The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has submitted a request to the AFC to move the match, scheduled for March 28 in Pyongyang, to a neutral venue as a result of security concerns.

It comes after North Korean ambassador Kang Chol was expelled from Malaysia for criticising the investigation into the death of Kim Jong Nam, the exiled half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Kim was killed at an airport in Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur last month and eight North Korean suspects have been identified.

Chol had claimed Malaysia was taking "extreme measures" which could further strain relations between the two countries.

"The AFC will seek further clarification and information on the request in order for the decision-making process to take place," an AFC statement read.

FAM chief Hamidin Mohamad Ali expressed fears about going to North Korea for the fixture, claiming the decision regarding Chol "made the current situation unsafe for Malaysians to travel to North Korea for the moment".

It is not yet clear whether the AFC will grant the request.

If they refuse to move the game from the North Korean capital, Malaysia could face sanctions for not fulfilling the match if they decide against travelling. 

Malaysian officials say Chol was killed as a result of exposure to nerve agent VX, a highly-toxic chemical, but North Korea disputes this and insists he died from a heart attack.

Chol said the Malaysian probe into the circumstances of his death is being conducted "in collusion with South Korea".

Investigators believe two women, who are in Malaysian custody, were trained to cover their hands and then wipe them on the face of the victim.

The substance is particularly lethal and can kill a person in just 15 minutes.