Malaysia expels North Korean ambassador in Kim Jong Nam death

March 4 (UPI) -- Malaysia expelled the North Korean ambassador and declared him "persona non grata" after he commented Malaysia's investigation into the death of Kim Jong Nam could not be trusted.

Kang Chol was given 48 hours to leave Malaysia. The country has also demanded a written apology over comments and accusations the ambassador made following Kim's death, who is the half-brother of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.

Last month, Kang said the probe into Kim's death has become politicized and North Korea "cannot trust" Malaysia's handling of the investigation.

"Malaysia will react strongly against any insults made against it or any attempt to tarnish its reputation," Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said.

Tensions have heated between the two countries as they continue to dispute what caused Kim's death at Kuala Lumpur airport on Feb 13. The Malaysian government said Kim was killed when VX nerve agent was smeared on his face by two women. North Korean officials said he died of a heart attack and have yet to acknowledge any relationship between the dead man and the country's leader.