Since October 2025, RTM Asyik FM can be tuned in Teluk Intan and Sitiawan, Perak via frequency FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.
Before this, RTM Asyik FM 102.5MHz was only available in small part of Perak such as Tanjung Malim, Slim River, Sungkai, Bidor and Tapah, but reception was not so good during that time.
Asyik FM is Orang Asli languages radio station operated by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM). In Perak, it has Lenggong frequency on 93.1MHz, meanwhile the rest locations rely on 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali and 105.1MHz from Gunung Brinchang.
Asyik FM is tuned in Ipoh and Kinta Valley via Gunung Brinchang transmitter on 105.1MHz with moderately weak signal.
In Teluk Intan, Asyik FM is now clearly receivable on 102.5MHz after its Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter system was upgraded and renewed since October 2025, meanwhile the signal of 105.1MHz from Gunung Brinchang is also improved there.
For the first time, Asyik FM is available in Sitiawan, Lumut and Ayer Tawar, Perak on the frequency FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter, despite Sitiawan has no Orang Asli people.
Asyik FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is moderately clear in Sitiawan, Perak, it was unavailable previously.
In conclusion, Asyik FM is now available in Perak by following locations below:
* 102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: Tanjung Malim, Slim River, Sungkai, Bidor, Tapah, Temoh, Chenderiang, Teluk Intan, Bagan Datuk, Hutan Melintang, Langkap, Kampung Gajah, Bota, Lumut, Seri Manjung, Ayer Tawar.
* 105.1MHz Gunung Brinchang: Ipoh (partial), Simpang Pulai (partial), Gopeng (partial), Chemor (partial), Sungai Siput (partial), Kampung Kepayang, Batu Gajah
* 93.1MHz TM Lenggong tower (ex site: Bukit Ladang Teh): Lenggong, Sauk, Kuala Kangsar, Enggor
In November 2023, I visited Sitiawan, Lumut, Pangkor and other Perak areas during Deepavali holiday. I conducted the radio reception of RTM Minnal FM in Sitiawan, Lumut, Pangkor and Changkat Keruing by comparing with 3 frequencies, notably 98.9MHz Gunung Kledang, 107.9MHz Bukit Larut and 96.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.
Back then, despite Sitiawan is under the coverage of Gunung Kledang transmitter, but RTM Minnal FM 98.9MHz could not be tuned clearly due to the interference noise from 988 FM 98.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter. Hence, I wrote an email to Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) regarding it by sending feedback and suggestion to solve this issue. In the context, I suggested RTM to migrate Minnal FM's Gunung Kledang frequency from 98.9MHz to 99.0MHz in order to avoid interference from 988 when RTM would upgrade and renew the transmitter system in Gunung Kledang in the future.
In 2025, RTM upgraded and renewed the transmitter system in Gunung Kledang, however Minnal FM frequency was not changed as MCMC didn't allow frequency migration. I felt unhappy with such rejection because I didn't think the interference issue would be solved due to 100kHz frequency separation between Gunung Kledang and Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter.
However, the radio reception of RTM Minnal FM 98.9MHz Gunung Kledang transmitter is slightly improved in Teluk Intan since last year, but interference from 988 FM 98.8MHz was slightly reduced. Alternatively, RTM Minnal FM could be tuned loudly and clearly via 96.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter. From here, I began curious of the radio reception in Sitiawan, Perak on FM 98.9MHz.
As my family member and I visit Teluk Intan, Perak with 4 days 3 nights duration, I drove from Teluk Intan to Tapah, Sungai Siput (U) and Sitiawan for radio signal monitoring activity, so I conduct the radio reception update of Minnal FM 98.9MHz in Sitiawan, Perak before driving back to Teluk Intan.
Compare to 2023, the radio reception of Minnal FM 98.9MHz nowadays is also improved in Sitiawan, Perak with lesser interference noise from 988 FM 98.8MHz, meanwhile 96.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is moderately clear in Sitiawan too.
In November 2025, my friend Haidir also sent me the radio reception video of Minnal FM 98.9MHz in Sitiawan, even I also make my own version of it today.
RTM Minnal FM can be tuned loudly and clearly in Sitiawan, Perak on 98.9MHz from Gunung Kledang nowadays with less interference noise of 988 FM 98.8MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter, so its listeners in Manjung District, Perak can tune a proper and clear frequency nowadays. Formerly, none of Minnal FM clear frequencies were available in Sitiawan and Lumut, so the listeners had to touch the frequency dial by always tuning 98.9, 107.9 and 96.3 when one of them was not clear.
