Kuala lumpur: 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. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasized the necessity of continuous improvements to LIMA, particularly in terms of venue size and facilities, as more neighbouring countries are also organising similar exhibitions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Khaled highlighted the strong competition in organising such exhibitions. He pointed out that improvements in facilities and expanded areas could prevent a decline in participant numbers. Countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand are actively hosting similar events, prompting the need for constant enhancements to maintain LIMA's status.

Mohamed Khaled made these remarks following former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's suggestion that LIMA should remain in Langkawi due to its established international recognition. However, Tun Dr Mahathir also acknowledged that if Langkawi's existing facilities could no longer meet the exhibition's growing demands, alternative options should be considered.

The Defence Minister noted that the government is considering the possibility of hosting LIMA in Melaka in response to developments in the defence exhibition industry in neighbouring countries. These countries now offer more extensive facilities and exhibition spaces, prompting the need for Malaysia to adapt.

Mohamed Khaled mentioned Klebang in Melaka as a potential location, though he acknowledged the significant investment required to develop suitable convention and exhibition facilities. He also discussed the space constraints faced by the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, particularly for displaying large defence assets and vehicles.

International examples, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, were cited for hosting defence exhibitions in venues with large exhibition areas and open spaces. Mohamed Khaled emphasized the importance of providing necessary facilities to encourage participation and ensure the success of such exhibitions.

Regarding the potential relocation of LIMA, Mohamed Khaled stated that it was too early to decide whether the name would be retained if the exhibition were moved to another location.