Malaysia's ambassador to Serbia has been expelled after Kuala Lumpur recognised the independence of breakaway Kosovo.

Serbia has ordered Malaysia's envoy Saw Ching Hong to leave the country in 48 hours, The Star newspaper said.

Malaysia's Foreign Minister Rais Yatim had earlier said Kuala Lumpur would establish diplomatic ties with Kosovo.

"Malaysia's recognition of the independence of Kosovo will help meet the aspirations of the Kosovo people in wanting an independent country," he said in a statement on Saturday.

Fifty countries, including several European Union members and the United States, have so far recognised Kosovo's unilateral secession from Serbia on Feb 17.

Serbia still considers Kosovo as one of its provinces and Russia, a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council, has backed its ally Belgrade in the dispute.

The International Court of Justice said on Friday it had received a request from the UN General Assembly to pronounce on the legitimacy of Kosovo's unilateral secession from Serbia.