Nasional FM additional frequency 106.2MHz in West Pahang (Lanchang)

Today is 31th December 2017, it is the last day of 2017. I had a half day trip in Pahang just morning today, my destination for today morning trip is Lanchang, Pahang to visit Elephant Conservation Park.

From Kuala Lumpur to Pahang, we listen to radio station by tuning frequencies from Gunung Ulu Kali due to its wide coverage. Actually Gunung Ulu Kali can cover many Pahang areas because it is the highest elevation mountain in central Malaysia.

For Nasional FM, its frequency in West Pahang normally is FM 95.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali. Nasional FM 95.3MHz does not only cover Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and South Perak, it covers West Pahang also such as Bentong, Raub, Kuala Lipis, Karak, Lanchang, Bera, Temerloh and Chenor. When I reached Lanchang in the morning, Nasional FM 95.3MHz is still clear there, even 91.7MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok is receivable, just its reception is not clear as 95.3MHz, but I suddenly receive Nasional FM on another frequency, FM 106.2MHz, just closed with City Plus FM 106.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok which is still receivable there.

FM 106.2MHz reception is clear in Lanchang and Karak when tune via car radio with STEREO form, but reception is not really stable and clear as 95.3MHz if use mobile phone radio, even no signal. In addition, FM 106.2MHz shows unstable stereo reception if receive via advance radio receiver, TECSUN PL-380, sometime it would jump to MONO reception.

I was very curious of Nasional FM additional frequency 106.2MHz in Lanchang and Karak. Seriously I did not know where is FM 106.2MHz transmitted from, plus I also want to know what are the covered areas of FM 106.2MHz.

Talking about its reception, FM 106.2MHz is not really clear in Kuala Gandah elephant conservation park as 95.3MHz. In Karak, FM 106.2MHz is still receivable, reception is still on par. Meanwhile FM 106.2MHz signal goes off when starts to enter Bentong area border.

==Technical information of Nasional FM 106.2MHz==
* Power: unknown, but roughly 0.25kW as RTM gap filler transmitters now are running at least 0.25kW, but mostly 0.5kW.
* Transmitter location: Unknown (but suspect within Lanchang or Karak)
* Targeted location: Unknown (but may target those West Pahang areas where can't receive Gunung Ulu Kali signal clearly)

I hope I could verify the TX site of FM 106.2MHz as soon as possible.




 

When Nasional FM is using FM 106.2MHz, City Plus FM cannot change its frequency to 106.1MHz or 106.2MHz and locate in Gunung Ulu Kali. This can cause interference to Nasional FM 106.2MHz coverage, but Nasional FM can be received on 95.3MHz.

 ==RF analysis== 
106.0MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Telapak Burok 
106.2MHz: Nasional FM Lanchang/Karak 
<200kHz, OK>

106.2MHz: Nasional FM Lanchang/Karak 
106.4MHz: MY FM Gunung Ledang  
<200kHz, OK>

106.1MHz: Ai FM Bukit Pelindung 
106.2MHz: Nasional FM Lanchang/Karak  
<100kHz, OK>

106.1MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Ulu Kali 
106.2MHz: Nasional FM Lanchang/Karak
<100kHz, INTERFERENCE> 

106.2MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Ulu Kali 
106.2MHz: Nasional FM Lanchang/Karak 
<0kHz, CO-CHANNEL INTERFERENCE>

106.2MHz: Nasional FM Lanchang/Karak 
106.7MHz: Ai FM Gunung Ulu Kali 
<500kHz, OK>

Perak FM South Perak frequency changing suggestion and review

RTM Perak FM has two transmitters to cover South Perak where 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang reception is not clear, mainly FM 97.3MHz from Changkat Rembian and FM 89.6MHz Bukit Asa.

FM 97.3MHz Changkat Rembian for Tapah, Bidor, Chenderiang, Sungkai and Temoh. FM 89.6MHz from Bukit Asa for Tanjung Malim and Slim River.

Current FM 89.6MHz Bukit Asa covers Tanjung Malim and Slim River with low power transmission, but it is too close with BFM 89.9MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

FM 89.6MHz: Perak FM Bukit Asa
FM 89.9MHz: BFM 89.9 Gunung Ulu Kali
<300kHz, NOT OK>

FM 89.6MHz: Perak FM Bukit Asa
FM 89.7MHz: Ai FM Gunung Telapak Burok
<100kHz, OK>

In my opinion, there are no vacant frequencies for Ipoh by using Gunung Kledang. In order to free up a frequency for Ipoh new radio station, RTM Perak FM shall change its Bukit Asa frequency from 89.6MHz to other frequency. Talking about the frequency change, I would suggest FM 107.1MHz.

