{
  "id": 5732551,
  "title": "Lima: Alternative venues being explored amid rising regional competition — Khaled",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/lima-alternative-venues-being-explored-amid-rising-regional",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-05T06:31:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1526183/lima-alternative-venues-being-explored-amid-rising-regional-competition"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KOTA TINGGI: The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) may explore alternative venues in the future to maintain its competitiveness, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The proposal aims to address the growing competition among defence exhibitions in the region, as more neighboring countries are organizing similar events. Mohamed Khaled emphasized that continuous improvements to Lima, particularly in terms of venue size and facilities, are crucial to attract a larger number of participants. Other countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have also hosted such exhibitions, highlighting the need for enhancements in Langkawi. Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad suggested keeping Lima in Langkawi, as it has established itself as an internationally recognized brand. However, Mohamed Khaled stated that if Langkawi's existing facilities cannot accommodate the growing requirements of the exhibition, considering alternative locations is necessary. Klebang in Melaka is among the locations being evaluated, but significant investment would be required to develop suitable convention and exhibition facilities.",
  "summary": "KOTA TINGGI: The proposal to explore an alternative venue for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) in the future is aimed at keeping the event competitive amid growing competition among defence exhibitions in the region.",
  "key_points": [
    "Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin suggests exploring alternative venues for Lima.",
    "Competition from neighboring countries organizing similar defence exhibitions is growing.",
    "Klebang in Melaka is among locations being evaluated for future Lima exhibition."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : LIMA: Alternative Venues Being Explored Amid Rising Regional Competition - Mohamed Khaled",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/general-lima-alternative-venues-being-explored-amid-rising-regional",
        "published": "2026-09-05T04:07:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Alternative sites for LIMA proposed amid regional competition, says Khaled",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/alternative-sites-for-lima-proposed-amid-regional-competition-says",
        "published": "2026-09-05T05:06:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}