Mengapakah Kool FM 105.3MHz di Johor Bahru tidak boleh didengari dengan jelas seperti Hot FM 90.1MHz?

Sudah hampir setahun stesen radio Kool FM memperluaskan siaran ke Ipoh, Melaka dan Johor Bahru dengan mengambil alih frekuensi daripada Eight FM (kini dikenali sebagai Eight WuXian).

Di Johor Bahru, Kool FM bersiaran pada frekuensi 105.3MHz, tetapi terdapat banyak pendengar memberi maklum balas bahawa Kool FM 105.3MHz tidak dapat didengari dengan jelas di kawasan Johor Bahru seperti Hot FM 90.1MHz, Fly FM 102.5MHz dan stesen radio lain.

Terdapat satu sebab utama Kool FM 105.3MHz tidak dapat didengari dengan jelas di Johor Bahru.

1. Kebanyakkan stesen radio di Johor Bahru dipancar dari Gunung Pulai, tetapi Kool FM 105.3MHz dipancar dari TM Pelangi yang terletak di Taman Sentosa, Johor Bahru dengan kuasa rendah pada 50 watt (0.05 kilowatt).

2. Pemancaran frekuensi FM 105.3MHz dari Taman Sentosa di Johor Bahru dilancarkan sejak tahun 2011 pada zaman One FM (kini dikenali sebagai Eight WuXian). 

3. Kool FM 105.3MHz tidak boleh menggunakan pemancar Gunung Pulai seperti stesen lain kerana ia akan menyebabkan gangguan frekuensi kepada liputan RTM Johor FM 105.3MHz dari Gunung Ledang di Johor Utara. Isyarat radio dari Gunung Pulai boleh memancar sehingga Johor Utara (contoh: Muar, Pagoh, Chaah, Labis) dan sebahagian kawasan negeri Melaka.

4. Kekuatan pemancar Kool FM 105.3MHz di Taman Sentosa, Johor Bahru hanya 0.05kW. Secara umumnya, Kool FM boleh menambah kuasa pemancar kepada 1kW atau 2kW di Taman Sentosa supaya ia boleh didengari lebih jelas di Johor Bahru, tetapi pada sudut teknikal, pemancar Kool FM 105.3MHz pada kuasa pemancar yang tinggi boleh menyebabkan gangguan antaramodulasi (intermodulation interference) terhadap stesen radio lain dari Gunung Pulai dan Singapura di kawasan sekitar Taman Sentosa, Johor Bahru. Oleh kerana menara pemancar TM Pelangi terletak berhampiran dengan kawasan perumahan Taman Sentosa, pendengar yang mendengar stesen radio lain di kawasan tersebut akan mengalami gangguan siaran daripada Kool FM 105.3MHz. Di Kuching, Sarawak, stesen radio Hot FM 94.3MHz yang dipancar dari Gunung Serapi mempunyai gangguan antaramodulasi (intermodulation interference) di kawasan sekitar Batu Lintang yang terletak berhampiran dengan menara pemancar Bukit Djin akibat banyak stesen radio menggunakan menara pemancar tersebut dengan kuasa pemancar yang tinggi. 

Tiada frekuensi kosong boleh digunakan oleh Kool FM untuk pemancaran Gunung Pulai bagi menggantikan 105.3MHz yang dipancar dari Taman Sentosa.

* Frekuensi kosong 88.3MHz, 98.0MHz dan 99.5MHz tidak boleh digunakan kerana frekuensi kosong ini adalah hak milik Singapura (IMDA).

* Walaupun FM 107.9MHz ialah frekuensi kosong di Johor Bahru, tetapi ia tidak boleh digunakan oleh mana-mana stesen radio untuk pemancaran Gunung Pulai kerana ia mengganggu komunikasi penerbangan di Johor Bahru, Singapura dan Indonesia (Batam), sedangkan 107.9MHz menghampiri frekuensi penerbangan (VHF 108MHz-137MHz).

Untuk meningkatkan mutu kualiti isyarat Kool FM 105.3MHz di Johor Bahru, Media Prima Audio hanya boleh menambah kuasa pemancar di Taman Sentosa kepada 100W (0.1kW).

Kini, Kool FM 105.3MHz yang dipancar dari Taman Sentosa hanya boleh didengari di Johor Bahru, Pasir Gudang, Masai, dan Ulu Tiram, manakala Kool FM perlu diterima pada frekuensi 88.1MHz dari Gunung Ledang di kawasan Skudai, Iskandar Puteri, Gelang Patah, Kulai dan Senai. Untuk makluman, stesen radio Kool FM 105.3MHz tidak boleh diterima di Singapura kerana antenna pemancar Kool FM di Taman Sentosa tidak menghala ke arah Singapura.

Walaupun RTM Johor FM tidak mempunyai frekuensi Sedili seperti Radio Klasik dan Nasional FM, tetapi ia masih boleh didengari di Sedili, Johor pada frekuensi FM 92.1MHz yang dipancar dari Bukit Tinggi (Although RTM Johor FM has no Sedili frequency like Radio Klasik and Nasional FM, but it can be tuned in Sedili on the frequency FM 92.1MHz from Bukit Tinggi transmitter)

 

 

RTM Johor FM kini mempunyai tiga buah pemancar untuk meliputi negeri Johor, iaitu FM 101.9MHz di Johor Selatan dan Johor Tengah dari Gunung Pulai, FM 105.3MHz di Johor Utara dari Gunung Ledang, serta FM 92.1MHz di Daerah Mersing/Pantai Timur Johor dari Bukit Tinggi.

 

RTM Johor FM currently has 3 transmitters for Johor state, such as 101.9MHz in South Johor and Central Johor from Gunung Pulai, 105.3MHz in North Johor from Gunung Ledang and 92.1MHz in Mersing/East Johor from Bukit Tinggi. 

