THR Raaga Kuantan frequency review and comment

For this moment, THR Raaga does not have transmitter in Kuantan since THR Gegar was launched on 88.8MHz in Kuantan due to the demographics in Kuantan. Back to early 2000's, THR Raaga Kuantan frequency was on 88.8MHz, but fully replaced with THR Gegar. Before THR.FM joining Astro Radio (fka AMP Radio Networks), the THR.FM 88.8MHz was bilingual radio stations, after Chinese and English slots were withdrawn. Last year, Astro engineering department called me regarding the feedback of THR Raaga Kuantan frequency that I made on July 2013. He said that THR.fm is 1 station for whole Peninsular Malaysia, they divided THR.FM into two programmes, mainly Gegar (Malay) and Raaga (Tamil) since 2004. In addition, he mentioned that Malays are more than Indians in Kuantan and East Coast. Therefore, this is the reason why Astro Radio launched THR Gegar in Kuantan, instead of Raaga. About the listnership, with THR Gegar, the radio ratings of THR.FM can gain 3.5 millions. If Astro does not launch THR Gegar in East Coast, the radio ratings of THR.FM would not get as high as today ratings.

Currently Thr Raaga and Gegar broadcast in West Coast and East Coast respectively. If The Raaga and Gegar expand broadcast in East Coast and West Coast respectively, I believe that the radio ratings of THR.FM will break 4 millions since high number of listeners of THR Gegar in West Coast. To me, it is not possible to do that so because THR.FM is only 1 station, but divided.

Although THR Raaga does not have Kuantan frequency at current moment, THR Raaga still can be heard in Pahang state on 99.3MHz, 101.5MHz, 99.7MHz and 97.9MHz, depends on the area located.

In my opinion, since there is many Indians in East Pahang (Kuantan), Astro can launch another frequency in Bukit Pelindung for THR Raaga in order to compete with Minnal FM in East Coast. In Kuantan, there is much of empty frequencies there, such as: 88.3MHz, 102.2MHz, 101.6MHz, 98.5MHz and etc.

Currently THR Raaga FM frequencies in West Coast are airing THR Gegar from 2 am till 6 am daily. If THR Raaga launched its FM frequency in Kuantan, the THR Gegar Malay slots (2 am to 6 am daily) on THR Raaga frequencies should be phased out to prevent programme interference. THR Gegar slots on Raaga frequencies were minimized to 4 hours currently.

Alternatively, the THR Raaga listeners in East Coast can listen through online, Astro DVR, and mobile apps.

In my opinion, THR Raaga will be better with Kuantan frequency.

==My suggestion regarding THR Raaga Kuantan==
Frequency: 102.2MHz
Transmitter location: Bukit Pelindung, Kuantan
Power: 10kW (for Pahang and Terengganu) or 5kW or 2kW
Area coverages: Kuantan, Gambang, Maran, Pekan, Bandar Muadzam Shah, Kuala Rompin, Pekan, Kemaman, Chukai, Cerul, Kijal, Kemasik, Kerteh, Paka, Dungun, Cherating, Tioman Island

Results: THR FM will have two different programmes in Kuantan, mainly 88.8MHz Gegar and 102.2MHz Raaga (suggestion).