Minnal FM 98.9MHz Gunung Kledang radio reception is also improved in Lumut nowadays.
In conclusion, RTM Minnal FM 98.9MHz radio reception is improved in Sitiawan, Perak nowadays, meanwhile 96.3MHz acts as alternative frequency there.
==RADIO RECEPTION OF RTM MINNAL FM 98.9MHz GUNUNG KLEDANG TRANSMITTER IN SITIAWAN, PERAK==
In Perak, the Tamil commercial radio station, Raaga has two tuning frequencies.
FM 97.9MHz from Gunung Kledang mainly covers Ipoh, Central Perak (Manjung, Kampar, Kinta, Perak Tengah) South Perak (Hilir Perak) and part of Hulu Perak (Lenggong), then FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut mainly covers North Perak (Taiping, Kerian, Selama) and South Kedah (Bandar Baharu).
Listen to Raaga via Gunung Kledang transmitter on the frequency FM 97.9MHz while driving from Ipoh to Kuala Kangsar or Taiping, but the signal becomes weak when reach Sungai Siput (U).
Yes, Raaga FM 97.9MHz is very weak in Sungai Siput (U), Perak because the terrains block the signal from Gunung Kledang transmitter, however Raaga is tuned in Sungai Siput (U) via Bukit Larut transmitter on FM 102.1MHz instead.
Same as Minnal FM, the RTM Tamil radio station is tuned in Sungai Siput (U) on 107.9MHz from Bukit Larut too because 98.9MHz from Gunung Kledang is weak.
On 12th October 2026, after having radio signal monitoring in Tapah by departing from Teluk Intan, I come to Sungai Siput (U) to only record the radio reception video of Raaga FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut transmitter before driving to Sitiawan via Kuala Kangsar and Manong routes.
Here is a radio reception video of tuning Raaga in Sungai Siput (U) via Bukit Larut transmitter on FM 102.1MHz where I record on 12th October 2026.
In Sungai Siput (U), Raaga FM 102.1MHz (Bukit Larut) is clearer than 97.9MHz (Gunung Kledang) overall. Besides that, Raaga is also tuned on 102.1MHz in Salak Baru, Enggor, Kuala Kangsar and Padang Rengas, but this radio station is tuned on 97.9MHz in Sauk and Manong because 102.1MHz is weak there due to terrain.
In conclusion, Raaga is tuned in Sungai Siput (U), Perak via FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut transmitter.
Do you know? Tamil radio station Raaga was used to have a tuning frequency in Tapah, Perak on FM 102.0MHz from Changkat Rembian transmitter.
Yes, FM 102.0MHz was used to broadcast Raaga in Tapah until January 2009 before switching to Malay radio station (Era FM). The radio transmission of FM 102.0MHz was already established since 1996 under Time Highway Radio (THR) era.
Back to 1990s, Time Highway Radio was the English and Malay radio station to target highway listeners. First, it aired in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, West Pahang and South Perak on FM 99.3MHz before coverage expansion to northern and southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia in 1995 and 1996.
THR added Tapah frequency on FM 102.0MHz from Changkat Rembian transmitter to cover the blindspot coverage of FM 97.9MHz Gunung Kledang and FM 99.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali between Kampar and Bidor.
I was used to hear Tamil radio broadcast, Raaga on FM 102.0MHz in Bidor and Sungkai, Perak when I was 13 in 2007, it was quite clear. Then, in June 2009, FM 102.0MHz became Malay radio station when I was in Bidor, Perak while heading back to Kuala Lumpur. Prior January 2010, I only realized FM 102.0MHz in Tapah, Perak had become Era FM when I read the newspaper which contained Era FM advert.
Since FM 102.0MHz had become Era in January 2009, it did not affect Indian listeners in Tapah, Perak at all because Raaga can be tuned there via FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, while FM 97.9MHz from Gunung Kledang for Ipoh and Central Perak is less clear in Tapah.
On 12th October 2026, I paid a visit in Tapah, Sungai Siput and Sitiawan for radio signal monitoring activity. So, I record the signal video of Raaga FM 97.9MHz and 99.3MHz in Tapah, Perak.
In Tapah, Raaga FM 99.3MHz is slightly clearer than 97.9MHz.
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.
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)==
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).
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)==
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 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==
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)
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.