 

Tidak seperti Radio Klasik dan Nasional FM, stesen radio Johor FM tidak mempunyai pemancar di Sedili, Johor. Di Sedili, RTM mempunyai pemancar jurang untuk Radio Klasik FM 100.5MHz dan Nasional FM 96.5MHz. Sedili ialah bandar kecil terletak di bahagian timur Daerah Kota Tinggi, Johor.

 

Unlike Radio Klasik and Nasional FM, Johor FM has no gap filler transmitter in Sedili. In Sedili, RTM has gap filler transmitters for Radio Klasik FM (100.5MHz) and Nasional FM (96.5MHz). Sedili is a small town located in east part of Kota Tinggi, Johor. 

 

Walaupun RTM Johor FM tidak mempuyai pemancar untuk kawasan Sedili seperti Radio Klasik (FM 100.5MHz) dan Nasional FM (96.5MHz), tetapi ia masih boleh didengari di Sedili pada frekuensi 92.1MHz dari Bukit Tinggi atau 101.9MHz dari Gunung Pulai.

 

Although RTM Johor FM has no gap filler transmitter for Sedili like Radio Klasik FM 100.5MHz and Nasional FM 96.5MHz, but it can be tuned in Sedili on the frequency 92.1MHz from Bukit Tinggi or 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai.

 

Saya menerima sebuah video penerimaan RTM Johor FM 92.1MHz dan 101.9MHz di Sedili daripada seorang rakan. 

 

I received a radio reception of RTM Johor FM 92.1MHz and 101.9MHz in Sedili from a friend just afternoon.

 

Berdasarkan pada video berikut di atas, RTM Johor FM masih boleh didengari di Sedili pada frekuensi 92.1MHz dan 101.9MHz di Sedili, tetapi isyarat 92.1MHz lebih jelas daripada 101.9MHz di Sedili.

 

According to the video following above, RTM Johor FM is receivable in Sedili on 92.1MHz and 101.9MHz, but the radio signal of 92.1MHz is better than 101.9MHz in Sedili. 

 

Keseluruhannya, frekuensi RTM Johor FM di Sedili ialah 92.1MHz dari pemancar Bukit Tinggi.

 

In conclusion, RTM Johor FM is tuned on 92.1MHz from Bukit Tinggi transmitter.

 

==Penerimaan siaran RTM Johor FM di Sedili (Radio reception of RTM Johor FM in Sedili)==

* 92.1MHz Bukit Tinggi 1kW (63km): Sederhana jelas/Moderately clear

* 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai 2kW (72km): Kurang jelas/Less clear 

 

==Stesen radio RTM di Sedili, Johor (RTM radio stations in Sedili, Johor)==

* Radio Klasik FM: 100.5MHz (Sedili)

* Nasional FM: 96.5MHz (Sedili)

* Johor FM: 92.1MHz (Bukit Tinggi)

* Traxx FM: 92.9MHz (Bukit Tinggi)

* Ai FM: 89.1MHz (Bukit Tinggi)

* Minnal FM: 88.3MHz (Bukit Tinggi) 

Although FM 102.0MHz or FM 102.1MHz cannot be used in Gunung Telapak Buruk radio transmission for Negeri Sembilan, but FM 102.1MHz is used by Sepang International Circuit for motorsport Grand Prix live radio commentary.

As today, FM 102.0MHz or FM 102.1MHz is empty and unoccupied in Negeri Sembilan, none of radio stations use these frequencies in Gunung Telapak Buruk for Negeri Sembilan due to interference against other radio stations as I mentioned previously by following below:

 

* FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk causes Johor FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai transmitter to face interference in Central Johor (Sri Gading, Sri Medan, Parit Yaani, Yong Peng, Ayer Hitam and part of Batu Pahat) where 105.3MHz Gunung Ledang reception is less clear.

* FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk causes interference to RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz (Gunung Ledang) in Northwest Malacca areas like Kuala Sungai Baru, Sungai Udang, Masjid Tanah and Lubok Cina as Melaka FM only operates 1 frequency on FM 102.3MHz for entire Malacca state.

 

However, the frequency FM 102.1MHz is used by Sepang International Circuit as seasonal Grand Prix live radio commentary during the race event.

 

Despite FM 102.0MHz or FM 102.1MHz cannot be used in Gunung Telapak Buruk for radio transmission in Negeri Sembilan, but FM 102.1MHz is allowed to be used in Sepang, Selangor for Grand Prix live radio commentary because it only operates seasonally at super low power radio transmission as much as 30W.

 

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) uses FM 102.1MHz as live radio commentary during MotoGP and recent Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia event, as well as other motorsport events. This targets the spectators who are watching F1 or MotoGP at Sepang International Circuit to listen to the live commentary of the race, including the current position of their favorite racers or teams.

 

Although Sepang has 5G internet coverage, but the data performance would be jeopardized badly due to large crowd of spectators (expected 100k-150k people), so the conventional low powered live commentary radio on FM 102.1MHz can ease this problem. The spectators don't even need to follow up the race status via mobile internet, they can use the portable radio and tune it to FM 102.1MHz for live commentary regarding the race. 

The live commentary radio broadcast on FM 102.1MHz from Sepang International Circuit is only operated during motorsport events, it is off air during normal day.

 

Outside Sepang, the FM 102.1MHz can be tuned in Nilai, Bandar Enstek, Labu, KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), Salak Tinggi and part of Sungai Pelek, its coverage radius is about 5-10km.

 

10 years ago, I was used to tune Formula 1 live radio commentary on FM 102.1MHz in Nilai and Labu, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Here are the videos of tuning FM 102.1MHz which I recorded on 2nd October 2016.

 

 

On 29th October 2017, I also tuned MotoGP live radio commentary at Sepang International Circuit, but the frequency was FM 102.2MHz (but it was back to 102.1MHz later). 