Besides that, in order to improve better reception of Perak FM in Tanjung Malim and other South Perak areas without using Gunung Ulu Kali. Perak FM shall use at least 1kW power to cover there.

==My suggested parameter for Perak FM Tanjung Malim frequency==
Frequency: FM 107.1MHz
Power: 1kW
Transmitter Site: Bukit Asa, Selangor.
Coverage areas: Tanjung Malim, Slim River, Terolak, and Behrang. Also accessible in Hulu Selangor areas such as Kuala Kubu Bharu, Kerling, Batang Kali, Serendah, Bukit Beruntung and Lembah Beringin.

==RF analysis of Perak FM Tanjung Malim frequency 107.1MHz==

106.7MHz: RTM Ai FM Gunung Ulu Kali
107.1MHz: RTM Perak FM Bukit Asa 1kW
<400kHz, OK>

107.1MHz: RTM Perak FM Bukit Asa 1kW
107.5MHz: RTM Pahang FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<400kHz, OK>

107.0MHz: Suria FM Gunung Telapak Burok
107.1MHz: RTM Perak FM Bukit Asa 1kW
<100kHz, OK>

107.1MHz: RTM Perak FM Bukit Asa 1kW
107.1MHz: RTM Nasional FM Bukit Larut
<0kHz, OK>

Foreign TV broadcaster launches TV stations in Malaysia, is it illegal on DVB-T2?

In many countries, including Malaysia, there are a lot of foreign broadcasters launch their TV stations. There are legal when a foreign broadcaster such as MTV, Sony TV, Fox TV to launch their TV station via pay TV or satellite TV. As satellite TV or cable TV company is holding Content Applications Service Provider (CASP) license.

What if a foreign broadcaster company launches its TV station on digital terrestrial television in Malaysia, basically foreign broadcaster is prohibited to launch TV station on Malaysia terrestrial television, regardless analog or digital due to broadcast regulations by MCMC.

To launch foreign TV station in Malaysia, the broadcaster shall joint venture with local company. I give an example, if China Central Television CCTV wants to launch their selected stations in Malaysia via DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television as free-to-air TV, CCTV cannot directly launch their stations in Malaysia because of:

- Original version of CCTV advertisements may not fit local requirements.
- Not all CCTV channels can be broadcasted in Malaysia due to copyright infringement, such as CCTV-6 (Movies), CCTV-8 (Drama), CCTV-15 (Music).

If CCTV wants to launch its channel in Malaysia, CCTV shall joint venture with Malaysia broadcasters. Therefore, both can get profit, but with the joint venture exercise, Malaysia broadcasters only manage to relay CCTV, just CCTV advertisements will be replaced by local ones. For the operation costs, CCTV needs to pay the fees to Malaysia local broadcaster, then local broadcasters pay the transmission to MYTV.

CCTV>Malaysia broadcaster company>MYTV>TM

If CCTV directly broadcast CCTV-13 news channel in Malaysia without JV, some of product advertisement on CCTV-13 may not be available in Malaysia markets. For example, Haval H6 commercial on CCTV-13. Haval H6 is a mid-size SUV, where is not available in Malaysia market. If CCTV-13 advertises Haval H6 SUV on Malaysia DTTV, one of viewer says that Haval H6 looks nice, he decides to buy Haval H6 in Malaysia, but problem is Haval Malaysia authorized sales dealer Go Auto never sells H6 in Malaysia. So, he is not able to buy his favorite H6..Next, where will he buy? Impossible a Malaysia viewer goes to China to buy Haval H6 and bring back to Malaysia after watching the advertisement on CCTV-13 in Malaysia, because Haval H6 is left hand drive car.

It is important to censor all foreign advertisements of foreign channel when launches in a country. This can avoid misleading to the viewers. For example, CCTV-4 on Astro CH334, its China advertisements are replaced by local advertisement. 

