TWO foreign men had put liquids on the palms of Kim Jong-nam murder accused Doan Thi Huong and Siti Aisyah before the women smeared their hands on the victim’s face, a police witness testified.

The women had named four men in their recorded statements, investigating officer Assistant Superintendent Azirul Nizam Chie Wan Aziz told the Shah Alam High Court today.

The men were identified as Chang, James, Y, and Hanamori, also known as Grandpa or Uncle.

Doan, 28, and Siti Aisyah, 25, have pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Jong-nam, who authorities said died from exposure to the VX nerve agent, which is classified as a weapon of mass destruction.

The half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un died in an ambulance while he was being transferred from klia2 to Putrajaya Hospital on February 13.

Doan was arrested on February 15, and Siti Aisyah the following day. Both women told police that they thought they were participating in a prank.

When cross-examined by deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, Azirul said the two women’s recorded statements were similar in their descriptions of the roles the men had played.

“Y wiped the liquids on (Doan’s) palms,” Azirul testified.

Chang, identified on CCTV footage as a man wearing a black cap, did the same with Siti Aisyah.

Chang bought Siti Aisyah a taxi ticket, Azirul told the court, while Hanamori, an older man, gave instructions.

“Hanamori’s role was to direct Y,” he said, recalling the statements by the two women.

“James’ role was to recruit (Siti Aisyah).”

He also testified that Jong-nam’s North Korean passport, which identified him as “Kim Chol”, was surrendered to the North Korean embassy on February 16.

Chemistry Department DNA forensic section chief Nor Aidora Saedon said she received materials from Azirul, including five bags containing specimens.

She said she received another two bags on February 21, and more recently, a sample labelled “K29” on September 20.

Nor Aidora did not identify where the K29 sample came from.

Results of tests conducted on the samples were sent to the department’s chemical analysis laboratory head, Dr Raja Subramaniam.

Samples were then taken from personal effects, including a towel and the collar of the deceased’s shirt, as well as his armpit, Nor Aidora said.

She said the accuracy of DNA results was beyond question.

“All our equipment are calibrated and well maintained as we have to abide by international standards set by the ASCLD, or American Society of Crime Laboratories Directors.

“(The department) obtained the DNA by adhering to the Locard (exchange) principle – every contact leaves a trace.”

Hours after Jong-nam’s death, four North Koreans left the country, taking transit flights to Pyongyang via Dubai and Vladivostok.

Police have identified them as Ri Jae Nam, 57; O Joong Gil, 55; Hong Song Hac, 34; and Ri Ji Hyon, 33. – October 12, 2017.