Happy 30th years birthday anniversary to Cats FM from Philip DXing Log with radio reception videos

 

The Sarawak's very first commercial radio station, Cats FM celebrated 30 years anniversary on 8th August 2026. (1996-2026)

 

Philip DXing Log would like to wish Happy 30 years anniversary to Cats FM.

 

In conjunction with its 30 years anniversary celebration, here are my radio reception videos of tuning Cats FM in various locations of Sarawak, Labuan and Sabah from 2019 to 2026.

 

November 2019: Cats FM 88.2MHz (Bukit Tiong/Lawas) in Sipitang and Sindumin, Sabah

 

 

April 2024: Cats FM 99.9MHz (Bukit Singgalang/Selangau) in Sebauh, Sarawak

 

 

April 2024: Cats FM 88.3MHz (Bukit Setiam/Bintulu) and 93.3MHz (Bukit Lambir/Miri) in Batu Niah, Sarawak

 

 

March 2025: Cats FM 88.7MHz (Bukit Mas/Limbang) and 88.2MHz (Bukit Tiong/Lawas) in Labuan

 

 

May 2025: Cats FM 99.9MHz (Bukit Singgalang) in Kanowit, Sarawak

 

 

August 2025: Cats FM 99.3MHz (Gunung Serapi/Kuching) in Serian, Sarawak

 

 

October 2025: Cats FM 96.7MHz (Bukit Kayu Malam/Sarikei) in Daro and Matu, Sarawak 

 

 

October 2025: Cats FM 97.9MHz (Mukah) in Sibu, Sarawak

 

 

October 2025: Cats FM 107.6MHz (Bukit Kapit) in Song, Sarawak 

 

 

November 2025: Cats FM 93.3MHz (Bukit Lambir/Miri) in Long Lama, Sarawak

 

 

April 2026: Cats FM 88.7MHz (Bukit Mas/Limbang) in Sabah (Kimanis, Menumbok, Kundasang & Tenom)   

 

 

Prior 8th November 2026, I will record the radio reception video of Cats FM 88.7MHz (Bukit Temudok) in Lubok Antu, Sarawak.

 

HAPPY 30TH YEARS ANNIVERSARY TO CATS FM! 

Is Kool FM able to expand coverage by launching frequency in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan?

 

 

On 3rd November 2025, Kool FM expanded coverage in Melaka, Johor Bahru and Ipoh by taking over the frequencies from Chinese radio station Eight FM, but as today Kool FM is still absent in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan yet.

Kool FM has no Seremban frequency currently like Hot FM and Fly FM. Although there are few ways of Kool FM to expand coverage in Seremban, but no guarantee at all. So, I'm going to analyze by following below:

Proposal 1: FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk

* As per mention earlier in May 2026, the radio transmission of Kool FM on 102.0MHz in Gunung Telapak Buruk will cause interference against RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai coverage in Central Johor. 

* In Central Johor areas such as Yong Peng (near Gunung Maung), Sri Medan, Sri Gading, Senggarang, Kluang, Ayer Hitam, Parit Raja, Rengit and part of Batu Pahat, these areas are covered by RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai, meanwhile FM 105.3MHz from Gunung Ledang transmitter is less clear. If Kool FM uses 102.0MHz in Gunung Telapak Buruk for Negeri Sembilan, RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz radio reception becomes unstable in Central Johor due to the interference as both are 100kHz frequency separation. When the interference happens, as the listeners are already comfortable of 101.9MHz in Central Johor, RTM Johor FM cannot expect all of its Central Johor listeners to tune alternatively on 105.3MHz from Gunung Ledang because it is not clear as 101.9MHz.

* RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz operates 2kW power in Gunung Pulai, meanwhile the transmitter power of Gunung Ledang (105.3MHz) is only 1kW. So, Central Johor relies on 101.9MHz than 105.3MHz. 

* In North Johor, RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz has interference from MY FM 101.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter in Labis, Segamat and Batu Anam, it will be worse if Kool FM "joins the frequency war" together with MY FM 101.8MHz and Johor FM 101.9MHz by using 102.0MHz in Gunung Telapak Buruk. So, it is not advisable to use this frequency by Kool FM.

Proposal 2: FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk

* Although it is already sufficient of 200kHz frequency separation between Gunung Telapak Buruk and Gunung Ledang for most of the radio stations, but Kool FM 102.1MHz can cause interference against RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz coverage in Northwest Melaka because Melaka FM covers whole Melaka state with only 1 frequency on FM 102.3MHz from Gunung Ledang. Melaka FM's listeners would hear interference noise from Kool FM 102.1MHz when they tune it on FM 102.3MHz in Northwest Melaka areas, notably Lubok Cina, Masjid Tanah, Kuala Sungai Baru, Kem Terendak, Sungai Udang and Tanjung Kling. Melaka FM 102.3MHz needs to be protected from interference in Melaka, therefore FM 102.1MHz cannot be used in Gunung Telapak Buruk.

* Kool FM 102.1MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk can face interference from RTM Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser transmitter in Bera, Pahang. Even if there is no obvious interference, MCMC does not allow it because the minimum frequency separation between Gunung Telapak Buruk and Bukit Fraser radio transmitters is 200kHz, not 100kHz. It is already enough when Melaka FM 102.3MHz (Gunung Ledang) and Pahang FM 102.2MHz (Bukit Fraser) interferes each other in Bera District, Pahang, but the situation is worse if Kool FM "joins the frequency war" together with Pahang FM 102.2MHz and Melaka FM 102.3MHz by using 102.1MHz in Gunung Telapak Buruk. So, there is no way of using FM 102.1MHz in Gunung Telapak Buruk.

