BEST FM from Johor to Peninsular Malaysia

Best FM (formerly known as Best 104), which owned by Suara Johor Sdn Bhd, also belonged to Royal of Johor, is the first private radio station in Malaysia (non-commericial before 1996). It was launched in 1989 and broadcasted in English and Malay.

Due to stiff competition with other English radio stations, Best FM had dropped English programme in 2001 and became full fledged Malay radio station.

Best FM was a radio station for Johor state only, Best FM expanded its coverage to Kuala Lumpur, and Selangor in 1996 due to stiff competition with THR FM. This caused Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, South Perak, Negeri Sembilan and West Pahang could receive BEST FM.

Best 104 was renamed to Best FM in 2014 during 25 years anniversary of broadcast operations. Currently, Best FM can be received in:

104.1MHz from Gunung Pulai for South Johor, Singapore and Riau Islands
94.8MHz from Gunung Ledang for North Johor, Melaka and South Negeri Sembilan
102.5MHz from Bukit Tinggi for East Johor and South East Pahang
104.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali for Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, South Perak and West Pahang

Best FM currently operates its studio in Johor Bahru, they are planning to open a studio at Berjaya Times Square this year. Best FM plans to expand its broadcast coverage to Peninsular Malaysia.

In my opinion, there has some transmitter site can be expanded by Best FM:

1. Bukit Pelindung for East Pahang (suggested frequency: 102.2MHz)
2. Bukit Besar for Terengganu
3. Bukit Panau or Bukit Bakar for Kelantan
4. Gunung Kledang for Perak (empty frequencies: 93.3MHz or 94.9MHz)
5. Bukit Palong Baling for Kedah (suggested frequency: 105.5MHz)
6. Gunung Raya for Langkawi and Perlis (empty frequency: 91.5MHz, 94.2MHz, 87.5MHz)
7. Bukit Penara for Penang (empty frequencies: 93.1MHz)
8. Bukit Gan for Seremban (101.1MHz)

Set up a transmitter in north region is more difficult than east coast because the FM frequencies in north region are full, mainly Kedah.

I don't think they launch transmitter in Gunung Jerai because frequencies are full. If do so, this can cause interference to other radio stations from other location mainly Gunung Raya, Bukit Penara, Bukit Larut, Bukit Dedap, Bukit Palong, Yala, Songkhla and Satun. In addition, Best FM may not launch a transmitter for Taiping and North Perak because frequencies there are full. Therefore, Best FM had to be received in Taiping via Gunung Kledang Ipoh transmitter or Bukit Penara transmitter.

BEST 104 logo (1989-2014)

 Best FM logo (2014-present)