PETALING JAYA: Malaysian diplomatic staff at the embassy in Pyongyang are safe and sound.

A Malaysian official confirmed this when contacted and said Wisma Putra is in contact with them and has advised them to continue with their work as usual.

“We have communicated with our staff and are in touch with them. They have been advised to lead their lives normally,” said the official on Tuesday.

It is understood there is a total of 11 Malaysians in North Korea, comprising three Wisma Putra staff and their six family members, as well as two other Malaysians working for the World Food Programme.

The North Koreans have informed the embassy of their decision banning all Malaysians from leaving the country.

Officials have described the latest move as further escalating the diplomatic row between the two countries over the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the exiled half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, on Feb 13.