 

Proposal 3: Taking over the frequency FM 106.0MHz (Gunung Telapak Buruk) from now defunct CityPlus FM

* CityPlus FM 106.0MHz ceased its broadcast on 13th February 2026. Until today, the frequency FM 106.0MHz is dead air in Negeri Sembilan and South Klang Valley. According to the broadcast stations' apparatus assignment list via MCMC website, its frequency license holder OOGA X Sdn Bhd still holds the frequency. OOGA X doesn't surrender the frequency to MCMC after switching off CityPlus FM, but OOGA X suspends the radio broadcast of FM 106.0MHz temporarily (either for months or years). From my view, OOGA X may reuse this frequency for another radio station in the future while it is still holding the frequency license, I suspect OOGA X will launch Malay language business radio station on FM 106.0MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk as the successor of now defunct Chinese business radio station CityPlus FM. This Malay language business radio station targets Malay PMEBs in Klang Valley and Seremban. It is impossible of OOGA X to use Kupi-Kupi FM nameplate on FM 106.0MHz because Kupi-Kupi FM is a Borneo radio brand, the name does not meet Peninsular Malaysia market. 

* Frequency license of OGGA X Sdn Bhd for FM 106.0MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk is still ACTIVE on MCMC apparatus assignment list.

* Hence, Kool FM has no chance to "take over" 106.0MHz from CityPlus FM as OOGA X still holds the frequency license. 

Proposal 4: Taking over the frequency FM 88.3MHz (Bukit Gun) from Eight FM

* Eight FM broadcasts in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan on 88.3MHz, but it is transmitted from Bukit Gun where is located at Jalan Rasah in Seremban. Hence, the coverage of 88.3MHz is much smaller than Gunung Telapak Buruk.

* If Kool FM takes over 88.3MHz from Eight FM, it does not attract more Malay listeners in Negeri Sembilan like Hot FM 99.5MHz because it is transmitted from Bukit Gun, the coverage of FM 88.3MHz is limited in Seremban only, it has no signal in Rembau, Kuala Pilah, Port Dickson, Jempol and Jelebu. From Seremban to Melaka, 88.3MHz becomes weak after Senawang and the signal is slowly disappeared after RnR Senawang while heading to Melaka.

 

Among 4 proposals, neither of them is suitable for Kool FM to launch frequency in Negeri Sembilan. 

 

PROPOSAL 1 and 2 cannot be used due to interference issue.

 

PROPOSAL 3 is not suitable because OOGA X (frequency license holder of CityPlus FM) holds the frequency without surrender it to MCMC. 

 

PROPOSAL 4 is not recommended due to small coverage of Bukit Gun transmitter, commercially it does not help Kool FM in revenue in Seremban.

 

In conclusion, Kool FM is unable to add Seremban frequency in any manner, unless OOGA X surrenders the frequency license of now defunct CityPlus FM 106.0MHz to MCMC, so Media Prima Audio can only request the frequency to MCMC for Kool FM. 

 

In Negeri Sembilan, Kool FM can be only tuned weakly via distant frequencies from Kuala Lumpur and Melaka/North Johor by following below:

* FM 101.3MHz Bukit Sungai Besi: Nilai, Mantin, Lenggeng, Labu and part of Seremban/Port Dickson/Rembau 

* FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang: Tampin, Gemencheh, Gemas, Rompin, Johol and Kuala Pilah. 

Perodua electric car QV-E test drive with radio aircheck of RTM Pahang FM 107.5MHz

 

Today I attend a class regarding Perodua's first electric vehicle, QV-E at Perodua Academy in Rawang, Selangor for a whole day.

 

After ending the class, the trainer invites the attenders to perform test drive of this electric car. I'm the first person to test Perodua QV-E, it is my very first time to drive an electric vehicle (EV).

 

What a nice ride and I gain new experience and knowledge of EV cars. 

 

Simultaneously, I also performed recording radio aircheck video randomly by tuning RTM Pahang FM 107.5MHz in the vicnity of Perodua Headquarters in Rawang, Selangor while experiencing the test drive.

 

Overall, I'm greatly impressed of Perodua QV-E. 

  

 

 

 

Why do RTM radio stations have two transmitters in Miri, Sarawak?

 

 

In Miri, Sarawak, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) operates two frequencies for its 7 radio stations.

 

1. Radio Klasik

* 91.9MHz: Bukit Lambir

* 107.1MHz: RTM Miri

 

2. Nasional FM

* 92.7MHz: Bukit Lambir

* 99.3MHz: RTM Miri

 

3. Sarawak FM 

* 88.1MHz: Bukit Lambir

* 100.3MHz: RTM Miri

 

4. Traxx FM

* 88.9MHz: Bukit Lambir

* 104.5MHz: RTM Miri

 

5. Ai FM

* 89.9MHz: Bukit Lambir

* 105.3MHz: RTM Miri

 

6. Red FM

* 90.7MHz: Bukit Lambir

* 106.3MHz: RTM Miri

 

7. Miri FM

* 95.7MHz: Bukit Lambir

* 98.0MHz: RTM Miri

 

Bukit Lambir is the main transmitter site for Miri, Sarawak, but RTM radio stations have additional transmitter from RTM Miri for same location which is duplicate coverage. Why?