Another example, Asia Television Limited (ATV) was closed down of its free-to-air channel in Hong Kong since April 2016, but ATV returns to broadcast via OTT (Over The Top) platform, it will become pay TV after April 2018. At the same time, ATV joint venture with Green Packet Berhad. Moreover, ATV and Green Packet Berhad will collaborate to launch three free-to-air terrestrial stations in Malaysia, such as Chinese shopping channel, Chinese general entertainment channel and Chinese movie channel.

Actually ATV cannot launch on Malaysia DTTV as ATV is not Malaysia broadcaster. So, ATV shall joint venture with Malaysia company in order to reach Malaysia viewers.

988檳城頻道FM 94.5, 需不需要永久關閉嗎?

馬來西亞中文電台988在檳城其實可以通過三個頻率收聽. 主要是檳城頻道94.5 (Bukit Penara),  吉打Gunung Jerai頻道96.1, 還有霹靂太平Bukit Larut頻道101.0

988的太平頻道101.0不止服務太平和霹靂北部, 101.0還覆蓋檳城南部. 在檳城其他地區包括喬治市和北海方面, 94.5和96.1都可以收到很清晰的988. 我曾經在檳城使用手機的收音機應用程序進行電台訊號測試, 其實988 FM 96.1MHz在檳城是很清楚, 訊號素質還超越94.5.

988的吉打頻道96.1是從吉打的Gunung Jerai日萊峰發射, 96.1能覆蓋全吉打地區, 玻璃市, 蘭卡威部分地區, 甚至檳城, 和泰國南部. 反而霹靂北部地區還可以收到988 FM 96.1MHz, 988吉打頻道96.1在霹靂北部線路雖然不比101.0來得完美, 但是訊號素質超越了檳城頻道94.5. 在我的看法, 因為檳城可以通過96.1收到很清晰的988, 其實988的檳城頻率94.5已經沒有必要廣播. 我個人的建議是988可以永久關閉檳城頻道94.5, 之後96.1也服務檳城. 這意味著檳城的聽眾不會在94.5聽到988, 而會調至96.1繼續收聽988.

2008/09年, 988曾經試圖永久關閉太平頻道101.0MHz, 這讓太平和霹靂北部聽眾需要調收音機頻率至94.5或96.1繼續收聽988. 2009下半年, 988太平頻道101.0曾經暫時關閉, 至到2010年8月, 101.0FM則恢復廣播. 在我的看法, 988其實做錯一樣東西, 因為吉打頻道96.1在檳城收到很清楚, 他們就試圖關閉101.0, 雖然988 FM 96.1在太平還可以收到, 但不是所有的太平地區可以收到清晰的988 FM 94.5/96.1, 偶爾988 96.1在太平也有跳台現象. 不可能太平聽眾調去怡保頻道99.8收聽988, 其實太平根本收不到988怡保頻道99.8, 反而訊號是MY FM檳城頻道99.7MHz的雜音. 988應該永久關閉檳城頻道94.5, 而不是太平101.0.

如果988永久關閉檳城頻道94.5,此頻率會歸還給馬來西亞通訊多媒體委員會MCMC. 988永久關閉檳城頻道94.5可以幫助988和星報集團節省傳輸開支, 還可以讓空頻率給其他電台.

之前, 我曾經建議City Plus FM使用太平頻道93.1來覆蓋檳城. 雖然檳城還可以收到太平電台訊號, 但不是所有的地區可以收到這麼完美. 如果988永久關閉檳城頻道94.5, City Plus FM或BFM可以使用94.5來覆蓋檳城.

跟Astro旗下的泰米爾語電台THR Raaga一樣, 此電台在檳城其實有兩個頻道102.4和99.3. THR Raaga 102.4 Gunung Jerai其實主要鎖定吉打和玻璃市, 也能覆蓋檳城, 反而99.3 Bkt Penara鎖定檳城. 老實說, THR Raaga檳城頻道99.3也應該廢除.

988檳城頻道94.5應該被廢除, 988其實在檳城還有96.1和101.0.... 988 FM 96.1掌管檳城中北部, 101.0則掌管檳城南部.

Suggestion of 988 closes down Penang frequency 94.5MHz

In Penang, 988 FM can be received on FM 94.5MHz from Bukit Penara, FM 96.1MHz from Gunung Jerai and FM 101.0MHz Bukit Larut.

