‘If Langkawi too small’: Defence minister says LIMA may need alternative venue

Kota Tinggi, Sept 5 — The defence minister has suggested that the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) might need to move to a different venue in the future to remain competitive in an increasingly crowded regional market. Speaking to reporters, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasised the importance of enhancing the exhibition's facilities and expanding its area to attract more participants.

He pointed out that neighbouring countries, including Indonesia and Vietnam, were also hosting similar exhibitions, which put pressure on LIMA to keep up. While former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir suggested that the exhibition should remain in Langkawi, stating that the existing facilities were sufficient, Mohamed Khaled later clarified that the government is considering alternative locations such as Melaka's Klebang area, provided significant investment is made in the required facilities.

He highlighted the space limitations faced in Kuala Lumpur for displaying large defence assets and vehicles, suggesting that a larger venue might be necessary. At this stage, whether to retain the LIMA name for the new location is still undetermined.