 

This is because the listeners may receive weaker signal in Miri, Sarawak due to high rise buildings and some hills when they tune RTM radio stations on Bukit Lambir frequency. So, RTM (Radio Televisyen Malaysia) launches additional transmitter in RTM Miri to cover better in Miri, so the people can access clearer radio stations in Miri, Sarawak via RTM Miri frequencies. 

 

The concept of Bukit Lambir and RTM Miri transmitters in Miri is same as RTM radio stations in Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley where RTM operates two transmitters for Klang Valley with Gunung Ulu Kali and Kuala Lumpur Tower. (Example: RTM Traxx FM 90.3MHz Kuala Lumpur and 100.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali)

 

In addition, RTM Miri transmitters may act as transponder to send the feeds from the studio to Bukit Lambir via microwave link. If RTM radio stations abolish RTM Miri transmission, they may not receive the feed in Bukit Lambir.  

 

Bukit Lambir is the main transmitter site for Miri, Sarawak, but RTM Miri is an auxiliary transmitter of Bukit Lambir to cover weaker coverage in Miri. Same as Kuala Lumpur, RTM radio stations from KL Tower covers KL City when Gunung Ulu Kali radio signal is less clear due to high rise buildings. 

 

Wajarkah RTM Labuan FM menyambung siar Sabah FM dari jam 7 petang sehingga 6 pagi?

RTM Labuan FM bersiaran selama 13 jam setiap hari dari jam 6 pagi sehingga 7 petang, ia menyambung siar Sabah FM dari 7 petang sehingga 6 pagi.

Di Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan, RTM Nasional FM boleh didengari pada frekuensi 88.5MHz yang dipancar dari Bukit Timbalai, ia pun boleh diterima di Labuan pada frekuensi FM 98.1MHz dari Bukit Mas dan FM 96.5MHz dari Bukit Tampalagus.

Oleh kerana Nasional FM boleh didengari di Labuan pada frekuensi 88.5MHz dari Bukit Timbalai, ia menjadi pertindihan kepada Labuan FM.

Pada pandangan saya, RTM Labuan FM boleh menyambung siar Sabah FM dari 7 petang sehingga 6 pagi, tetapi Sabah FM pun boleh didengari di Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan pada frekuensi FM 97.9MHz yang dipancar dari Bukit Tampalagus, sedangkan Sabah FM tidak mempunyai pemancar Bukit Timbalai seperti Sabah VFM 93.3MHz.

RTM Labuan FM pun boleh menambah waktu siaran lagi kepada 18 jam sehari, dari 6 pagi sehingga 12 tengah malam seperti stesen radio negeri RTM seperti Perak FM, Pahang FM dll sekiranya stesen radio tersebut mempunyai cukup petugas DJ.

Sekiranya waktu siaran Labuan FM ditambah kepada 18 jam sehari, pendengar Labuan FM boleh mendengar siaran tempatan di Labuan dari 6 pagi sehingga 12 malam, manakala Nasional FM sudah boleh didengari 24 jam sehari di Labuan pada frekuensi FM 88.5MHz sejak dari awal.

Cadangan menyambung siar Sabah FM di stesen Labuan FM dari 7 petang sehingga 6 pagi tidak diperlukan sebenarnya kerana Sabah FM sudah boleh didengari di Labuan dengan isyarat jelas pada frekuensi FM 97.9MHz dari Bukit Tampalagus.

The frequency license of CityPlus FM 106.0MHz in Gunung Telapak Buruk is still active, despite CityPlus FM had ceased broadcast in February 2026, what's next direction of license holder OOGA X Sdn Bhd regarding the frequency license of FM 106.0MHz?

On 13th February 2026, I reported that CityPlus FM had ceased its broadcast and its frequency FM 106.0MHz (Gunung Telapak Buruk) is currently off air.

CityPlus FM was a Chinese business radio station operated from 2nd May 2017 (official transmission) to 12th February 2026.

Recently Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) updates the apparatus assignment (AA) list on its website with the expired date 31st December 2026, I check the AA list of broadcast stations, the frequency FM 106.0MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk operated by OOGA X Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Cense Media Sdn Bhd) is still active, meanwhile Tea FM former Kota Kinabalu frequency license on FM 102.8MHz from Bukit Karatong operated by Senandung Sonik Sdn Bhd is not listed in MCMC's apparatus assignment list.

Before receiving the latest updates of MCMC apparatus assignment list, I expected OOGA X Sdn Bhd would have already returned the frequency license 106.0MHz to MCMC, so Media Prima Audio can request the frequency FM 106.0MHz for Kool FM in Seremban (Gunung Telapak Buruk), however the frequency license of FM 106.0MHz by OOGA X is still active.

Tea FM has already surrendered its Kota Kinabalu frequency license 102.8MHz to MCMC, meanwhile OOGA X Sdn Bhd which operates CityPlus FM and Kupikupifm is still holding the frequency license FM 106.0MHz (Gunung Telapak Buruk) until today. 

From here, the license holder of now defunct CityPlus FM, OOGA X Sdn Bhd doesn't surrender its frequency license of 106.0MHz to MCMC. I believe OOGA X has obtained the approval from MCMC to suspend the radio broadcast temporarily for future radio station rebrand.

