In a report in Sin Chew Daily today, sources at Tombo Enterprise Sdn Bhd – a chemical distributing company in Bandar Tun Razak – where Ri was employed, revealed that he was hoping to open his own business here. His children also wanted to further their studies in Malaysia.
“A business associate from North Korea introduced us to Ri two years ago, and he expressed his desire to work here and bring his children along,” the source told the Chinese daily.
The source added the company helped the 47-year-old obtain a work permit as they were touched by his plight.
Jong Nam, who is the eldest son of former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, arrived in Malaysia on Feb 6, and was at klia2 on Feb 13 to catch a 10.30am flight to Macau when he was attacked by two women.
One is alleged to have sprayed a rapid-acting poison at him while the other covered his face with a piece of cloth.
Jong Nam sought help at the customer service counter but died on the way to Putrajaya Hospital.
Police have since nabbed four suspects. They are a Vietnamese named Doan Thi Huong, Siti Aisyah (Indonesia), Muhammad Farid Jallaludin (Malaysia) and Ri to facilitate investigations.
The source also described Ri as a quiet person and did not believe he was involved in the murder.
“When we found out Ri was arrested, we contacted North Korean ambassador Kang Chol immediately,” he said.
Sin Chew Daily said the company’s management has yet to be called in by police for their investigations.
In a separate report in China Press, police sources told the Chinese daily that they arrested Ri on suspicion that he ferried the four North Korean suspects to klia2.
The police tracked down Ri based on CCTV footage which showed his car registration number.
The four North Korean suspects, Ri Ji Hyon, Hong Song Hac, O Jong Gil and Ri Jae Nam fled Malaysia on the same day of the murder.
The daily also reported that Ri claimed he was innocent.