneo island.
Tensions between Malaysia and the DPRK reached boilingpoint after the assassination of Kim Chol, a DPRK citizen on February 13 inMalaysia.
Malaysia affirmed the man died of poisoning while theDPRK claimed he died of a heart attack, diabetes and high blood pressure. TheDPRK has accused Malaysia of issuing false conclusions and said it does notaccept Kuala Lumpur’s investigation results.
They also expelled each other's ambassadors and barredcitizens from leaving each country in early March.
However, according to a deal reached by the sides onMarch 30, Malaysia agreed to transfer the body of the deceased to his familyafter the DPRK produced required documents. Meanwhile, nine Malaysian citizensheld in the DPRK returned to Malaysia on March 31.-VNA