Now CityPlus FM 106.0MHz is currently off air, but I may think that OOGA X will reuse the frequency FM 106.0MHz for another radio stations, mostly in Malay language, targeting urban and suburban Malay listeners in South Klang Valley and Negeri Sembilan, but station format is unknown.

In my opinion, OOGA X may relaunch FM 106.0MHz as Malay business radio station to replace unsuccessful Chinese business radio station CityPlus FM.

Kupi-Kupi FM currently broadcasts in two different feeds, Sarawakian Malay content on FM 92.5MHz in Kuching, meanwhile Sabahan Malay content on FM 96.3MHz in Kota Kinabalu. 

Will OOGA X launch Peninsular Malaysia feed of Kupi-Kupi FM on 106.0MHz? We don't know, but it is impossible to use Kupi-Kupi FM nameplate for FM 106.0MHz, it should be another nameplate.

Localized radio station under Kupi-Kupi FM Negeri Sembilan to compete against RTM Negeri FM? It is impossible because Negeri Sembilan Malay radio market with local dialect (including Minangkabau) is very niche.

Will OOGA X launch Malay business and lifestyle radio station for South Klang Valley and Negeri Sembilan on FM 106.0MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk? It is unknown yet.

Co-channel interference between Suria FM (TX_Gunung Ulu Kali) and RTM Johor FM (TX_Gunung Ledang) on the frequency 105.3MHz in Pedas Linggi, Negeri Sembilan (2026)

 

This is my video of detecting co-channel interference between RTM Johor FM (Gunung Ledang) and Suria FM (Gunung Ulu Kali) in Pedas Linggi, Negeri Sembilan on 17th May 2026 when I was driving to Yong Peng, Johor.

RDS PS text was changed from "JOHOR FM" to "SURIA" when I tuned 105.3MHz in Pedas Linggi, then the RDS PS text disappeared during co-channel interference.

From Seremban to Muar, co-channel interference between Johor FM and Suria on 105.3MHz extends until Simpang Ampat toll exit in Malacca.

1. Suria FM is already tuned on 107.0MHz (Gunung Telapak Buruk) or 88.5MHz (Gunung Ledang) in Pedas Linggi, Negeri Sembilan

2. RTM Johor FM 105.3MHz only covers North Johor, co-channel interference with Suria FM in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka is considered normal. Listeners can access RTM Johor FM via RTM Klik or online streaming.

FM radio stations from Myanmar (88.3MHz and 91.3MHz) detected in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia via Sporadic E propagation by Kisah Alkisah.

 

In July 2026, the Sabahan radio DXer, Kisah Alkisah flied from Sabah to Peninsular Malaysia.

 

On 1st August 2026, he received multiple distant radio stations in Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan such as Pahang FM 107.5MHz, Kool FM 101.3MHz etc, but he detected two unknown language radio stations on the frequencies FM 88.3MHz and FM 91.3MHz.

 

 

 

Based on the videos, by turning on auto-generated subtitles, 88.3MHz was speaking Burmese, meanwhile FM 91.3MHz was also likely in Burmese.

 

Burmese speaking radio stations FM 88.3MHz and FM 91.3MHz were Sporadic E propagation in Teluk Kemang, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, but I could not identify the radio stations' name of these frequencies because many different radio stations use same frequency in different region of Myanmar. 

Bintulu is the furthest location to receive RTM Wai FM Bidayuh 106.1MHz from Gunung Serapi transmitter in Sarawak.

 

 

Previously, Engkilili was my furthest Sarawak town to tune RTM Wai FM Bidayuh on 106.1MHz from Gunung Serapi with 172km distance, but Bintulu is the furthest location to tune this radio station.

 

5 years ago, Shafik DXer tuned RTM Wai FM Bidayuh 106.1MHz in Samalaju with 410km distance, but Sarawakian DXer also received this radio station in Bintulu with 363km distance.

 

 

Unlike Sri Aman, Betong and part of Sarikei, the radio reception of RTM Wai FM Bidayuh 106.1MHz in Bintulu areas is tropospheric propagation because it is not available always.

 

Excluding Sporadic E radio stations, RTM Wai FM Bidayuh 106.1MHz from Gunung Serapi is the furthest radio station tuned in Bintulu, Sarawak, but tropospheric propagation. 

IKIM FM boleh bersiaran di Miri, Sarawak dari tempat pemancar Bukit Lambir, tetapi frekuensi perlu ditukar dari 104.0MHz ke 103.9MHz (IKIM FM can broadcast in Miri, Sarawak from Bukit Lambir transmitter site, but frequency needs to be changed from 104.0MHz to 103.9MHz)

 

 

==BAHASA MELAYU==

Sehingga sekarang, radio IKIM FM masih bersiaran di Miri, Sarawak pada frekuensi 104.0MHz dari pemancar Tanjong Lobang. Pemancar Tanjong Lobang terletak di Bandaraya Miri, tetapi liputan pemancar Tanjong Lobang tidak luas seperti Bukit Lambir.

Sinar FM telah memindah tempat pemancar frekuensi Miri dari Tanjong Lobang ke Bukit Lambir sejak tahun 2020, frekuensi asal Sinar FM di Miri, Sarawak ialah 87.7MHz, dan ia ditukar ke 96.6MHz setelah Sinar FM menggunakan pemancar Bukit Lambir untuk meliputi Miri. Oleh itu, IKIM FM ialah satu-satunya stesen radio yang masih bersiaran di Miri, Sarawak dari tempat pemancar Tanjong Lobang.

