LANGKAWI – The government should establish a new aerospace and maritime event in Melaka rather than relocate the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima), which has been held on the island for more than three decades.
Kuah assemblyman Amar Pared Mahamud said Lima had become part of Langkawi’s identity on the international stage while generating economic benefits for residents and the local tourism sector.
“If Melaka has advantages in terms of infrastructure and organisational capabilities, I suggest that the Defence Ministry establish a new aerospace and maritime event or segment in Melaka, without relocating Lima from Langkawi,” he told Sinar on Wednesday.
He was commenting on media reports about the government’s efforts to explore alternatives for hosting Lima in Melaka in the future.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin previously said the proposal to make Melaka an alternative location for Lima would require major investment to ensure all necessary infrastructure was properly provided before the exhibition could be held.
Amar said any constraints involving access, flights or infrastructure in Langkawi should instead be addressed by upgrading and strengthening existing facilities.
He said Langkawi had a long history of hosting Lima, which had helped establish the island’s reputation as an international-class destination.
“We can build something new without eliminating what has already been successfully built. Lima has been rooted in Langkawi for more than 30 years, so do not pull out those roots,” he said.