988 FM 101.0MHz Bukit Larut actually for North Perak, but it can be received in South Penang.

Normally Penang can receive radio station signal clearly on Gunung Jerai frequency. MY FM, Melody FM and One FM are transmitted from Gunung Jerai. Actually 988 operated two frequencies for Penang since 1996, but FM 96.1MHz Gunung Jerai is basically for Kedah and Perlis. Then, 988 has Penang frequency in Bukit Penara on 94.5MHz.

Since 988 can be received in Penang clearly and loudly via FM 96.1MHz from Gunung Jerai, in my opinion, 988 can close down its Penang frequency 94.5MHz. My suggestion to abolish 988 Penang frequency 94.5 may help 988 to save transmission costs, even it can free up the frequency. Therefore, new player can use 94.5 in Bukit Penara when reach Penang.

Following my suggestion of City Plus FM Penang frequency by using Bukit Larut 93.1MHz frequency previously, although Penang still can receive Bukit Larut signal, but it may not be perfect much. If 988 abolishes Penang frequency 94.5MHz and return the frequency to MCMC, I may think that City Plus FM or BFM can use 94.5MHz in Penang.

Same goes to Astro THR Raaga which has two frequencies where can be received in Penang, 102.4MHz Gunung Jerai and 99.3MHz Bukit Penara. Seriously the reception of THR Raaga 102.4MHz is very clear in Penang, actually 99.3MHz should be closed down in Penang.

[Singapore DXing]: The day after Lush PART2: What music that Money FM 89.3MHz shall play?

Lush FM 99.5MHz was death since 1st September 2017, no independent music radio station by Singapore, but 938NOW is playing independent music partially to "pay respect" of Lush FM 99.5MHz.

After the death of Lush FM 99.5MHz, Singapore will have two new radio stations on January 2018, but they are under Singapore Press Holdings (SPH).

- 96.3 Hao 好FM: Singapore Chinese senior-oriented radio station
- Money FM 89.3MHz: Singapore's first English business radio station

Currently Singapore Press Holdings SPH operates 3 radio stations, there are:

1. One FM 91.3MHz: Playing English classic hits and mainstream rock songs (to answer Gold FM 90.5MHz)

2. UFM 100.3MHz: Singapore hot contemporary Chinese radio station (to answer YES 933)

3. Kiss FM 92.0MHz: Playing English adult contemporary hits and mainstream songs from 1980s till now (to answer Class 95, 987FM, and Malaysia's Mix FM/Hitz FM/Fly FM)

938NOW plays independent music partially with mainstream music like 987 and Class 95, meanwhile 987FM plays hot mainstream hits... So, where are independent music going again?

In my opinion, Money FM 89.3MHz is a business radio station, also covering topics of current affairs, documentaries and entrepreneurs to target PMEBs (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Businessmen/Businesswomen). About its music playlist which aired on non-talk programming hours, plus Lush FM was death, I suggest and hope Money FM 89.3MHz will play Singaporean indie music like what Lush FM did to support local independent artists.

Since Kiss 92 plays mainstream music, One FM 91.3 plays classic hits and rock, so Money FM shall feature independent music to keep distance away from mainstream music. This can give another alternative to listeners, plus this can support Singaporean local independent music industry.

Lush FM 99.5MHz was killed by MediaCorp and its elements are merged into 938NOW partially. What I hope is 938NOW and Money FM 89.3MHz will continue the spirit of Lush 99.5FM. 

Anyway, waiting for the launching of Money FM. We wish them good luck! Have a nice day always. Support Money FM 89.3MHz features Singaporean local independent music during non-talk programming hours.

What if One FM Johor Bahru frequency 105.3MHz is transmitted from Gunung Pulai?

One FM Johor Bahru frequency was launched on November 2011 on FM 105.3MHz. It is transmitted from TM Taman Sentosa, Johor Bahru.

Due to no empty frequency is available in Gunung Pulai, one FM is awarded on 105.3MHz in Taman Sentosa, Johor Bahru.

In Johor, FM 105.3MHz is not only used for Johor Bahru by one FM, but 105.3MHz is also used by RTM Johor FM for North Johor areas from Gunung Ledang. 6 years ago, I was thinking if One FM 105.3MHz is transmitted from Gunung Pulai.

Actually RTM Johor FM used 105.3MHz in Gunung Ledang since 1980s for North Johor areas. If one FM uses 105.3MHz in Gunung Pulai, this will create co-channel interference between Johor FM and One FM in Central Johor such as Batu Pahat, Kluang, Yong Peng, even Pagoh may receive CCI. I was making inquiry with RTM broadcast engineers regarding this issue if happen, I was told that there was no problem when one FM 105.3MHz uses in Gunung Pulai if one FM never beams 105.3MHz Gunung Pulai signal to north direction.