Tanjong Lobang hanya meliputi Bandaraya Miri, Lutong dan Kuala Baram, isyarat menjadi lemah di Marudi dan Brunei (Kuala Belait & Seria). IKIM FM 104.0MHz dari Tanjong Lobang tidak dapat diterima di Bekenu dan Batu Niah, berbanding dengan RTM Sarawak FM 88.1MHz yang dipancar dari Bukit Lambir.

Pada pandangan saya, IKIM FM boleh menggunakan pemancar Bukit Lambir kerana liputan Bukit Lambir lebih luas daripada Tanjong Lobang, tetapi frekuensi perlu ditukar dari 104.0MHz ke 103.9MHz supaya ia tidak akan bertindih dengan RTM Red FM 104.1MHz dari Bukit Mas Limbang di kawasan antara Miri dan Limbang.

 

Jarak frekuensi antara Bukit Lambir dan Bukit Mas pada 200kHz dikira sempurna kerana kedua-dua stesen radio tidak akan bertindih di kawasan antara Miri dan Limbang. 

Selain daripada Miri, Lutong dan Kuala Baram, IKIM FM 103.9MHz dari Bukit Lambir boleh diterima di Marudi, Bekenu, Beluru, sebahagian Niah dan Brunei. Dari Miri ke Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, IKIM FM pula boleh diterima sehingga Daerah Tutong sekiranya frekuensinya di Miri dipancar dari Bukit Lambir.

Di Negara Brunei, IKIM FM 103.9MHz Bukit Lambir boleh didengari lebih luas daripada 104.0MHz Tanjong Lobang.

Menara Tanjong Lobang tidak akan mempunyai sebarang pemancar radio sekiranya IKIM FM berpindah ke Bukit Lambir.

Mengenai kuasa pemancar, IKIM FM 104.0MHz menggunakan pemancar berkuasa 2kW di Tanjong Lobang, tetapi kuasa pemancar 1kW sudah cukup bagi IKIM FM 103.9MHz dari Bukit Lambir.

 

Saya telah memanjangkan cadangan ini kepada pihak IKIM FM petang tadi, saya berharap agar cadangan ini akan dipertimbangkan. 

==ENGLISH==

Until now, the frequency of IKIM FM in Miri, Sarawak is still transmitted from Tanjong Lobang transmitter tower. Tanjong Lobang is located in Miri City Center, but the coverage of this tower is not wide as Bukit Lambir.

 

Since 2020, Sinar FM had already moved its Miri frequency's transmitter site from Tanjong Lobang to Bukit Lambir, the original frequency was 87.7MHz, then it was changed to 96.6MHz after moving to Bukit Lambir. Hence, IKIM FM is the only radio station transmitted from Tanjong Lobang for Miri.

 

Due to lower height of the transmitter site, Tanjong Lobang only covers Miri City, Lutong and Kuala Baram, the signal becomes weak in Marudi and Brunei (Kuala Belait & Seria). IKIM FM 104.0MHz from Tanjong Lobang has no coverage in Bekenu and Niah by comparing with RTM Sarawak FM 88.1MHz from Bukit Lambir.

 

In my opinion, IKIM FM can move out its transmitter from Tanjong Lobang and transmit the signal in Bukit Lambir because the transmission coverage of Bukit Lambir is wider than Tanjong Lobang, but the frequency needs to be changed from 104.0MHz to 103.9MHz, so that IKIM FM 103.9MHz Bukit Lambir transmitter will not interfere against Red FM 104.1MHz Bukit Mas transmitter in between Miri and Limbang as both frequencies are separated at 200kHz.

 

It is very perfect when Bukit Lambir and Bukit Mas frequencies are separated at 200kHz, instead of 100kHz. So, both transmitters won't interfere each other. 

 

Outside Miri, Kuala Baram and Lutong, IKIM FM 103.9MHz from Bukit Lambir can be received in Marudi, Bekenu, Niah and Brunei. From Miri to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, IKIM FM 103.9MHz Bukit Lambir transmitter can be tuned up to Tutong District.

 

In Brunei, IKIM FM 103.9MHz Bukit Lambir is wider than 104.0MHz Tanjong Lobang.

 

If IKIM FM uses Bukit Lambir transmitter to broadcast for Miri, Tanjong Lobang tower will have no FM radio transmitters anymore.  

 

Regarding the transmitter power, currently IKIM FM 104.0MHz is running at 2kW in Tanjong Lobang, but it is already sufficient to operate at 1kW transmitter power when IKIM FM operates in Bukit Lambir on 103.9MHz. 

 

I have expressed this suggestion to IKIM FM via email, hopefully this suggestion will be taken into consideration. 

==RF analysis==

103.9MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Lambir 1kW

104.5MHz: Traxx FM RTM Miri

<600kHz, OK>

 

103.2MHz: MY FM Bukit Lambir

103.9MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Lambir 1kW

<700kHz, OK>

 

103.7MHz: RTM Labuan FM (TX_RTM Labuan)

103.9MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Lambir 1kW

<200kHz, OK>

 

103.9MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Lambir 1kW

104.1MHz: RTM Red FM Bukit Mas

<200kHz, OK> 

==Peta liputan pemancar Bukit Lambir/Coverage map of Bukit Lambir radio transmitter==

Suggest Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) to launch Wai FM Bidayuh/Radio Kayan on Astro and MYTV, but there are limitations to implement this suggestion.

