Malaysia's Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said Saturday that Malaysia will begin formal talks with North Korea in the coming days on the return of nine Malaysians stranded in Pyongyang.

According to local media, the foreign minister told reporters that North Korea had indicated it was ready to start negotiations.

After meeting with the families of the stranded nine Malaysians, Anifah said that discussions are underway among the related ministries including the police and health authorities to prepare for the talks. He added the venue for the talks has not been decided yet.

The foreign minister reportedly said that the return of Kim Jong-nam's body would be part of the talks' agenda, adding that Malaysia does not want to keep the body more than what is necessary.

He said that Malaysia eventually has to surrender the body to someone, whether to the government or next-of-kin.

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