Langkawi: The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Langkawi is poised for expansion to accommodate an increasing number of international companies. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the expansion plans, highlighting the current overcrowding at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was briefed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin about the necessity for additional space to host more participants. Anwar shared this update with reporters following the opening ceremony of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Langkawi Division Office.

Anwar further commented that the expansion could potentially include the Langkawi International Airport (LIA). While no specific timeline has been established, he expressed hope that the Ministry of Finance and other relevant parties would submit a report within two weeks. Anwar mentioned that the exhibition’s current success is prompting interest from several countries, which the existing infrastructure cannot accommodate.

During his speech, Anwar emphasized the importance of expanding the LIMA exhibition area to enhance the event’s scale and impact. Additionally, he noted that the issue of ferry services to Langkawi would be addressed in the Cabinet to align with the island’s development as a tourist destination.

Anwar also announced that the Minister of Finance II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, would be appointed as co-chairman of the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to further boost development efforts in Langkawi.