 

 

In conjunction with the return of RTM radio stations on Astro, I did suggest RTM (Radio Televisyen Malaysia) to launch Wai FM Bidayuh/Radio Kayan as standalone channel on Astro and MYTV, but RTM does not launch this radio station on these platforms.

 

Why? This is because there are 2 major technical limitations when execute this suggestion.

 

1. Astro is using the Ku band frequency on SHF 11.062GHz for satellite radio broadcasting services, together with some TV channels. On SHF 11.062GHz, Astro is running 26 radio stations.

 

In terms of capacity, Astro is likely unable to add Wai FM Bidayuh on its radio channels lineup because the slot on 11.062GHz is full, even Radio Klasik is not added too. With TV channels which are 12, actually 11.062GHz is fully occupied by 38 mixed services (12 TV and 26 radio channels). A single satellite transponder on a frequency can only carry maximum 40 mixed services. If 11.062GHz is overloaded and beyond the limit, it can jeopardize the quality of TV and radio broadcasting services (Example: poor image and audio quality of TV channels, then poor audio birate of radio services). Although Astro carries 38 mixed services on 11.062MHz, but Astro doesn't want to add 2 more services to keep their existing mixed services to maintain optimum quality. In addition, Astro leaves 2 slots empty to reserve for buffering purpose. So, Astro leaves 2 slots empty on 11.062GHz.

 

Just like a USB flashdrive. You buy 64GB USB flashdrive, but you can only save your files with 59GB space, the remaining 5GB is reserved for file system overhead and hidden data management sectors. In addition, you purchase a 128GB microSD card for you mobile phone, but of course you won't finish it by putting all the files in the microSD card of your phone because it can jeopardize your phone performance, so it is better to leave some spaces. 

 

2. RTM Wai FM Bidayuh has no satellite link to send studio feeds to MYTV, so MYTV cannot send Wai FM Bidayuh feeds to ABS-2 satellite via C band (uplink), then DTT transmitters and Asiasat-9 DTH cannot receive the feeds from ABS-2 via downlink. Although RTM has removed TV6 since 1st July 2026, actually RTM multiplex on MYTV has empty slot to add RTM Wai FM Bidayuh/Radio Kayan, but lack of satellite link does not allow RTM Wai FM Bidayuh/Radio Kayan to land on MYTV, regardless DTT or DTH. RTM Wai FM Bidayuh studio is located in Kuching, Sarawak, as it targets only Kuching and Serian with 2 frequencies (106.1MHz/101.7MHz), RTM Wai FM Bidayuh only sends signal feeds to the transmitter sites via microwave link.  

MYTV sends TV and radio feeds from broadcasting house to ABS-2 satellite via C band uplink, then DTT transmitters receive the feeds from ABS-2 satellite via downlink.

 

It is not because RTM does not want to add Wai FM Bidayuh on Astro and MYTV, but unavailable slots on Astro satellite frequency (11.062GHz) for radio broadcasting and lack of uplink satellite feed from Wai FM Bidayuh studio are the biggest limitations causing Wai FM Bidayuh/Radio Kayan does not reach such platforms.

 

These are just my personal judgement with referring some resources from LyngSat, but I have tried to express my suggestions to Astro, MYTV and RTM simultaneously via email to launch Wai FM Bidayuh on Astro and MYTV as soon as possible.

Although Maludam is a small town in Betong Division, Sarawak, but RTM radio stations in Maludam, Sarawak are covered by Gunung Serapi transmitter

 

Maludam is a small town located in Betong Division, Sarawak. For radio stations coverage there, geographically Maludam is covered by Bukit Temudok transmitter, but technically it's not.

 

Sarawakian DXer (formerly known as Cock DXer) performed several radio signal monitoring in Maludam, Sarawak yesterday.

 

On YouTube, I watch his video of tuning RTM Sarawak FM in Maludam with 3 different frequencies, such as 88.9MHz Gunung Serapi, 91.5MHz Bukit Kayu Malam and 100.3MHz Bukit Temudok.

 

 

 

From the video above, RTM Sarawak FM is tuned clearly in Maludam via 88.9MHz from Gunung Serapi, meanwhile 91.5MHz from Bukit Kayu Malam is not clear, but 100.3MHz from Bukit Temudok is extremely weak and zero signal there.

 

Hence, RTM radio stations in Maludam, Sarawak are still covered by Gunung Serapi transmitter, despite Maludam is under Betong Division.

 

* Radio Klasik FM 92.9MHz

* Nasional FM 88.1MHz

* Sarawak FM 88.9MHz

* Traxx FM 89.9MHz

* Ai FM 90.7MHz

* Red FM 91.9MHz

 

Wai FM Iban 101.3MHz and Bidayuh/Kayan 106.1MHz from Gunung Serapi are also clearly available in Maludam, Sarawak. 

 

 

 

Although Gunung Serapi radio transmitter is targeting Kuching and Samarahan, but it covers Maludam and Pusa in Betong Division too when the signal from Bukit Temudok, Bukit Kayu Malam and Off Spaoh are weak there.

 

Sibu FM 94.6MHz from Bukit Kayu Malam is very weak in Maludam, Sarawak, but Iban listeners have already tuned Wai FM Iban on 101.3MHz in Maludam, instead of Sibu FM 94.6MHz and Sri Aman FM 89.5MHz.

