Latest news with #HalimOthman


New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Veteran pilot paints skies over Pantai Cenang with sunset aerobatics
LANGKAWI: Veteran pilot Datuk Halim Othman lit up the skies over Pantai Cenang with a stunning sunset aerobatic display, captivating thousands during this year's Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima '25). Flying a specially modified Extra 300L Krisakti light aircraft, Halim's solo performance, complete with heart-shaped smoke trails and synchronised pyrotechnics, quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the five-day event, spreading widely across social media. Describing the show as an effort to "paint the dusk", the 59-year-old said he wanted to offer something memorable following the hiatus in air shows caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. "After Covid-19, this year's Lima feels like a breath of fresh air. So I thought, why not offer something different, like a performance at sunset, when most people are winding down," he told Bernama at the Aerotree Group booth. Halim said the performance was made possible by technical modifications to the aircraft, which was fitted with six pyrotechnic units, three on each wing, programmed to ignite in sequence. Each burned for around 75 seconds, accompanying a series of light manoeuvres against the Langkawi evening sky. He said the idea was first conceived in London two months ago and was realised with the support of local aviation firm Aerotree Group, the show's principal sponsor. Preparations included integrating the onboard effects and securing safety certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). "But this isn't just about spectacle. It's part of Aerotree's corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment to inspire young Malaysians to dream big in the world of aerospace," he said. He also revealed plans to establish a new six-aircraft aerobatic team equipped with coloured smoke, set to make its debut at future Lima shows and National Day celebrations. Lima '25, hosted at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), featured a wide array of international aerospace and maritime assets. It concluded today after running from May 20 to 24.

Barnama
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Veteran Pilot Lights Up Langkawi Skies With Sunset Aerobatics At LIMA ‘25
GENERAL LANGKAWI, May 24 (Bernama) — Veteran pilot Datuk Halim Othman lit up the skies over Pantai Cenang with a stunning sunset aerobatic display, captivating thousands during this year's Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA '25). Flying a specially modified EXTRA 300L Krisakti light aircraft, Halim's solo performance, complete with heart-shaped smoke trails and synchronised pyrotechnics, quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the five-day event, spreading widely across social media. Describing the show as an effort to 'paint the dusk', the 59-year-old said he wanted to offer something memorable following the hiatus in airshows caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 'After COVID-19, this year's LIMA feels like a breath of fresh air. So I thought, why not offer something different like a performance at sunset, when most people are winding down,' he told Bernama at the Aerotree Group booth. Halim said the performance was made possible by technical modifications to the aircraft, which was fitted with six pyrotechnic units, three on each wing, programmed to ignite in sequence. Each burned for around 75 seconds, accompanying a series of light manoeuvres against the Langkawi evening sky. He said the idea was first conceived in London two months ago and was realised with the support of local aviation firm Aerotree Group, the show's principal sponsor. Preparations included integrating the onboard effects and securing safety certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). 'But this isn't just about spectacle. It's part of Aerotree's corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment to inspire young Malaysians to dream big in the world of aerospace,' he said.


Free Malaysia Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Free Malaysia Today
Defying age, pilot Halim still soars with aerobatic prowess
Halim Othman, better known by his callsign TooGoo, is the commander of Krisakti, Malaysia's elite national aerobatic team. (Halim Othman Facebook pic) KUALA LUMPUR : While most people look forward to retirement at 60, one Malaysian pilot is still reaching for the skies – literally. Halim Othman, better known by his callsign TooGoo, is 59 and shows no signs of slowing down. As the commander of Malaysia's elite national aerobatic team, Krisakti, he continues to perform high-adrenaline stunts in the sky, manoeuvring through complex formations thousands of feet above ground. 'I've never stopped flying, and I don't intend to,' he told Bernama, his calm composure reflecting a lifetime of focus and discipline – and just a hint of adrenaline. Halim's journey into aerobatics began in 1991, the same year the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) made its debut. Back then, he was a young Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) fighter pilot, flying the legendary Skyhawk jet. Today, over three decades later, he remains active, not only as an aerobatic maestro but also as the chief executive officer of Aerotree Group. With Lima held every two years, preparation for the event is no small task. About two months before every showcase, Halim and his team begin intensive training to condition their bodies for the high G-forces – the powerful gravitational pull experienced during rapid aerial manoeuvres. 'Most of the performers are still serving in the military. For us retired pilots, staying in top form takes extra effort. It requires discipline and consistent training,' he said. Safety, he stressed, remains the top priority. Halim and his teammates performing aerobatic stunts during Lima 2023. (Halim Othman Facebook pics) To ensure peak performance, Halim has developed a three-phase training approach. Phase one focuses on physical fitness and aircraft readiness. Phase two covers formation design and manoeuvre rehearsals. The final phase involves the actual performance, carried out under strict safety protocols. 'During live shows, there's always a temptation to push the limits. That's why training and experience are essential – we must know where the line is and never cross it,' he added. And while the pilots are the ones in the spotlight, Halim emphasised that aerobatics is a team effort. 'Behind every aerial stunt is a dedicated crew – engineers, safety pilots, and ground operations – all working together to make each performance a success,' he said. For Lima 2025, Halim promises a performance unlike anything Malaysia has seen before. 'This year, we're going beyond the usual. Some of our stunts involve moves that jets can't do – but propeller aircraft like the X-300 can,' he teased. Among the new aerial displays are the cutwind – an inverted roll turn that creates a breathtaking visual from the ground – and the frisbee, a boomerang-style stunt where the aircraft flips, rolls, and reverses mid-flight. Enhanced with vibrant smoke trails, these stunts offer a thrilling spectacle of skill, control, and beauty. But the highlight? A sunset performance complete with fireworks. 'For the first time in Malaysia, we'll fly with fireworks at sunset,' said Halim. 'Up in the sky, age disappears. What matters is precision, passion, and the pursuit of flight,' Halim says. (Halim Othman Facebook pic) Inspired by the public's love for festive pyrotechnics, his team has modified their aircraft to carry and launch fireworks midair. The special performance will take place over Pantai Cenang, Langkawi. 'The golden hour only lasts about 10 minutes, so we'll take off just before sunset. I encourage everyone to have their phones ready – it's a show you won't want to miss,' Halim added. Organised by the defence ministry in collaboration with Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd, Lima 2025 returns to Langkawi from today until Saturday with the theme 'Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow'. As one of Southeast Asia's largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions, it continues to showcase cutting-edge advancements while honouring its legacy. For Halim, Lima is more than a stage – it's a calling. 'I may be nearing 60, but up in the sky, age disappears. What matters is precision, passion, and the pursuit of flight,' he concluded. Follow Halim Othman on Facebook and Instagram.