"If one FM 105.3 and Johor FM 105.3 are interfering each other in affected areas (notably Central Johor), Johor FM listeners can tune to 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai, meanwhile One FM listeners can tune to 88.1MHz from Gunung Ledang.", said RTM. (2012)

Since there is excellent feedback, I also think no problem as One FM and Johor FM have alternative frequency. This reflects me about Minnal FM Gunung Kledang 98.9MHz and 988 FM Gunung Ulu Kali 98.8MHz in South Perak.

"Minnal FM 98.9MHz and 988 FM 98.8MHz are clashing each other in South Perak. 988 FM listeners can tune to FM 99.8MHz from Gunung Kledang, meanwhile Minnal FM listeners can tune either 96.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali or 107.9MHz Bukit Larut in affected areas."

But when comes to MCMC, I think if I proposed Gunung Pulai on FM 105.3MHz, I strongly believe that the suggestion will be rejected by MCMC as it does not comply with the minimum frequency separation which set up by MCMC. Gunung Ledang and Gunung Pulai must be separated their frequencies at least 200kHz.

If One FM 105.3MHz is transmitted from Gunung Pulai for JB and beam signal to south direction only, basically Johor Bahru and Singapore can get better reception, but there may create co-channel interference to Radio Canggai Putri FM 105.3MHz coverage in Karimun Island, Indonesia. Marina Bay of Singapore may receive co-channel interference on FM 105.3MHz.

==RF analysis==

105.3MHz: one FM Gunung Pulai (Johor Bahru only by beaming south direction)
105.3MHz: Johor FM Gunung Ledang (North Johor only)
<0kHz, not recommended>

105.1MHz: RRI Batam Pro-1
105.3MHz: one FM Gunung Pulai (Johor Bahru only by beaming south direction)
<200kHz, OK>

105.3MHz: one FM Gunung Pulai (Johor Bahru only by beaming south direction)
105.5MHz: RRI Batam Pro-2
<200kHz, OK>

104.9MHz: Ai FM Gunung Pulai
105.3MHz: one FM Gunung Pulai (Johor Bahru only by beaming south direction)
<400kHz, OK>

105.3MHz: one FM Gunung Pulai (Johor Bahru only by beaming south direction)
105.7MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Pulai
<400kHz, OK>

105.3MHz: one FM Gunung Pulai (Johor Bahru only by beaming south direction)
105.3MHz: Radio Canggai Putri from Karimun Indonesia
<0kHz, NOT OK. Co-channel interference>

In conclusion, because Radio Canggai Putri is using FM 105.3MHz in Karimun which cause Singapore can receive the radio station with weaker reception. I don't think one FM can use 105.3MHz in Gunung Pulai, even it has co-channel interference with Johor FM 105.3MHz from Gunung Ledang. Therefore, 105.3MHz is better to be transmitted from current TM Taman Sentosa tower for Johor Bahru.

==Minimum frequency separation of Gunung Pulai with other surrounding Tx sites==
- Singapore: 0.4MHz
- Batam Indonesia: 0.2MHz
- Karimun Indonesia: 0.2MHz
- Gunung Ledang: 0.2MHz
- Bukit Tinggi: 0.2MHz
- Gunung Telapak Burok: 0.1MHz
- Bukit Tampin: 0.1MHz
- Taman Sentosa: 0.4MHz
- Sedilli: 0.3MHz

What is the future radio station of FM 92.5MHz in Kuching?

The Kuching new radio station FM 92.5MHz began transmission since April 2016. It was City Plus FM trial transmission. FM 92.5MHz is operated by Cense Media Sdn Bhd, which owns Kupi-Kupi FM 96.3MHz in Kota Kinabalu and City Plus FM 106.0MHz in Klang Valley/Negeri Sembilan.

FM 92.5MHz is transmitted in SACOFA Bukit Djin (formerly Bukit Antu). Before City Plus FM began trial transmission in Gunung Telapak Burok for Klang Valley and Negeri Sembilan on FM 106.0MHz, City Plus FM was only available of its trial transmission in Kuching.

