LANGKAWI: The 14th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) 2017 started off with a bang at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) here.

During the opening gambit, an explosion was heard and a wall of flame appeared on the tarmac as a squadron of planes from the Royal Malaysian Air Force made a fly-by.

Lima 2017 was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Tuesday.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

The five-day Lima 2017 will showcase 555 exhibitors from 36 countries.

The first three days focuses on trade. The venue will only open to the public on Friday and Saturday.-thestar