Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (CNN) Malaysia declared the North Korean ambassador "persona non grata" and plans to expel him from the country in 48 hours, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Saturday. The move comes as an investigation is underway into last month's death of Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. 'Hefty price'Diplomatic tensions between the two countries escalated last month after comments by Kang Chol, the North Korean ambassador. Malaysia also has sought the cooperation of Hyon Kwang Song, second secretary at the North Korean Embassy, in relation to the investigation, Bakar said. The Malaysian deputy prime minister had warned the North Korean ambassador to cooperate with their requests.

Source: CNN March 04, 2017 16:52 UTC