Cadangan lokasi alternatif Lima tampung penyertaan lebih besar, kekal kompetitif

Defense Minister Khaled Nordin stressed Malaysia must continually upgrade facilities due to increasing neighboring countries hosting defense exhibitions. The Kota Lumpur head said the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) must find an alternative site in the future to remain competitive amidst intense regional competition.

Defense Minister Khaled emphasized Malaysia needs to upgrade facilities, including the exhibition area and conveniences, as other countries are offering significant participation. Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and others have all joined. Therefore, continuous improvement is necessary, he said after distributing preliminary loan funds to 172 beneficiaries in Langkawi.

Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad questioned the need to shift Lima from Langkawi as the exhibition has become internationally known. Mahathir reportedly said, if facilities at Langkawi cannot handle the growing exhibition demand, the government must consider alternative options to ensure international industry participation doesn't suffer.

This comes after Khaled previously hinted at exploring alternatives to host Lima in Melaka in the future. As the Kota Tinggi MP also mentioned, the government needs to consider the defense exhibition industry's development in neighboring countries, which now offer wider exhibition facilities and spaces. For example, Klebang in Melaka could be considered as an alternative location, but significant investment would be required to create a convention center and exhibition area suitable for large defense assets and vehicles.

Khaled also gave an example of defense exhibitions in neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have large exhibition areas alongside open spaces for showcasing various defense assets. Asked if the name Lima would remain if the exhibition moved, he said it is too early to decide.