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The
Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima
`09) this year will double up as both a military and tourism
event.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a fly-past by
the eight-engined B-52 Stratofortress, one of the best known
strategic bombers in the United States, will be one of the
highlights of Lima `09.
"The
air show will be carried out by Surya Kiran and the Sarang
helicopter aerobatic team from the Indian Air Force while the
backbone of the show will be aircraft from the Royal Malaysian Air
Force.
"We are also proud to showcase our latest acquisition, the KD
Tunku Abdul Rahman (submarine), and the Alenia Aermacchi MB-339 CM
jet trainer.
"A total of 94 aircraft and 80 ships are expected at Lima `09."
He said the organisers had targeted 500 exhibitors from 22
countries with 45,000 trade visitors and 40,000 members of the
public expected to attend Lima `09.
Ahmad Zahid had chaired the Lima `09 cabinet committee meeting and
witnessed the sponsor's signing ceremony between HW Lima Sdn Bhd
and Malaysian Airlines, which is the official airline and
ground-handler.
Mimos Smart Computing is the official IT provider.
MAS was represented by senior general manager (external relations)
Capt Datuk Mohd Nawawi Awang, Mimos by chairman Datuk Abdul Latif
Mirasa and HW Lima Sdn Bhd by managing director Ahmad Dzuhri Abdul
Wahab.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen is confident
that this year's Lima will be lively despite the worldwide
economic gloom.
She said it would showcase the best of what "Malaysia Truly Asia"
had to offer with Langkawi blessed with its beaches, islands,
scenery, food and duty-free shopping.
Local residents are being encouraged to open their homes to
visitors, and shuttle buses are being laid on. | 