City Plus FM is first Chinese business radio station in Malaysia, it was officially launched on 2nd May 2017. For Kuching frequency 92.5MHz, City Plus FM is not available there, instead FM 92.5MHz still carries trial transmission. Kuching FM 92.5MHz still never carries City Plus FM programmes from Klang Valley FM 106.0MHz.

City Plus FM has no plan to expand coverage in Kuching as Klang Valley programmes may not fit to Sarawak listeners tastes. Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak listeners have huge different taste. From my view, Sabah and Sarawak listeners need more local contents on the radio, than Peninsular Malaysia contents. Astro Hitz, ERA, and My FM have localized programmes in Sabah, Sarawak, ERA FM Sabah carries 24 hours Sabahan Malay programmes since 24th April 2017, no more relay from Peninsular main programmes.

When I visit Cense Media website, it stated that it would launch 3rd radio station in Kuching after Kupi-Kupi FM and City Plus FM.

Regarding to 3rd radio station in Kuching, it is unknown that which radio station will carry over 92.5MHz.

Until today, Kuching FM 92.5MHz is still carrying City Plus FM trial transmission, playing all same Chinese music over again 24/7. In my opinion, I may think that City Plus FM 92.5MHz will be completely ceased transmission in Kuching by next year. Then, FM 92.5MHz will be rebranded by a local radio station which targets Sarawakians, operated by Cense Media Sdn Bhd.

In Kuching, there are six Chinese radio stations, such as:

- MY FM Sarawak
- One FM
- Red FM Sarawak (Chinese & English)
- Melody FM
- Ai FM
- Tea FM (Chinese & English)

Tea FM is the first Sarawak and Sabah only Chinese radio station (with minority English programmes).

For FM 92.5MHz Kuching, I may not think it will be remained as Chinese radio station as result the number of station is enough there.

There are many Iban in Sarawak. For Sarawak ethnics languages radio stations station, there are only RTM Wai FM (Iban/Kayan/Bidayuh) and Cats FM, but Cats FM is billingual radio station which broadcasts in Ibanese and Sarawak Malay.

Following the demographics in Sarawak, Iban is the largest population among all ethnics in Sarawak.

Seriously there is lack of radio stations to target Iban listeners. Only Cats FM targets Iban listeners as commercial radio in Sarawak. From my view, Cense Media Sdn Bhd can rebrand FM 92.5MHz as Sarawakians radio station (mainly Iban) to attract Sarawakians, just like Kupi-Kupi FM targets Kadazan and Dusun listeners, also broadcasts in Sabahan Malay, Kadazan and Dusun language.

If Cense Media launches Iban radio station on FM 92.5MHz Kuching, it will become first Iban commercial radio station in the state. In my opinion, to attract other races in Sarawak together with Iban, FM 92.5MHz Kuching also can carry Kenyah, Kayan, Bidayuh, Melanau language programmes, but as commercial radio station, I don't think it may not be effective.

For coverage of Cense Media 3rd radio station in Kuching, it is not enough if this Iban radio station is available only in Kuching. It shall be expanded to other Sarawak divisions where are Iban majority areas such as Sibu, Miri, Bintulu, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Mukah, and Limbang, but depends on commercial value of the divisions.

 

==CENSE Media radio stations==

1. Kupi-Kupi FM 96.3MHz (Kota Kinabalu): Sabahans radio (Sabahan Malay, Kadazan Dusun)

2. City Plus FM 106.0MHz (Klang Valley/Negeri Sembilan/Central Pahang/parts of Melaka): Chinese business radio station

3. FM 92.5MHz (Kuching): Iban language radio station???

What do you think if Cense Media launches its 3rd radio station in Kuching by launching Iban language radio station? Please share your thoughts by leaving comments on this post. 

[Minor topic]: Gemas is under Tampin and Jempol district of Negeri Sembilan?

Gemas, Negeri Sembilan under two districts administration? Let's check it out.

Gemas is a town in southeast Negeri Sembilan, it is located at the border between Negeri Sembilan and Johor. Generally Gemas is under Tampin district administration, but technically Gemas is also under Jempol district administration. So, it means that Gemas is under two Negeri Sembilan districts, Jempol and Tampin.