 

 

 

Alongside RTM radio stations, the Malay language commercial radio station, Hot FM can be tuned clearly in Maludam, Sarawak via 94.3MHz from Gunung Serapi.

 

雖然砂拉越達佬 (Daro)和瑪都 (Matu)只能收到RTM愛FM 93.6MHz和Red FM 89.2MHz, 但這兩個地區還可以收到線路比較弱的詩巫私營中文電台MY FM 105.9MHz和TEA FM 100.7MHz.

 

 

去年2025年10月19日, 我又飛往砂拉越詩巫, 但是我去的地區跟之前有所不同因為我來到砂拉越郊外地區的達佬 (Daro)和瑪都 (Matu).

 

砂拉越的兩家中文私營電台Tea FM和MY FM是在詩巫是收聽頻率, Tea FM的頻率是100.7, MY FM則是105.9. 這兩家電台除了詩巫地區, 其實泗里街Sarikei和民丹莪Bintangor還可以收到這兩家電台, 但線路一般而已.

 

2025年5月, 我也在加拿逸 Kanowit, 泗里街 Sarikei和沐膠省的拉叻Dalat曾經接收Tea FM 100.7MHz和MY FM 105.9MHz, 但這兩家電台在達佬和瑪都還是可以收到.

 

以下是我在達佬和瑪都接收Tea FM 100.7MHz和MY FM 105.9MHz的短片.

 

1. Daro 達佬

 

 

2. Matu 瑪都 

 

在達佬和瑪都, Tea FM 100.7MHz的線路沒有像MY FM 105.9MHz這麼理想因為訊號挺差, 但起碼比在加拿逸收聽的好一點.

 

達佬和瑪都的主要人口都是馬蘭諾人和馬來人, 反而華人在當地是少數民族. 在商業角度來看, 達佬和瑪都也不是MY FM和Tea FM的市場和鎖定範圍, 但這兩家電台在這兩個地區可以收到比較弱訊號已經算不錯.

 

在達佬和瑪都, 當地的華人收聽中文電台主要是來自泗里街Bukit Kayu Malam發射的國營廣播電台RTM愛FM 93.6MHz和Red FM 89.2MHz, 線路還算清楚.

 

 

整體上, 從泗里街Bukit Kayu Malam發射的國營電台愛FM 93.6MHz和Red FM 89.2MHz在砂拉越達佬和瑪都比詩巫Bukit Lima發射的電台Tea FM 100.7MHz和MY FM 105.9MHz更加清楚. 

Tea FM frequencies and coverage list in Sarawak (Tea FM在砂拉越的收聽頻率和收聽地區)

 

 

==FM 102.7MHz Bukit Antu (KUCHING 古晉)==

* Kuching 古晉

* Kota Samarahan 哥打三馬拉漢 

* Bau 石龍門

* Siburan 新生村 
* Asajaya 亞沙再也  

* Simanggang 成邦江 (weak signal 弱訊號) 

* Sematan 三馬丹 (weak signal 弱訊號)

* Sebuyau 詩巫遙 (weak signal 弱訊號) 

* Simunjan 實文然 (weak signal 弱訊號)

* Serian 西連 (weak signal 弱訊號)

* Saratok 實拉卓 (weak signal 弱訊號)

* Engkilili 英吉里利 (extremely weak signal 極弱訊號) 

  

==FM 100.7MHz Bukit Lima (SIBU 詩巫)==

* Sibu 詩巫

* Bintangor 民丹莪

* Julau 盧樓 

* Sarikei 泗里街 (weak signal 弱訊號)

* Daro 達佬  (weak signal 弱訊號)

* Matu 馬都  (weak signal 弱訊號)

* Selangau 實蘭溝  (weak signal 弱訊號)

* Kanowit 加拿逸  (super weak signal 超弱訊號) 

* Dalat 拉叻  (weak signal 弱訊號)          

30 years anniversary of Johor based commercial radio station Best FM coverage expansion to Kuala Lumpur and Selangor on 104.1MHz (1996-2026)

In 2026, Johor based commercial radio station Best FM celebrates 30 years anniversary of coverage expansion to Kuala Lumpur and Selangor on the frequency 104.1MHz, transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali.

Best FM (formerly known as Best 104) is a commercial radio station based in Johor, it was launched in 1989 as Malay and English bilingual radio station. Before 1996, it was only available in Johor, Melaka, South Pahang, Singapore and Negeri Sembilan with 3 transmitters only.

* 104.1MHz: Gunung Pulai (South Johor, Singapore, Batam)

* 94.8MHz: Gunung Ledang (Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Southwest Pahang and part of Selangor) - 10kW transmitter power from 1989 to mid-2000s

* 102.5MHz: Bukit Tinggi (East Johor and Southeast Pahang)

Despite Best FM is a Johor commercial radio station, but it expanded coverage to Kuala Lumpur and Selangor on 104.1MHz in 1996. This is because Best FM would like to compete against Time Highway Radio (THR FM) which was very popular across West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia since September 1994. Back then, Best 104 competed against THR FM in English segment.

Until today, Best FM still broadcasts in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor on 104.1MHz. Although it focuses mainly in Johor content, but commercially it competes against other mainstream Malay radio stations like Era, Suria FM, Hot FM, Sinar FM and Kool FM, from South Perak to Johor.

