SEPANG: Now that VX nerve agent has been identified as the probable cause of Kim Jong-nam’s death, the Health Ministry is awaiting his next-of-kin to come forward to identify the body and provide DNA samples to conclude the forensic procedure.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said results from the Chemistry Department were consistent with the autopsy findings conducted by the ministry.
"The findings from the autopsy and the analysis (by) the Chemistry Department suggest the same chemical killed (Jong-nam).
"So, as far as cause of death (is concerned), this issue is more or less confirmed and settled. So, next, is to confirm the identity of the deceased.
"For that, we need samples from the next-of-kin. We also need some other information that we can correlate with the data which we have, to confirm the identity.
"(Once that process is clear), the issue of who killed the deceased and how they did it - that's another process," he told reporters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) early this morning.
Dr Subramaniam said a joint-screening operation, conducted by the police, Fire and Rescue Department, as well as the Atomic Energy Li censing Board, is to ensure the safety of the airport.
"The various agencies are searching and screening the airport to detect whether there are traces of (VX nerve agent).
"A lot of people (move) in and out of the airport. The screening will make sure the chemical will not (affect visitors)," he said.
Asked about how long the substance can remain in the environment, Dr Subramaniam said: "Depending on the form, powder or liquid… by now, I don't think there (would be any) hazardous effect. But to be safe, (that is why) this exercise is being conducted".
On the statement released by the Inspector-General of Police on the Vietnamese suspect vomiting after coming into contact with the chemical agent, he said a test has to be done to confirm that she was exposed.
"(Exposure to even a small dose of VX nerve agent) can lead to death very quickly. (Even very minimal exposure means you can carry it in your system) for a few days.
"So we will only know whether it is just an initial side effect, or if there has been some absorption into the body by running blood tests.
"That (will tell us to) what degree this chemical has entered the (suspect’s) body," he said.
He added that to date, no one else has shown symptoms of exposure to VX nerve agent.