Earlier, foreign media reported that Malaysia has decided to deport Ri due to a lack of incriminating evidence.

"He is a free man. His remand has expired and there is insufficient evidence to charge him," Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali was quoted by AP as saying. "He has no proper (travel) documents so we will deport him."

Arrested days after Kim's murder and known as an expert in chemistry, Ri had been suspected of being involved in making the nerve agent used for the murder or helping others run away after the killing. He has denied all charges leveled against him.

His release came a day after two young Asian women also in custody in connection to the case were charged with killing the estranged half brother of North leader Kim Jong-un. If found guilty, they could face the death penalty.

The two were seen in CCTV footage obtained from the airport approaching Kim and rubbing a cloth on his face. Kim died within 20 minutes of being exposed to the lethal chemicals.

The women -- one from Indonesia and the other from Vietnam -- claimed they were taking part in a prank show. The North has denied all involvement, saying that South Korea and Malaysia are colluding to fabricate charges against the country. (Yonhap)