New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Halim Othman's quiet life: Comfortable, not lavish
KUALA LUMPUR: Former radio presenter and TV host Halim Othman says he is now enjoying a more relaxed pace of life since he is no longer affiliated with any company. Yesterday, Harian Metro reported that despite not holding a full-time job, the 60-year-old celebrity, widely recognised as the host of the game show Roda Impian between 1996 and 2002, expressed gratitude that his financial stability allows him to pursue his interests rather than having to work as intensely as he did in his younger years. "Thankfully, I have some savings for my later years," he said. "It's not that I've stopped working entirely, but I no longer need to work so hard." He added, "Now I can focus on projects that align with my interests, even if they yield modest income. This means I'm not desperate, but I'm also not living extravagantly." Halim mentioned several upcoming projects where he intends to leverage his extensive past experiences. A significant one is writing his autobiography. "I want to try my hand at writing, which I've found isn't easy. While I'm accustomed to speaking, writing demands focus and determination – it's a new challenge for me," he explained. Halim has also ventured into live TikTok sessions, something he admits to enjoying. He appreciates the freedom those sessions offer compared to his radio DJ days, as he now has complete control each time he goes live. "I'm particularly happy when followers provide positive feedback during these sessions," he said.

Malay Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Voice of a generation Halim Othman gets his superhero moment in ‘Keluang Man' — with a ‘Roda Impian' throwback (VIDEO)
KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — Host and former radio announcer Halim Othman shared his excitement at the chance to relive the nostalgia of his heyday from the late 1990s to early 2000s through the local superhero film Keluang Man, directed by Anwari Ashraf. Although appearing only as a voice, the 61-year-old said he was deeply moved to be entrusted with the role of transporting audiences back to the era when he hosted the hit television show Roda Impian (Wheel of Fortune). 'Anwari told me about a superhero film with a character inspired by me, tied to the golden days of Roda Impian. I was touched by the director's imagination in wanting to capture Malaysia's memories from around 1998 to 2000,' he said at the film's launch recently. 'This character exists in the hero's mind. How could I turn it down? I'm truly honoured because it was created specifically for me — no one else could play it,' he added. Despite playing a version of himself, Halim admitted that recreating his signature voice and intonation from the 1990s wasn't easy. 'At first, I wasn't sure if I could bring back that sound, but Alhamdulillah, after dozens of recording sessions from 8 pm to 1 am, I finally nailed it with the director's guidance,' he said. Halim believes Keluang Man has the potential to unite different generations, from Gen Z and millennials to adults who grew up with 90s Malaysian pop culture. 'This isn't just a superhero film — it's a creative journey connecting nostalgia with a new generation. I hope this film will introduce our local superhero to wider audiences and continue to grow,' he said. Separately, Halim shared his foray into modern broadcasting through the TikTok platform, HO Radio, via his account @halimothman2024. 'In the past, radio was confined to a studio. Now, through HO Radio on TikTok, even on a small scale, I can move freely. I treat it as a mobile studio,' he said. Recently, Halim returned to Terengganu to host 'live' broadcasts from various locations, including a keropok lekor production site, daun palas (palm leaf) processing centres, and beaches — fulfilling his long-time dream of taking radio beyond the studio. Produced by Astro Shaw, Keluang Man also stars Nas Muammar Zar (Nas-T), Datuk Remy Ishak, Datuk Rosyam Nor, Anwaar Beg Moghal, and Shweta Sekhon, and is set to open in cinemas nationwide on May 29. — Bernama