SHAH ALAM: The only Malaysian with a PhD in Chemical Weapon Analysis told the High Court here yesterday that VX were found on the clothes of both accused in the murder case of Kim Jong-nam or Kim Chol, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Dr S Raja, 42, who heads the Chemistry Department’s Chemical Analysis Centre laboratory said based on his analysis of the exhibits, the VX were found on the sleeveless shirt of Siti Aisyah as well the white shirt bearing the phrase ‘LOL’ worn by Doan Thi Huong.
“We detected degradation product of VX, known as VX acid, on Siti Aisyah’s sleeveless shirt, while on Doan’s shirt we detected VX and precursor of VX…however no VX was found on Siti Aisyah’s scarf,” he said, adding, he obtained the clothes from the investigating officer.
In reply to deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin during examination-in-chief, he said the presence of precursor and degradation product of origin confirmed the presence of VX itself.
Dr Raja who had conducted analysis on the victim’s blazer also said he found concentrated VX on it.
He was testifying in the trial of two women, Indonesian Siti Aisyah, 25, and Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong, 28, who are accused with four others still at large of murdering Kim Chol, 45, at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) departure hall at 9am on Feb 13.
The eighth prosecution witness said he analysed the exhibits on Feb 21 and also found traces of VX on fingernails labelled, ‘ Doan Thi Huong’.
Based on his reading, he said, “An individual who is exposed to VX within the right dosage and the right penetration route will die within minutes”.
Describing the physical property of VX, he said it was the deadliest nerve agent ever created whereby just one drop containing 10 mg, was enough to cause fatal disruption of the nervous system.
“Basically, VX is odourless, tasteless, colourless oily liquid in pure form, and soluble in cold water. It’s difficult to detect and easy to transport. It’s volatile,” he said.
To another question, the witness who has 13 years’ experience in chemical weapons, said VX could be transferred into a normal bottle such as mineral bottle.
“That’s why it’s difficult to detect. As per my knowledge, there are no detectors in Malaysian airports to trace VX. I have seen the detectors in the United States and United Kingdom, such as AP4C, AP2C and CAM,” he said.
On whether VX could be transported from North Korea in a water bottle, he answered,”Yes”.
Dr Raja said VX could penetrate very quickly through the head, neck, eyes, ears, inhalation, ingestion and into injured skin compared to the surface of the forearm, hands and feet.
“Based on my studies, if you have VX on the palm, the best way is to wash and rub it with running water within 15 minutes,” he said.
The trial before justice Datuk Azmi Ariffin continues on Monday. — Bernama