Kedahans Thrilled By Roar Of RMAF Jets In Run-up To LIMA'25

ALOR SETAR, May 7 (Bernama) -- Kedahans lined the roadsides and gathered in paddy fields for a chance to witness Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft and aerial assets up close as they conducted exercises in preparation for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA’25), set to take place from May 20 to 24.

One such enthusiast, Musa Bari, 64, from Kampung Titi Gajah near here, said he waits almost every day by the roadside and in the nearby paddy fields near Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (LTSAH) to watch the RMAF aircraft perform aerobatic training exercises.

“I came to see the Sukhoi and Hawk aircraft - it’s not often you get to see them soaring across the blue skies of Alor Setar. It was truly exciting. Even though I had to wait a long time in the rain or under the hot sun, it never discouraged me from watching the aircraft,” he said.

“I’m a big fan of LIMA. Since it was first held, I have never missed the chance to go to Langkawi to see the shows and exhibitions prepared for visitors, and this year, I will be there for three days,” he told Bernama today.

Meanwhile, Mohd Yusry Nasser, 32, from Pendang, said he brought his two young sons, aged three and five, to watch the aircraft, which are expected to conduct another round of aerobatic training today.

“My children and I came yesterday, but when we arrived, people told us the exercise was cancelled due to an incident involving a Hawk aircraft. It was disappointing because the boys were so excited, but we understood it couldn’t be helped. That’s why we are here this morning,” he said.

“Two years ago, I went to Langkawi to watch the aerobatic show, but this year I couldn’t afford the trip. So, since we live nearby, I took the opportunity to bring my children here to see the aircraft up close,” he said.

Tan Boon Cheng, 58, from Jitra, said he stopped by the roadside to watch the RMAF training exercise after being amazed and excited by the roar of the aircraft engines.

“I live in Jitra but travel to Alor Setar almost every day for work. The first time I heard a roaring sound in the sky, I looked up and saw several aircraft flying in the area - that’s when I decided to stop and watch. I was especially excited to see the Sukhoi jets in action,” he said.

-- BERNAMA