LIMA 2019 is the best ever held, says Mahathir
LANGKAWI: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad described the ongoing 2019 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA’19) exhibition as the best ever.
The Prime Minister said the success of LIMA will continue and “we will benefit greatly from this exhibition”.
Dr Mahathir launched the first edition of LIMA 28 years ago in 1991. It has since developed into the leading maritime and aerospace exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region.
“We have seen that since the organisation of LIMA, our industries have improved significantly.
“In fact, we have mastered advanced technology and are capable of producing defence products for export.
“This is a record of LIMA,” he said at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) here.
Dr Mahathir, who is the MP for Langkawi, said LIMA would help the country attract more investments and enhance collaboration between foreign and local entrepreneurs in the area of defence equipment.
The Prime Minister also said during his visit to the booths yesterday that he saw the sophistication of air traffic control where just one person can operate flight take-offs and landings.
“This is an improved facility compared to the previous radio-guided one.
“Now, one can see the movement of the aircraft,” he added.
Replying to a question, Dr Mahathir said he hoped that Malaysians abroad with expertise would return to the country to help enhance (the) aviation (industry).
Asked whether developing the arms industry will spur the country’s economic development, Dr Mahathir said: “In another area of engineering, yes. Because the arms industry requires knowledge of technology and modern systems of control and etc so we need to learn.
“If we want to become a developed country, we need to have command of this knowledge.”
LIMA’19, which kicked off on Tuesday, ends tomorrow.
The venues are the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre and Resorts World Langkawi (RWL).
A total of 406 companies (206 local and 200 foreign) are taking part in LIMA’19. — Bernama