 

The radio transmission of FM 102.1MHz from Sepang International Circuit is safe from causing interference to licensed radio station as it runs low power transmission at 0.03kW and operates only during motorsport event (usually from Thursday from Sunday). 

 

==Coverage of FM 102.1MHz live commentary radio==

* Sepang

* Bandar Enstek

* Nilai

* Labu

* Salak Tinggi

* KLIA

* Part of Sungai Pelek 

RTM Labuan FM 89.4MHz dari Bukit Timbalai diterima di Tamparuli, Sabah dengan melalui pemancaran bersifat troposfera (RTM Labuan FM 89.4MHz was tuned in Tamparuli, Sabah via tropospheric propagation)

 

 

RTM Labuan FM menyambut ulangtahun ke-40 pada tahun ini, ia ditubuhkan sejak tahun 1986. Stesen radio ini bersiaran di Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan pada dua frekuensi, iaitu FM 103.7MHz dari RTM Labuan dan FM 89.4MHz dari Bukit Timbalai. 

 

RTM Labuan FM celebrates 40th years anniversary this year, it was established since 1986. This radio station broadcasts in Federal Territory of Labuan on two frequencies, such as FM 103.7MHz from RTM Labuan and FM 89.4MHz from Bukit Timbalai.

 

Selain daripada Pulau Labuan, siaran radio RTM Labuan masih boleh didengari dengan isyarat sederhana di Menumbok, Sabah pada frekuensi FM 89.4MHz yang dipancar dari Bukit Timbalai. Walaupun kekuatan pemancar RTM Labuan FM (tanpa mengira 89.4MHz atau 103.7MHz) ialah 0.1kW sahaja, tetapi isyarat RTM Labuan FM 89.4MHz diterima di Tamparuli, Sabah beberapa bulan lepas oleh seorang peminat radio, iaitu Kisah Alkisah.

 

Other than Labuan Island, RTM Labuan FM can be tuned moderately in Menumbok, Sabah via Bukit Timbalai transmitter on the frequency FM 89.4MHz. Although the transmitter power of RTM Labuan FM (regardless 89.4MHz or 103.7MHz) is only 0.1kW, but this radio station was received in Tamparuli, Sabah few months ago by a Sabahan radio DXer, known as Kisah Alkisah.

 

 

Tamparuli terletak di Daerah Tuaran, Bahagian Pantai Barat, Sabah. Berdasarkan pada video tersebut, isyarat RTM Labuan FM 89.4MHz from Bukit Timbalai adalah lemah di Tamparuli, Sabah. Penerimaan siaran RTM Labuan FM 89.4MHz di Tamparuli adalah bersifat troposfera kerana ia tidak dapat diterima di Tamparuli dan mana-mana kawasan Pantai Barat Sabah (kecuali Menumbok) pada hari biasa (pemancaran bersifat normal).

 

Tamparuli is located in Tuaran District, West Coast Division of Sabah. According to the videos above, the signal of RTM Labuan FM 89.4MHz from Bukit Timbalai was very weak in Tamparuli, Sabah. The radio reception of RTM Labuan FM 89.4MHz in Tamparuli was considered as tropospheric propagation because it is not receivable in Tamparuli and elsewhere in Sabah (except Menumbok) during normal propagation.

 

Jika KK12FM 89.5MHz di Kota Kinabalu masih bersiaran pada hari ini, RTM Labuan FM 89.4MHz tidak akan diterima di Tamparuli, Sabah, manakala ia akan bertindih dengan KK12FM 89.5MHz di Menumbok.
 

If KK12FM 89.5MHz in Kota Kinabalu is still alive today, RTM Labuan FM 89.4MHz is not receivable in Tamparuli, meanwhile it will have interference with KK12FM 89.5MHz in Menumbok.

 

Tamparuli ialah kawasan yang paling jauh untuk menerima siaran RTM Labuan FM 89.4MHz di Sabah dengan jarak 152km dari Bukit Timbalai, sedangkan ia adalah pemancaran bersifat troposfera.

 

Tamparuli was the furthest location to tune RTM Labuan FM 89.4MHz in Sabah with 152km distance from Bukit Timbalai, whereas it was troposferic propagation.

 

==Penerimaan siaran RTM Labuan FM di Tamparuli, Sabah (Radio reception of RTM Labuan FM in Tamparuli, Sabah)== 

* Frekuensi/Frequency: FM 89.4MHz

* Kuasa pemancar/Transmitter power: 0.1kW

* Tempat pemancar/Transmitter location: Bukit Timbalai, Labuan

* Tempat penerima/Receiver location: Tamparuli, Sabah

* Jarak/Distance: 152km

 

==RTM Labuan FM 89.4MHz/103.7MHz @ Menumbok, Sabah (19th April 2026)== 

Is it suitable of BFM Radio to expand coverage in East Malaysia (Kuching and Kota Kinabalu)?

 

 

It has been 18 years of BFM 89.9 broadcasts in Greater Klang Valley since September 2008. BFM 89.9 is an independent English language business radio station, founded by Malek Ali.

 

During these 18 years, BFM Radio had launched several attempts to expand its coverage outside Greater Klang Valley such as Penang and Johor Bahru. Unfortunately, the frequency applications for Penang and Johor Bahru were rejected by MCMC (Malaysia Communications Multimedia Commission) as there were no available frequency slots. Hence, BFM Radio is not available in Penang and Johor Bahru via frequency transmission, the listeners can tune BFM Radio digitally via online streaming or BFM mobile app.

 

BFM Radio is only available in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, South Perak, West Pahang, part of Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor on the frequency FM 89.9MHz, transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

As BFM Radio could not expand coverage in Penang and Johor Bahru, how about East Malaysia cities like Kota Kinabalu and Kuching?

 

Yes, apparently BFM Radio can expand coverage in East Malaysia by launching tuning frequencies in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu because there are available frequency slots, but there are several limitations needed to be considered deeply.

