Defence minister proposes moving LIMA to keep it internationally competitive

Malaysia is considering moving the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, or LIMA, to another location, with Klebang in Melaka among the possibilities.

Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the proposal aims to keep the event relevant internationally and competitive with defence exhibitions held elsewhere in the region. He stressed that any move would be considered for the future, not immediately.

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I am not saying it needs to change tomorrow or the day after. I am talking about the future, because competition to host it is very strong.

Mohamed Khaled said limiting LIMA to Langkawi could prevent more international participants from attending if the island’s space and facilities remain too limited. Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand also hold exhibitions of defence assets, he said, making continued improvements necessary.

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If we do not improve the facilities, the size of the area and so on, many parties may not be able to participate.

He said a possible arrangement could involve holding the Defence Services Asia exhibition in Klebang, although that would require investment in a very large convention centre. He contrasted facilities in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, where exhibitions are held in single-level venues, with Malaysia’s use of multi-storey buildings that may not provide enough space.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad recently argued that LIMA had built a strong brand in Langkawi and remained relevant there. He said shortcomings should be corrected rather than used as a reason to stop holding the exhibition on the island.

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Any shortcomings in organizing LIMA should be improved, rather than used as a reason to stop the exhibition.