Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has banned North Koreans from leaving the country soon after North Korea announced a similar exit ban on Malaysians.

Najib said in a statement on Tuesday that he ordered the Malaysian police to block all North Korean citizens in Malaysia from leaving the country until Malaysia is assured of the safety and security of all Malaysians in North Korea.

The prime minister called on Pyongyang to immediately lift the travel ban, calling it an abhorrent act. He said that the North is effectively holding Malaysian citizens hostage in total disregard of all international law and diplomatic norms.

He hinted that Malaysia may take additional steps unless the North lifts its ban, adding that he convened a meeting of the National Security Council in relation to the ban.

[Photo : ]