 

1. The listeners in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu

* BFM 89.9 is a business radio station in Greater Klang Valley, targeting the PMEBs (Professionals, Managers, Enterprises, and Businessmen/Businesswomen) in busy Klang Valley, but the content may not guarantee to meet East Malaysia's market as the lifestyle and business operation between Klang Valley, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu are different. The former Chinese business radio station CityPlus FM was used to launch in Kuching (FM 92.5MHz), but it only survived up to 2 years. At the end, the radio station was closed in April 2020 and replaced by Kupi-Kupi FM Sarawak in June 2023. Hence, business radio station may not work well in East Malaysia as people prefers more localized content, rather than Kuala Lumpur centric content, unless BFM Radio carries East Malaysia related content in Klang Valley, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu together.

 

2. Impact to the existing clients (advertisers) who promote their products/services on BFM Radio

* The main clients of BFM 89.9 are actually finance services, insurance and banks, then universities and cars.

* About car advertisement, usually luxury automakers such as BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke/Bavarian Motor Works), Mercedes-Benz, Audi and less extensive Jaguar advertise their cars on BFM 89.9, however these cars are not sold more in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, compare to Klang Valley.  

* The existing clients of BFM 89.9 usually focuses to advertise their products and services via radio advertisement in Greater Klang Valley, but most of the clients don't even have any branches in East Malaysia cities such as Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. 

* East Malaysia car drivers usually drive Proton, Perodua, Toyota and less extensive Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru and Honda, the people who own luxury car brands in East Malaysia are not much actually.

 

Several survey companies like GFK and AC Nielsen conducted radio audience measurement (RAM) survey for many mainstream radio stations, but the RAM survey was only applied in Peninsular Malaysia. So, the result did not include East Malaysia listenership. Actually RAM survey is not relevant to any radio stations nowadays because the clients are smarter by not looking at the "manipulated" RAM survey.

 

RAM survey can be manipulated by having "fake figure/insight" in order to "fool" the radio clients. 

 

If BFM Radio really wants to expand coverage in East Malaysia, between Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, I would suggest to expand coverage in Kuching first because Kuching is likely more potential than Kota Kinabalu.

 

Regarding the transmission site, BFM Radio can use either Gunung Serapi or Bukit Djin/Antu transmitter tower for Kuching, Sarawak. Although Gunung Serapi has wider coverage than Bukit Djin/Antu, but it suffers intermodulation interference at Jalan Batu Lintang where located in the vicinity of Bukit Djin/Antu as the towers are occupied by many Kuching commercial radio stations. To avoid intermodulation interference at Jalan Batu Lintang in Kuching, BFM Radio is recommended to use Bukit Djin/Antu tower, but the coverage will not be greater as Gunung Serapi. Commercially, it is already sufficient of BFM Radio to cover Kuching by using Bukit Djin/Antu tower.

 

As the people can access BFM Radio easily nowadays without frequency transmission through digital platform such as BFM Radio mobile app and online streaming, even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become very common nowadays, compare to 2017, so the coverage expansion via frequency transmission is no longer important to BFM Radio anymore.

 

While many commercial radio broadcasters are struggling as they cannot earn much revenue in East Malaysia, it is not necessary of BFM Radio to launch frequencies in East Malaysia. 

RTM Sabah VFM can be tuned in Klang Valley of Peninsular Malaysia via shortwave frequency SW 11885kHz daily from 8am to 8pm.

 

RTM Sabah VFM launched its shortwave frequency SW 11885kHz on 1st March 2026, transmitted from RTM Kajang shortwave transmitting mast.

 

Although RTM Sabah VFM on SW 11885kHz mainly targets rural areas in Sabah where have no coverage of FM transmitters, but RTM Sabah VFM shortwave frequency on SW 11885kHz is available in Klang Valley of Peninsular Malaysia where Sabahans stay.

 

People does not only can access RTM Sabah VFM via digital platform such as RTM Klik, they can tune it via Astro (CH870) and MYTV (CH708) elsewhere in Malaysia, however shortwave frequency SW 11885kHz is a new platform of Sabah VFM.

 

Yes, there are many Sabahans staying and working in Klang Valley, notably Seri Kembangan, Puchong, Kuala Lumpur, Cyberjaya, Bangi, Petaling Jaya etc, so they can listen to Sabah VFM via SW 11885kHz in Klang Valley with the radio receiver which has shortwave frequency band, but Sabah VFM on SW 11885kHz only broadcasts 12 hours daily from 8am to 8pm.

 

Here are the radio reception of Sabah VFM SW 11885kHz that I tune in various locations of Klang Valley.

 

1. Balakong (near Kajang, Cheras and Bangi)

Loud and clear signal in Balakong as it is near from RTM Kajang transmitter.

 

2. Puchong 

Signal is weak and unstable in Puchong, no signal if I tune this frequency indoor.

3. Ampang

Video is recorded near Bandar Baru Ampang, it is still clear and stable in Ampang.  

4. Kuala Lumpur

Video is recorded at Dataran Merdeka. Signal is not so good in Kuala Lumpur, compare to Nasional FM SW 15295kHz because Sabah VFM uses directional antenna.

5. Cyberjaya

Video is taken at Persiaran Apec, the signal is loud and clear. So, it is also clear in Putrajaya.

6. Seri Kembangan

Moderate signal received in Seri Kembangan.

The signal of RTM Sabah VFM SW 11885kHz can be only heard clearly in East Klang Valley, especially areas near RTM Kajang transmitter tower such as Kajang, Bangi, Balakong, Seri Kembangan, Semenyih, Ampang and Cheras, but the signal strength of RTM Sabah VFM SW 11885kHz is weak in most of Klang Valley areas such as Puchong, Cyberjaya, Putrajaya and Petaling Jaya because RTM Sabah VFM SW 11885kHz beams signal towards east direction at 93DEG angle, those west Klang Valley areas are not in the coverage of SW 11885kHz. 

