North Korea has allowed the Malaysians it previously barred from exiting the country to return home, the Prime Minister said. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30—North Korea has let the Malaysians it previously barred from exiting the country to return home, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.

All nine left Pyongyang this evening are expected to reach Malaysia tomorrow morning, he added.

“I am pleased to announce that the nine Malaysians who had been barred from leaving North Korea have now been allowed to return to Malaysia,” Najib said in a statement.

Najib extended his gratitude to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman for negotiating the release, saying Putrajaya had worked “intensively” on the matter.

North Koreans legally in Malaysia will also not face any restrictions in leaving, he said.

Malaysia will also release the body of Kim Jong-nam to North Korea as requested by his family, he added.

“As prime minister, I am grateful that all Malaysians united to overcome this crisis in the spirit of Negaraku. It shows what can be achieved for the nation if we work together as one,” Najib said.

Pyongyang prevented Malaysians from leaving North Korea earlier this month after it accused Malaysia of a conspiracy in the death of Kim.

Kim was allegedly murdered in February at KLIA2 and two foreign women are currently on trial here for his death.