Since the coverage expansion of Best FM to Kuala Lumpur and Selangor in 1996, Best FM can be tuned in more locations outside Kuala Lumpur and Selangor on 104.1MHz by following below:

1. Perak: Tanjung Malim, Slim River, Terolak, Sungkai, Bidor, Tapah, Teluk Intan, Bagan Datuk, Hutan Melintang, Kampung Gajah, Langkap, Chenderiang, Temoh, and part of Sitiawan

2. Negeri Sembilan: Nilai, Seremban, Port Dickson, Mantin, Lukut

3. Pahang: Bentong, Kuala Lipis, Temerloh, Chenor, Maran, Bera, Karak, Lanchang, Merapoh, Mentakab, Jengka and part of Jerantut.

Before the coverage expansion of Best FM in Kuala Lumpur in 1996, Best FM could be received in part of Kuala Lumpur, South Selangor and Negeri Sembilan via high power Gunung Ledang transmitter 94.8MHz which operated at 10kW. Hitz FM launched in Negeri Sembilan on 95.0MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk since 1996, so Best FM 94.8MHz was no longer clearly available in Negeri Sembilan, but newly added 104.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali could be tuned in Negeri Sembilan too. Best FM's listeners in Seremban switched the frequency from 94.8MHz to 104.1MHz since 1997 when 94.8MHz had interference from Hitz FM 95.0MHz.

Best FM 94.8MHz from Gunung Ledang gradually reduced transmitter power from 10kW to 5kW, then 5kW to 2kW. Currently it operates at 2kW power.

Happy 30 years anniversary to Best FM for the coverage expansion to Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (1996-2026).

Although Kuala Lumpur is not located within Pahang state, but why is RTM Pahang FM 107.5MHz still available in Klang Valley?

In Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley areas, RTM state radio stations are generally available with KL FM 97.2MHz and Selangor FM 100.9MHz, meanwhile Gunung Telapak Buruk transmitted Negeri Sembilan radio station Negeri FM 92.6MHz is weakly available in Kuala Lumpur, but Pahang FM is also receivable in Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, some people may ask why Pahang FM can be tuned in Kuala Lumpur, despite Kuala Lumpur is not located in Pahang state.

This is because RTM Pahang FM has a transmitter in Gunung Ulu Kali on the frequency 107.5MHz, but the main intended coverage is West Pahang such as Temerloh, Bentong, Karak, Chenor, Bera, Selancar, Keratong, and Lipis.

West Pahang areas highly relies on Gunung Ulu Kali radio transmitter because Bukit Pelindung, Bukit Senggora, Bukit Sulai and Bukit Istana transmitters cannot be received there. Gunung Ulu Kali is located in Genting Highlands, Pahang, it is a very strategic transmitter site in Central Region of Peninsular Malaysia. 

Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter mainly covers Kuala Lumpur and Selangor for most of the radio stations, but Pahang FM 107.5MHz does not target Kuala Lumpur and Selangor as it focuses only in West Pahang.

Although RTM Pahang FM 107.5MHz is available in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, but the signal is not clear because its transmitting antenna in Gunung Ulu Kali beams signal towards east direction to cover West Pahang only with directional antenna. It is same as RTM Johor FM 105.3MHz in Gunung Ledang, despite Gunung Ledang transmitter covers Melaka and North Johor, but RTM Johor FM 105.3MHz covers only North Johor (Tangkak, Muar, Segamat and North Batu Pahat) with directional antenna by beaming signal towards south direction from Gunung Ledang, but it does not cover Melaka, so RTM Johor FM 105.3MHz has co-channel interference from Suria FM 105.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter in most of Melaka areas.

According to Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are the bonus coverage of RTM Pahang FM 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter, despite these regions are not its intended coverage.

Some people even compare this with Best FM 104.1MHz in Kuala Lumpur. Best FM is a Malay language commercial radio station from Johor, then he or she asks whey RTM Johor FM does not expand coverage in Klang Valley like Best FM.

Same as Pahang FM, RTM Johor FM is a state public radio station from Radio Televisyen Malaysia serving Johor only. RTM Johor FM is not a commercial radio station like Best FM. If RTM does such way to expand coverage of Johor FM to Klang Valley, RTM wastes the transmission fees in non-targeting region, even it can cannibalize other radio stations' positions in Klang Valley, notably KL FM and Selangor FM. RTM restricts several state radio stations coverage with directional antenna to prevent cannibalization, so Selangor FM and Pahang FM have different radio reception in Klang Valley because they are using directional antenna in Gunung Ulu Kali to cover different areas.

Selangor FM 100.9MHz only covers Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, meanwhile Pahang FM 107.5MHz is only for West Pahang.

RTM operates 3 state radio stations in Gunung Ledang with directional antennas.

* Melaka FM 102.3MHz covers Melaka only

* Negeri FM 107.7MHz covers Gemas, Tampin, Gemencheh, Simpang Pertang and East Negeri Sembilan areas only.

* Johor FM 105.3MHz only covers North Johor

Although Best FM is a commercial radio station targeting Johor, but it is available in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor on 104.1MHz because it expanded the coverage there in 1996 to compete against THR FM (Time Highway Radio) where Best FM also carried English language programs. Until today, Best FM still broadcasts in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, despite it mainly serves Johorean listeners, but it acts as the alternative radio station to the listeners in the regions, so commercially it can compete against Suria FM, Era, Hot FM, Sinar FM etc.