 

Listeners are highly advised to tune Sabah VFM digitally such as RTM Klik, Astro CH870 and MYTV CH708 after 6pm because SW 11885kHz has co-channel interference from China radio station (CNR-1) in Klang Valley from 6pm to 8pm. The listeners may hear two radio stations on SW 11885kHz from 6pm to 8pm.

 

RTM Sabah VFM on SW 11885kHz can be tuned in part of Peninsular Malaysia, but outside Klang Valley. A listener tuned it in Port Dickson and Salak Tinggi.

  

 

  

==Shortwave radio receivers== 

To tune RTM Sabah VFM in Klang Valley via shortwave frequency SW 11885kHz, the listeners must have a radio receiver with shortwave band. Although many electrical shops in supermarket don't sell radio anymore, but the radio receivers can be purchased on several online shopping platform like Shopee and Lazada.

 

I'm using TECSUN PL-310ET radio receiver to tune a shortwave radio station, TECSUN PL-310ET is an affordable, but mid-range radio receiver. It is cheaper than Sangean and XHDATA. I bought PL-310ET at Shopee 5 years ago with the price around RM160.

 

Retekess V115 is another budget-friendly shortwave radio receiver, it is sold at Shopee with the price below than RM100. 

 

 

Both TECSUN PL-310ET and Retekess V115 are powered by rechargeable battery. 

 

TECSUN PL-310ET is using 3 units of AA battery, its charger port is plugged with Mini-B cable. I use Eveready Rechargeable Battery for TECSUN PL-310ET. When the battery is about to empty, it is highly recommended to charge the battery at least 5 hours.

 

Retekess V115 is powered by Nokia's BL-5C rechargeable battery, the charger port is plugged with Type-C cable.  

 

Some of supermarkets and electrical shops also sell cheaper radio receivers, notably Wirata and Colone, but I'm doubt about their reliability.

 

Wirata LT-Q1 radio receiver is based on China made Leotec LT-Q1, the radio receiver itself is just locally manufactured. I was used to own Leotec LT-Q1, but if you want to buy this radio receiver, I cannot guarantee the radio frequency dial is accurate or not because the radio frequency dial is not accurate when I used LEOTEC LT-Q1, but I'm not sure about Wirata version because both are manufactured in different locations.

 

Wirata is a Malaysia electrical products company based in Ipoh, Perak, it also produces audio appliances. Wirata also produces radio receivers with shortwave frequency band such as:

 

1. LT-Q1

2. LT-D5.5U

3. LT-D6.5

4. LT-D6.5A

5. LT-D6.5U

6. RC-D7.5

7. RS-D8.5 

 

Most of the radio receivers have multi frequency band, FM-MW-SW-LW, but some of them are "FM-MW-SW1-SW2". RTM Sabah VFM SW 11885kHz is under SW2 band which is from 10000kHz to 22000kHz.

 

By converting the frequency measurement unit from kHz to MHz, RTM Sabah VFM is actually on SW 11.885MHz. So, the frequency dial on SW2 for certain radio receiver is between 10MHz and 12MHz.

 

 

 

==Recommended shortwave radio receivers (budget friendly models)==

1. TECSUN PL-310ET

2. TECSUN PL-380

3. TECSUN R-909

4. TECSUN DR-920C

5. Retekess V115

6. Retekess TR618

7. Retekess V117 

8. Colon radio (clone version of Panasonic RX-M70)

9. Various Wirata shortwave radio receivers 

  

==CONCLUSION== 

For Klang Valley, RTM Sabah VFM on SW 11885kHz is only loud and clear in the locations near RTM Kajang transmitter like Balakong, Seri Kembangan, Hulu Langat, Kajang, Bangi and Semenyih. So, it is highly recommended to tune Sabah VFM in Klang Valley and other part of Peninsular Malaysia via RTM Klik, Astro or MYTV.

 

Car radio receiver does not feature shortwave SW frequency band as it has only FM and AM bands, so the listeners need to tune RTM Sabah VFM in the car via online. 

 

==BROADCAST HOURS OF RTM SABAH VFM SW 11885kHz (UTC+8)==
* 0800-0900: Kadazan

* 0900-1200: Chinese

* 1200-1500: English

* 1500-1800: West Coast Bajau

* 1800-1900: East Coast Bajau

* 1900-2000: Murut

 

==Coverage of RTM Sabah VFM SW 11885kHz in Klang Valley==

* Balakong

* Kajang

* Bangi

* Ampang

* Seri Kembangan

* Part of Kuala Lumpur

* Semenyih

* Hulu Langat

* Cheras

* Beranang

* Salak Tinggi

* Gombak

* Cyberjaya

* Putrajaya  

RTM Sri Aman FM 89.5MHz Bukit Temudok transmitter radio reception in Saratok, Sarawak.

 

RTM Sri Aman FM is a division radio station mainly serving Sri Aman Division in Sarawak, it also serves Betong Division because Betong Division was used to be part of Sri Aman before 2002.

 

Sri Aman FM broadcasts with 2 frequencies currently, mainly 89.5MHz from Bukit Temudok for Sri Aman and 99.5MHz from Off Spaoh for Betong, however it was used to operate 3rd frequency on FM 91.1MHz for Ulu Skrang where located between Betong and Engkilili formerly, currently FM 91.1MHz is no longer in broadcast.

 

Sri Aman FM relays Wai FM Iban program majority, but it only airs 3 hours Malay local program from 9am to 12pm.

 

FM 89.5MHz Bukit Temudok covers Simanggang, Engkilili, Lubok Antu, Lingga, Pantu and Lachau, it can be received clearly in Betong and Pusa too, meanwhile the signal is moderately weak in Spaoh and Debak.

 

FM 99.5MHz Off Spaoh covers Betong, Spaoh, and Debak. 

