LANGKAWI, May 27 — Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has asked the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) to expand the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), here, to meet the needs of the upcoming Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima).
He said that the effort would enable more countries and foreign companies to participate in Lima 2025.
“This year several big companies expressed their intention to come to Lima ‘23. Even though we gave advance notice, many came to us at the last minute stating that they wanted to participate in Lima ‘23 but we could not accommodate them as there was not enough space for them to participate.
“We need a bigger hall — if possible, Lada enlarges this MIEC hall to provide facilities for Lima 2025 so that we can fulfil the wishes of many companies, especially from abroad, to participate,” he said at a press conference after the closing ceremony of Lima ‘23 at MIEC today.
He also plans to put an exhibition of the aerospace and maritime segments for the upcoming Lima in one location, to make it easier for visitors, especially Malaysians, to see military assets from the two sectors.
Lima ‘23 was held in two locations, MIEC for the aerospace segment, with the maritime segment held at Resort World Langkawi.
“We want to put everybody in one venue, under one roof, so that visitors don’t find it difficult to come here, and they can complete (seeing the exhibition) here. It will be easier and more convenient for visitors to come to one place,” he said.
When asked about the impact of Lima ‘23 on the local community, Mohamad said he was amazed to see the excitement of the children and young people who attended the biennial show, expressing their desire to become Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) pilots.
“It really surprised me that many of the children I met here said they wanted to be pilots... I hope that this Lima ‘23 will not only impact businesses but also affect the talent development of young people... some came from Sabah, Johor with their families, and expressed interest be a pilot.
“This is a space for our young people to see careers in the air force, navy and army, to increase the interest for Malaysian children to join the Armed Forces,” he said.
Mohamad also said that the 43 deals, worth RM10.128 billion, during Lima ‘23 which involved defence industry players, comprised 20 contracts, 21 Letters of Acceptance and two Letters of Intent.
On the public admission to Lima ‘23, he said that a total of 250,000 visitors attended the aerospace and maritime exhibition venues for the final two days of the event, which was open to the public.
Lima ‘23 kicked off on May 23. For the aerospace segment, it was only for trade visitors until Thursday but is open to the public beginning yesterday. Meanwhile, for the maritime segment, it has been open to the public from the first day. — Bernama
