Kim Jong-Nam Died Within 15-20 Minutes After Being Poisoned - Health Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- An autopsy report on Kim Jong-nam has indicated the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un died within 15 to 20 minutes on Feb 13 after being daubed with a nerve agent, says Health Minister Dr S. Subramaniam. Two women were reported to have wiped his face with their palms smeared with the toxic liquid which has since been identified as the VX nerve agent, categorised as a chemical weapon. "The dose was so high...it affected the heart, lungs, affected everything. It only requires 10 milligrammes (of the substance) to be absorbed into the system (to cause death)," he told reporters after an event here Sunday. A preliminary report prepared by the Chemistry Department stated that VX was detected following analysis on swabs taken from Jong-nam's face and eyes. Dr Subramaniam said the autopsy report would be submitted to the police for further action. It was reported that Jong-nam was waiting for his flight to Macau at klia2 on Feb 13 when he was attacked. He was sent to the Putrajaya Hospital but died on the way. He had come to Malaysia on Feb 6 and carried a passport bearing the name, Kim Chol. Meanwhile, Dr Subramaniam said he had directed the medical staff who had attended to Jong-nam to undergo medical checks. He said so far, they had shown no symptoms of any medical problem. Nevertheless, the minister added, the effects of exposure to the substance might come later if a small amount was involved. "So, we need to observe them for two, three weeks," he said. -- BERNAMA