 

In Saratok, RTM Sri Aman FM is still receivable via 89.5MHz from Bukit Temudok transmitter, but 99.5MHz Off Spaoh transmitter is weak there.

 

 

 

The signal is moderately weak in Saratok. Alternatively, for Wai FM Iban's listeners in Saratok, they can tune to Wai FM Iban loudly and clearly via Sibu FM 94.6MHz from Bukit Kayu Malam transmitter. As both Sri Aman FM and Sibu FM air 3 hours Malay local programs from 9am to 12pm, RTM Wai FM Iban can be tuned alternatively in Saratok via 101.3MHz from Gunung Serapi transmitter with weaker signal.

 

RTM Sri Aman FM 89.5MHz is still weakly available in Roban where it is located at northernmost of Betong Division, meanwhile 99.5MHz has no signal in Roban.

 

From Simanggang to Sarikei or Sibu, RTM Sri Aman FM 89.5MHz can be tuned only up to Roban. In conclusion, Roban is the final coverage of RTM Sri Aman FM 89.5MHz Bukit Temudok transmitter.

 

* Frequency: FM 89.5MHz

* Power: 1kW

* Transmitter site: Bukit Temudok, Sri Aman, Sarawak

* Receiving site: Saratok, Sarawak 

* Distance: 62km

* Signal condition: Moderately weak

* Alternative clear frequency: FM 94.6MHz from Bukit Kayu Malam (for Wai FM Iban only) 

"Eight無限"是否需要在東馬砂拉越詩巫設有收聽頻道嗎?

 

 

馬來西亞中文電台"Eight無限"從2022年10月1日已經在關丹終止廣播, 接下來從2025年10月27日在怡保, 馬六甲和柔佛聽播後, 這家電台只能在雪蘭莪, 吉隆坡, 芙蓉, 檳城, 霹靂南部, 吉打, 霹靂太平, 沙巴亞庇和砂拉越古晉聽得到而已, 反而在其他地區的聽眾需要通過數碼平台收聽廣播.

 

在砂拉越, "Eight無限"在古晉設有收聽頻道, 頻率是98.3MHz, 這家電台可以在石隆門, 哥打三馬拉漢, 西連和斯里阿曼部分地區聽得到.

 

砂拉越詩巫的中文電台並不多, 來來去去都是MY FM (105.9MHz), Red FM (104.1MHz), Tea FM (100.7MHz)和全國性的愛FM (103.3MHz).

 

雖然砂拉越詩巫是華人佔多數的市鎮, 為了向當地華人提供更多的中文電台收聽選擇, "Eight無限"是否應該在詩巫落地嗎?

 

"Eight無限"是首要媒體Media Prima旗下的中文電台. 如果我看Media Prima Audio電台的背景, 這家私營廣播公司旗下的電台(Fly FM和Molek FM除外)只是在砂拉越古晉設有頻率而已, Media Prima Audio所旗下的電台並沒有在美里和詩巫設有收聽頻率.

 

詩巫的電台都是從Bukit Lima發射, 其收聽覆蓋範圍只限詩巫, 民丹莪, 蘆樓和泗里街部分地區而已. 

 

  

Bukit Lima發射範圍其實並不大, 包括民丹莪和蘆樓, 它的覆蓋範圍只涵蓋26萬位聽眾. 如果只針對華人人口, 詩巫Bukit Lima的覆蓋人口是大約8萬到10萬左右, 但是這群聽眾未必收聽"Eight無限"因為當地有兩家比較接近本土風情的Tea FM和Red FM. 另外, 如果"Eight無限"在詩巫設有收聽頻率, 首要媒體集團在詩巫需要支付馬電訊 (TM) 一年35萬零吉 (RM 350k)的電台傳輸費, 但收聽率和商業表現若不達標, "Eight無限"商業虧損問題無法停止, 所以在砂拉越擴大覆蓋範圍是不值得, 加上很多聽眾已經通過數碼平台收聽"Eight無限".

 

其實它的線路在詩巫周邊地區開始沒有那麼清楚. 

 

如果"Eight無限"在砂拉越詩巫廣播, 它可以跟MY FM和Tea FM競爭. 在商業角度來看, 雖然詩巫的市場比關丹來得好, 但東馬對首要媒體集團而言是不是很賺錢的市場. 

 

另外, "Eight無限"的電台內容未必符合詩巫華人聽眾的聽覺因為其節目內容比較城市化. "Eight無限"的廣告客戶都是來自吉隆坡和檳城, 所以廣告時間是沒有聽到跟東馬有關的廣告. 

 

MY FM在詩巫也無法吸引當地華人因為該電台的早班和下班時段都是粵語 (廣東話) 為主, 加上詩巫華人主要是說華語和福州話, 他們是不會說粵語的. 

 

"Eight無限"已經全面升級為"數碼優先"的電台, 加上這家中文電台已經把重心放在數碼平台, 所以"Eight無限"在砂拉越詩巫設有頻道是沒有必要.

 

在砂拉越詩巫的聽眾是可以通過數碼平台收聽"Eight無限", 比如Audio+和YouTube直播. 

BREAKING NEWS: Kupi-Kupi FM Sabah expands coverage to Peninsular Malaysia by replacing CityPlus FM in Negeri Sembilan and Klang Valley, known as Kupi-Kupi FM 106, the frequency is FM 106.0MHz (Gunung Telapak Buruk)

Last week, CityPlus FM 106.0MHz was back on air by playing non-stop Chinese songs, but the frequency FM 106.0MHz carries Sabahan songs today.

 

 

In the video, FM 106.0MHz also carries station ID with Kupi-Kupi FM 106.

Previously I mentioned that Kupi-Kupi FM published a Facebook post "Sampai Sana Pun Bulih Dengar? Akan Datang", then I predicted that Kupi-Kupi FM Sabah potentially would expand coverage in Sandakan to compete against Era FM Sabah, but today on 12th September 2026, CityPlus FM 106.0MHz has become Kupi-Kupi FM by playing Sabahan songs in Klang Valley and Negeri Sembilan.

