The expulsion comes in the wake of North Korea’s decision on Friday to sever diplomatic relations with Malaysia, a decision he described as “utterly irresponsible”.

Severance of relations with Malaysia came after Malaysia’s Federal Court ruled that a North Korean citizen, Mun Chol Myong, could be extradited to the US to face money laundering charges there.

The North Korean foreign ministry said the court decision was “an unpardonable crime”.

Hishammuddin said Malaysia’s decision to expel North Korean diplomats “had become a necessity in order to protect Malaysia’s sovereignty and safeguard our national interests”.

“This action is a reminder that Malaysia shall never tolerate any attempt to meddle in our internal affairs and judiciary, disrespect our governance system, and constantly create unnecessary tension in defiance of the rules-based international order.”

He added that the expulsion was carried out under the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.