North Korean chemist Ri Jong Chol, who was previously arrested to facilitate investigations into the murder of Kim Jong Nam, has been blacklisted from entering Malaysia.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this was because the Malaysian government did not want any to see the existence of any elements or quarters wanting to make this country as the base for hidden agenda.

"He entered the country with the intention to work with a company, but police investigations found that he did not work at the said company.

"Instead, he engaged himself in activities which the Malaysian government never approved...we do not want such elements in our country," he told reporters after opening the 7th annual general meeting of the Malaysian Felda Youth Council here today.

Ahmad Zahid was commenting on the latest development in the murder investigation of Jong-nam, half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the KL International Airport Lumpur 2 (klia2) on Feb 13.

Jong Nam was reportedly using a passport bearing the name of Kim Chol while in Malaysia. - BERNAMA