In the video, Kupi-Kupi FM's announcer says "Ini Suara Kita, Cerita Kita, Muzik Kita. Kupi-Kupi FM 106, Kita Juga Baini" after playing Sabahan song on the radio.

From here, it is highly possible of Kupi-Kupi FM Sabah expands coverage in Peninsular Malaysia to replace CityPlus FM on the frequency 106.0MHz. So, my speculation of Kupi-Kupi FM Sabah expands coverage in Sandakan or Keningau will not be happened. 9 years ago, I was already told by one of the representative from Kupi-Kupi FM that the radio station won't expand the coverage in Tawau, Sandakan, Keningau and Lahad Datu due to lower population of Sabahans (especially Tawau and Sandakan Divisions) as illegal immigrants are more than local Sabahans in Tawau Division (caused by the former Malaysia Prime Minister's Projek IC from 1994 which badly damaged Sabah at that time).

 

Sabahan people who work and reside in Peninsular Malaysia are mostly staying in South Klang Valley such as Seri Kembangan, Puchong, Cyberjaya, Bangi, Kajang and Kuala Lumpur where FM 106.0MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk transmitter has coverage there. 

CityPlus was already decline since 2025 due to low Chinese listenership, but the launching of Kupi-Kupi FM Sabah in Klang Valley may earn some commercial revenue than CityPlus as there is no Sabahan radio station in Peninsular Malaysia. In addition, Klang Valley becomes the test market of Kupi-Kupi FM.

 

Kupi-Kupi FM 106MHz is radio version of Borenos Fried Chicken. Why? 

 

Borenos Fried Chicken is a fast food chain from Sabah since 2015, but it opens outlet in Peninsular Malaysia since December 2024. Puchong in Selangor was the very first Peninsular Malaysia location to have Borenos Fried Chicken. 

 

OOGA X Sdn Bhd "copies" the business expansion method of Borenos Fried Chicken by expanding Kupi-Kupi FM Sabah in Peninsular Malaysia (Klang Valley), rather than other Sabah locations like Sandakan, Keningau, Tawau, Kudat and Lahad Datu. 

Regarding the launching date, Kupi-Kupi FM 106.0MHz is likely launched on 16th September 2026 in conjunction with Malaysia Day. 

 

Dear all Sabahans who are staying in Klang Valley, but miss the homeland in Sabah very much, please turn on the radio and tune to FM 106.0MHz for more Sabahan songs. 

 

Kupi-Kupi FM 106 is available in:

* Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya

* Selangor: Cyberjaya, Kajang, Bangi, Serdang, Seri Kembangan, Puchong, Shah Alam, Klang, Cheras, Semenyih, Sepang, KLIA, Sungai Pelek, Bandar Saujana Putra, Banting, Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Selangor, Puncak Alam, Bestari Jaya, Ampang, Tanjong Karang, Sekinchan, Sungai Besar, Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Beranang and Hulu Langat.

* Negeri Sembilan: Seremban, Nilai, Mantin, Lenggeng, Kuala Klawang, Simpang Durian, Port Dickson, Pedas, Rembau, Linggi, Gemencheh, Gemas, Kuala Pilah, Bahau, Rompin, Bandar Seri Jempol, Batu Kikir, Juasseh and Johol

* Melaka: Masjid Tanah, Kuala Sungai Baru, Lubok Cina, Sungai Udang and part of Alor Gajah

* Pahang: Temerloh, Mentakab, Chenor, Bera, Lanchang, Maran, Triang, Kuala Krau, Jengka, Muadzam Shah, Keratong and part of Jerantut

* Johor: Batu Anam, Segamat, Jementah and Labis

 

 

UPDATE: Kupi-Kupi FM Sabah 106.0MHz will start broadcast in Klang Valley and Negeri Sembilan on 12th October 2026.  

Pusa is the clearest town in Betong Division, Sarawak to tune RTM Wai FM Iban 101.3MHz from Gunung Serapi

On 19th May 2025, I managed to receive RTM Wai FM Iban on 101.3MHz and 106.9MHz in various locations of Sri Aman Division and Betong Division, Sarawak, covering Engkilili, Simanggang (Sri Aman), Debak, Spaoh, Betong, Saratok and Roban.

My objective of recording the radio reception of RTM Wai FM Iban 101.3MHz in these locations was to make sure Iban listeners in these locations could tune Wai FM Iban alternatively on 101.3MHz when Sri Aman FM and Sibu FM air 3 hours Malay language local program from 9am to 12pm, concerning these locations are Iban majority.

In Ramadan month of Islamic calender, RTM Sri Aman FM and Sibu FM air 1 hour Ramadan special program from 6pm to 7pm, so what I published the radio reception of Wai FM Iban in Sri Aman and Betong was providing alternative solution to the affected listeners.

Engkilili, Spaoh and Betong are the weakest locations to tune RTM Wai FM Iban 101.3MHz.

During my radio DXpedition in Sarawak on 19th May 2025 from Simanggang to Roban, I skipped Pusa and Kabong because I didn't have sufficient time to visit them, however a Sarawakian radio DXer who is one of my friend, known as Kenyalang DXer managed to receive RTM Wai FM Iban 101.3MHz in Pusa, Sarawak.

Pusa is a small town located at the coastal of Betong Division Sarawak, between Debak and Saratok.

Although RTM Wai FM Iban is available mostly in Pusa, Sarawak via Sri Aman FM 89.5MHz (Bukit Temudok) and 99.5MHz (Off Spaoh) on most of the hours, but RTM Wai FM Iban can be tuned there loudly and clearly in Pusa, Sarawak 24 hours a day via Gunung Serapi transmitter on the frequency 101.3MHz. Therefore, when RTM Sri Aman FM switches to broadcast local Malay program from 9am to 12pm everyday, the Iban listeners in Pusa can continue listening to RTM Wai FM Iban from 9am to 12pm alternatively by tuning the frequency to FM 101.3MHz.

