PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Government has condemned the launch of a ballistic missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The launch from a site near the city of Wonsan on Monday is the third launch within a month, making it a total of nine launches to date this year.

"The continued refusal by the DPRK to immediately stop its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes as prescribed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has further escalated the already tense situation in the Korean Peninsula," said the Foreign Ministry in a statement on Tuesday evening.

It added that Malaysia further condemns the flagrant violation by the DPRK of the relevant UNSC resolutions.

Malaysia also strongly urged the DPRK to fulfil its international obligations in the interest of regional and international peace and security.

"In this regard, Malaysia calls for the resumption of peaceful dialogue and negotiations between the DPRK and the relevant parties," the statement concluded.