Kedah warns moving Lima could hurt Langkawi's economy

Kedah authorities worry that relocating the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) to another state could negatively impact Langkawi's economy, image, and reputation as a top international tourist destination. State Tourism, Culture and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin emphasized that Lima has been deeply embedded in Langkawi for over three decades, playing a crucial role in various sectors such as tourism, hospitality, transport, business, and the local economy.

Salleh stated that Lima is more than just an event; it has become a part of Langkawi's identity, generating economic benefits for residents and those in the tourism industry. After the state-level Maulidur Rasul celebration for the Kubang Rotan state constituency, Salleh addressed Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin's suggestion that Melaka could be an alternative venue for Lima in the future if Langkawi is deemed unsuitable.

Salleh cautioned against moving an event that has already established itself in Langkawi simply to resolve access issues, noting that tourism development in other states could still occur through new events or products rather than taking over a well-established event with a strong local identity. He also pointed out that feedback from industry players and visitors indicated that Lima remains highly valued by the Langkawi community.

Salleh shared that the last edition of Lima in 2023 attracted a record-breaking 450,000 visitors and featured 860 exhibitors from 24 countries, along with 43 aircraft and 31 ships participating over five days.