The radio reception of RTM Wai FM Iban 101.3MHz in Pusa is louder and clearer than Debak, Spaoh, Roban and Saratok.

By comparing all towns in Betong Division, Sarawak, Pusa is the clearest town to tune RTM Wai FM Iban 101.3MHz 24/7.

FM 106.9MHz from Gunung Ampungan is extremely weak in Pusa, Sarawak.

The receiving distance from Gunung Serapi to Pusa, Sarawak is 120km.

Here are three videos of tuning RTM Wai FM Iban 101.3MHz in Pusa, Sarawak by Kenyalang DXer who recorded the video in 2025 and 2026.

Is RTM Wai FM Iban receivable in Lubok Antu, Sarawak via 101.3MHz from Gunung Serapi and 106.9MHz from Gunung Ampungan?

Last year in May 2025, I had recorded the radio reception videos of RTM Wai FM Iban on 101.3MHz and 106.9MHz in various locations of Sri Aman Division and Betong Division, from Simanggang to Roban, but I haven't managed to check its coverage in Lubok Antu, the most southeastern town in Sri Aman Division.

Although I will pay a visit in Lubok Antu around November 2026, but I'm still curious whether RTM Wai FM Iban can be tuned via 101.3MHz and 106.9MHz in Lubok Antu or not.

By referring my radio reception video of tuning RTM Wai FM Iban 101.3MHz and 106.9MHz in Engkilili, Sarawak, the signal is extremely weak when I tune RTM Wai FM Iban in Engkilili, despite 101.3MHz is slightly better than 106.9MHz, even Gunung Serapi and Gunung Ampungan show no coverage in Lubok Antu via simulation map.

When the radio reception of RTM Wai FM Iban is already very weak in Engkilili, so it is impossible of me to tune this radio station in Lubok Antu, Sarawak, regardless 101.3MHz (Gunung Serapi) or 106.9MHz (Gunung Ampungan). Even if I want to receive RTM Wai FM Iban (101.3 and 106.9) in Lubok Antu, both frequencies are zero signal there.

Hence, RTM Wai FM Iban has no signal in Lubok Antu on 101.3MHz and 106.9MHz.

In Lubok Antu, RTM Wai FM Iban can be only tuned via Sri Aman FM 89.5MHz from Bukit Temudok transmitter, except 9am to 12pm due to local Malay program. So, the listeners in Lubok Antu have to tune Wai FM Iban from 9am to 12pm via RTM Klik, MYTV CH710 and Astro CH871.

I will verify the radio reception of RTM Wai FM Iban in Lubok Antu by November 2026. Stay tuned for the updates.

Miri and Brunei radio stations tuned in Bintulu, Sarawak.

When I visited Bintulu, Sarawak 2 years ago during Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2024, I tried my luck to tune any Miri and Brunei radio stations there, but at the end, I heard nothing signal on those frequencies.

 

Basically the people can only tune the radio stations from Bukit Setiam transmitter in Bintulu, meanwhile no signal is available if they tune a radio station from Bukit Lambir Miri such as Hitz FM 105.8MHz or Era FM Sarawak 101.3MHz, unless tropospheric propagation.

 

Two weeks ago, Kenyalang DXer managed to tune Miri and Brunei radio stations in Bintulu, Sarawak, but those radio stations were tropospheric propagation because they have no signal during normal day.

 

==Miri radio stations in Bintulu, Sarawak== 

1. Hitz FM 105.8MHz from Bukit Lambir (156km)

 

 

2. MY FM 103.2MHz from Bukit Lambir (156km)

 

 

3. Melody FM 102.4MHz from Bukit Lambir (156km)

 

 

4. Era FM Sarawak 101.3MHz from Bukit Lambir (156km)

 

 

5. Sinar FM 96.6MHz from Bukit Lambir (156km)

 

6. RTM Miri FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Lambir (156km)

 

 

Although Miri radio stations are tropospheric propagation in Bintulu, but MY FM 103.2MHz, Hitz FM 105.8MHz and RTM Miri FM 95.7MHz are the clearest Miri radio station in Bintulu, Sarawak, meanwhile Sinar FM 96.6MHz is the weakest Miri radio station.

 

Era FM 101.3MHz and Melody FM 102.4MHz are very weak in Bintulu, Sarawak during tropospheric ducting. 

 

==Brunei radio stations in Bintulu, Sarawak==

1. RTB Pelangi FM 91.0MHz (223km from Andulau) & 91.4MHz (283km from Bukit Subok)

 

 

2. RTB Nur Islam FM 94.9MHz (223km from Andulau)

 

 

3. RTB Pilihan FM 96.9MHz (223km from Andulau) & 95.9MHz (283km from Bukit Subok)

 

 

4. RTB Harmoni FM 97.7MHz (223km from Andulau) & 94.1MHz (283km from Bukit Subok)

 

 

5. RTB Nasional FM 92.3MHz (283km from Bukit Subok)

 

 

6. Al-Quran FM 99.7MHz (223km from Andulau) 

 

 

In Bintulu, Bukit Subok transmitter is clearer than Andulau, despite Brunei radio stations are tropospheric propagation. Al-Quran FM 99.7MHz is the most powerful Andulau transmitted Brunei radio station in Bintulu, Sarawak.

 

During non-tropospheric propagation, all of Miri and Brunei FM radio stations have no signal in Bintulu, Sarawak. In terms of coverage, from Miri to Bintulu, these radio stations are only available up to Batu Niah. 

 

==EXTRA==

Hitz FM 100.8MHz from Bukit Karatong (Kota Kinabalu) received in Bintulu, Sarawak via tropospheric propagation (469km)