THE murder trial of North Korean Kim Jong-nam entered its second day at the Shah Alam High Court on a noticeably less frenzied note, as crowds of local and international media were given allocations to cover the proceedings.

On the first day of the trial yesterday, members of the media gathered outside the courtroom from as early as 1am, only to be told that there was only a limited number of seats.

Chaos ensued when photographers were also told they were not allowed to enter the vicinity of the courthouse.

Following negotiations between police and the press, a rotational system has been put in place today where media representatives take turns to enter the courtroom.

Photographers are also allowed to wait at the parking lot of the courthouse, where lawyers will hold press conferences.

Security remained tight, with body checks conducted on all individuals entering the courtroom. Recording and electronic devices are still barred from the courtroom today.

Two women – Indonesian Siti Aisyah, 25, and Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong, 29 – have been charged with the murder of Jong-nam at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 on February 13 by smearing the face with VX agent, a chemical the United Nations describes as a weapon of mass destruction.

Both suspects arrived at the courthouse shortly before 8am today, escorted by police and wearing baju kurung with bullet-proof vests.

If found guilty of murder, they face the mandatory death sentence.

The court heard testimonies and cross-examinations from three witnesses yesterday, including Rabiatul Adawiyah Mohd Sofi, a medical assistant at Menara clinic at klia2, who said that Jong-nam was conscious but clearly in pain when he was brought to the clinic.

The fourth witness, clinic doctor Nik Mohd Adzrul Ariff Raja Azlan, was called in towards the end of yesterday’s proceedings.

Cross examination on Nik Adzrul resumes today. – October 3, 2017.