In Gemas Negeri Sembilan, it has many sub towns:

- Pasir Besar
- Pusat Bandar Palong
- FELDA Jelai
- Gemas Lama
- Gemas Baharu

Here are Gemas areas where under different districts:

- Tampin (Council: Majlis Daerah Tampin): Gemas Lama, Pusat Bandar Gemas, Pasir Besar, FELDA Jelai, FELDA Bukit Jalor, FELDA Sungai Kelamah, FELDA Kurnia Diraja

- Jempol (Council: Majlis Daerah Jempol): FELDA Palong 1-16, Pusat Bandar Palong

In addition, Gemas is divided into many postcodes for its sub-areas.

==Gemas Negeri Sembilan postcodes under Tampin district==
73400: Gemas town
73410: Ayer Kurning Selatan (unofficial, also on 73300)
73420: FELDA Pasir Besar, Kampung Pasir Besar
73480: FELDA Jelai

==Gemas Negeri Sembilan postcodes under Jempol district==
73430: Pusat Bandar Palong, FELDA Palong 4, 5, 6
73440: FELDA Palong 1
73450: FELDA Palong 2
73460: FELDA Palong 3
73470: FELDA Palong 7-16

==Gemas fixed line numbers==
Gemas town: 07-94xxxxx, 07-96xxxxx
FELDA Palong: 06-4xxxxxx

== FM radio reception in Gemas, Johor ==
- Gunung Ledang: Excellent (except Asyik FM 95.6MHz)
- Gunung Telapak Burok: OK, in STEREO reception for few radio stations
- Gunung Ulu Kali: Poor signal
- Gunung Pulai, Singapore: NO SIGNAL
- Bukit Pelindung: NO SIGNAL
- Bukit Gan: NO SIGNAL
- Bukit Sungai Besi: NO SIGNAL
- Kuala Lumpur Tower: NO SIGNAL
- Bukit Tampin: Weak signal

Kool FM Perak frequency (Part 2)

In Ipoh, there is no available frequencies to be used until today. At the previous blog post, titled Kool FM Perak frequency (Part 1), mentioned that 93.3, 93.9 and 94.9 cannot be used due to interference.

Previously I shared my opinion by suggesting to use Bukit Larut 105.7MHz for Kool FM to cover Ipoh and Taiping, but it is not so perfect because not all Ipoh areas can get Kool FM clearly as the signal is blocked by Gunung Kledang and Gunung Bubu, as well as other mountains in Ipoh.

Its sister station Hot FM operates Taiping frequency on FM 90.5MHz in Bukit Larut, actually there is another suggestion to move FM 90.5MHz transmission site to Gunung Kledang for Kool FM, but Hot FM Taiping frequency shall be moved to 105.7MHz by adding new transmitter in Bukit Larut which is originally suggested for Kool FM.

Means Media Prima Malay radio stations frequencies in Perak will be changed like below if the suggestion is applied.

==Media Prima Malay radio in Perak==

FM 104.5MHz: Hot FM Gunung Kledang Ipoh
FM 105.7MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut Taiping
FM 90.5MHz: Kool FM Gunung Kledang Ipoh (Hot FM will no longer operate in Taiping on 90.5MHz)

If FM 90.5MHz is moved to Gunung Kledang for Kool FM, this will led Central Perak areas are available to receive Kool FM. About its RF analysis, 90.5MHz has no problem as 400kHz separation with Gunung Kledang radio. In addition, Kool FM does not need Taiping frequency as Taiping can receive either 90.2MHz from Bukit Penara or 90.5MHz from Gunung Kledang, meanwhile Hot FM can be listened in Taiping on 105.7MHz.

==RF Analysis Kool FM Ipoh frequency==

90.1MHz: Traxx FM Gunung Kledang
90.5MHz: Kool FM Gunung Kledang
90.9MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Kledang

<400kHz, OK>

90.2MHz: Kool FM Bukit Penara
90.5MHz: Kool FM Gunung Kledang
<300kHz, OK>

== RF analysis Hot FM Taiping new frequency==

105.7MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut
105.7MHz: Kedah FM Gunung Raya
<0kHz, OK>

105.7MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut
105.7MHz: Lite FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<0kHz, OK>

105.3MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Larut
105.7MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut
106.1MHz: Ai FM Bukit Larut
<400kHz, OK>

To use 90.5MHz in Gunung Kledang for Kool FM, current Hot FM 90.5MHz in Bukit Larut transmission equipment shall be removed from the tower, but TX antenna is also needed to be replaced due to Bukit Larut and Gunung Kledang antenna pattern are different. So, this reallocation is needed to get approval from MCMC, and the costs will be very expensive to change the parameters. Installation and modifying parameters also need more time to be performed. 

