DOWN MEMORY LANE: 1991 - LIMA LANGKAWI

 

In 11 November 1991, Malaysia launched the inaugural Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA). It was a landmark event that transformed Langkawi from a quiet island into a global hub for defense and commercial technology.

I served onboard the RMN ship KD Lekir during the first LIMA Langkawi in 1991. KD Lekir involved in this first LIMA on 11 November 1991.

Here is a breakdown of that historic first edition:

The Vision behind LIMA '91

The exhibition was the brainchild of then-Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. His goal was twofold:

• Industrialization: To kickstart Malaysia’s aerospace industry. During the event, he launched the first Blueprint for the Development of the Aerospace Industry in Malaysia.
• Strategic Promotion: To promote Langkawi as a premier tourist destination and a free-trade zone for high-tech industries.

Key Highlights of the First Edition

• Date: 11 November 1991
• The event was inaugurated by the ten-Prime Minister,Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, and marked the beginning of what would become the largest defense and commercial maritime and aerospace exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region. 
• Venue: Langkawi International Airport
• A "Humble" Start: While massive today, the 1991 show began with approximately 172 companies from 20 countries.
• The "Oshkosh" Inspiration: The original idea was modeled after the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in the U.S., focusing on light and experimental aircraft. However, it quickly expanded to include military hardware due to intense international interest.
• World-First Hybrid: It was the first time an international exhibition combined maritime and aerospace sectors into a single event.
• Participant Profile: Interestingly, in 1991, almost all exhibitors were foreign companies, as Malaysia’s domestic aerospace sector was still in its infancy.

From those "baby steps" in 1991, LIMA has grown into the largest show of its kind in the Asia-Pacific. Today, it attracts over 600 exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of visitors, serving as the primary gateway for global defense contractors into the Southeast Asian market.

The specific aircraft and maritime highlights from the 1991 display:

Aircraft Highlights

In 1991, the aerospace segment was heavily influenced by the "Oshkosh" model, featuring a mix of light civil aircraft and heavy military hitters.

• A-4 Skyhawk (RMAF): These were the workhorses of the Royal Malaysian Air Force at the time. Their presence at the show was a "swan song" as Malaysia began looking for replacements.
• Northrop F-5E Tiger II: Malaysia’s primary interceptor in 1991. They performed several flypasts to showcase the RMAF's air defense capabilities.
• Aerobatic Teams: While the famous Russian Knights and Smokey Bandits became LIMA staples later, 1991 featured tactical displays by the RMAF and various private flight teams demonstrating light aircraft agility.
• Commercial/Light Aircraft: Reflecting the "Oshkosh East" vision, there were numerous Cessnas, Pipers, and Beechcrafts brought in by private owners and flying clubs from across the region.
• The "Blueprint" Stars: Prototypes and models of future acquisitions were the main talk of the show. While the MiG-29 and F/A-18D Hornet (now LIMA icons) were not yet in Malaysia's fleet in 1991, they were the "stars" being pitched by international contractors to the Malaysian government during the event.

Maritime Highlights

The maritime segment in 1991 was smaller than today's dedicated "Resorts World" harbor display, but it featured several key vessels.

• KD Lekir (F26): One of Malaysia's premier Corvettes at the time, which served as a centerpiece for the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) display.
• Patrol Craft: Several Mushtari-class and Saba-class patrol vessels were anchored near the Langkawi shoreline to demonstrate coastal defense.
• International Presence: A few neighboring naval vessels from Singapore and Thailand made ceremonial visits, marking the beginning of the "Fleet Review" tradition that LIMA is now famous for.
• Private Yachts: Since Langkawi was being promoted as a luxury destination, several high-end private yachts and "pleasure boats" were featured to attract civilian interest.

Why the 1991 Display Felt Different

Unlike modern LIMAs where you see 5th-generation stealth fighters, 1991 was much more grounded:

• Manual over Digital: Most aircraft displayed were analog.
• Light Aviation focus: There was a massive emphasis on training aircraft and small "commuter" planes, as the government wanted to encourage more Malaysians to become pilots.
• The Cowboy Hats: As mentioned earlier, the atmosphere was less of a "fortress" and more of a "fly-in festival," with officials often seen in casual gear rather than formal military attire.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

ex-Crew KD Lekir (1989-1991)

1 January 2026: 9.30 pm