Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has lashed out a North Korean ban on Malaysians leaving North Korea, declaring it an "abhorrent act, effectively holding our citizens hostage," The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

North Korea announced the temporary ban on Tuesday to "ensure the safety of its diplomats and citizens in Malaysia" amid an escalating row over the killing of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's half-brother.

Najib's government swiftly retaliated by banning all North Korean citizens in Malaysia from leaving the country.

Malaysian police surrounded North Korea's embassy in Kuala Lumpur late on Tuesday, preventing diplomats and staff from leaving the building.

Source: MENA