Alternative sites for LIMA proposed amid regional competition, says Khaled

Malaysian Defence Minister Khaled Nordin has proposed exploring alternative venues for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) to maintain its relevance in the face of increasing competition from regional defence exhibitions. Nordin emphasized the need to enhance the exhibition's facilities and expand its area, citing the growing number of neighboring countries organizing similar events, including Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

He stated that if the Langkawi venue becomes too small, finding an alternative location would be necessary to ensure adequate participation. Nordin's suggestion aligns with former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's view that relocation is not mandatory, as LIMA is already internationally recognized. However, he acknowledged the potential need for substantial government investment to develop the infrastructure, particularly in Melaka, where LIMA has been previously considered as a possible relocation site.