At the same time, this kind of suggestion also involves costs of changing parameters and equipment. The problem is Hot FM already operates in Taiping on FM 90.5MHz in Bukit Larut since May 2011, Hot FM is earlier than Kool FM actually in terms of its history.

In conclusion, the suggestion is not practical by migrating Hot FM 90.5MHz TX site from Bukit Larut to Gunung Kledang for Kool FM (meanwhile Hot FM Bkt Larut is 105.7MHz after the migration).

Is Kool FM able to have Johor Bahru frequency?

So far Kool FM has no frequency in Johor Bahru yet since its launching date from March 2016 until today. Recently Kool FM has reached coverage in Kuching of Sarawak on FM 104.3MHz in SACOFA Bukit Djin Kuching, until today Kool FM has not reached coverage in Johor Bahru, Melaka, Seremban, Kota Kinabalu and Perak.

Someone is suggesting Kool FM to use FM 99.5MHz in Gunung Pulai for Johor Bahru and Singapore. Seriously, FM 99.5MHz was formerly carried as Mediacorp Lush 99.5FM, a non-mainstream indie music radio station in Singapore. As part of rationalization on its radio networks, Mediacorp stopped transmission of Lush 99.5FM since 1st September 2017. The last day Lush 99.5FM broadcasting was on 31st August 2017. After 01.01.2017 0000hours, FM 99.5MHz is empty and it is static signal in Singapore.

I don't think the suggestion of Kool FM using FM 99.5MHz in Gunung Pulai will be worked and effective much as FM 99.5MHz is belonged to Singapore Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). Before launching of Lush 99.5FM in 2004, the frequency was formerly carried as Passion FM in 2003.

If Kool FM wants to use 99.5MHz in Gunung Pulai, this will involve MCMC to deal with IMDA as Johor is under international coordination. In addition, I also don't think IMDA will simply give way of 99.5FM to neighbouring countries as IMDA will reserve 99.5FM for Singapore new radio station. Same goes to FM 89.3MHz and FM 96.3MHz, although these two frequencies were empty in Johor Bahru since 2010 and 2016 respectively, but both of them were reserved by Singapore. IMDA opened tender to new radio players until September 2016, the result of the public tender for FM 89.3MHz and FM 96.3MHz was announced on March 2017, SPH won the tenders. In November 2017, SPH (Singapore Press Holdings) announced that they would launch Money FM 89.3MHz (English business radio) and Hao 好FM 96.3MHz (Chinese retro radio to target listeners aged 45-54 years old) by January 2018.

Malaysia Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC)

In the future, I also guess that IMDA will open public tender again for 99.5FM for new radio station in Singapore. For suggestion of Kool FM 99.5 in Johor Bahru, I think Singapore IMDA will not allow to give the frequency. It does not only involve MCMC, it also involves the cost of frequency as MCMC or Media Prima needs to pay more expensive fees of 99.5FM to IMDA Singapore.

Although Kool FM is allowed to use FM 99.5MHz. I don't guarantee that transmission will be perfect much as co-channel with Hot FM 99.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok which may cause interference in Central Johor, plus North Johor and some Melaka areas, unless antenna pattern never beam to north direction much.

==RF Analysis==

99.5MHz: Kool FM Gunung Pulai
99.5MHz: Hot FM Gunung Telapak Burok

Until today, there is no 0kHz separation between Gunung Pulai and Gunung Telapak Burok. Checked all the radio stations, all of them are separated at 100kHz.
For other frequencies, somebody also suggested to use FM 87.5MHz. I also don't think so, because it will cause interference with Radio Discovery Minang 87.6MHz in Batam. Plus, the frequency 87.5MHz is too close with Sinar FM 87.8MHz Gunung Pulai. The minimum frequency separation between two transmitter sites within same coverage must be at least 400kHz.

When I went to Singapore, I found FM 107.9MHz was empty in Johor Bahru and Southern Johor, even Singapore too. Two years ago, I was suggesting FM 107.9MHz to be used for FM broadcasting in Gunung Pulai to MCMC, but I was told by MCMC that FM 107.9MHz is occupied for airband usage. MCMC also stated that it will cause flight accident (will led death of passengers and flight crews) because 107.9MHz will interfere with aircraft signal when it is used for broadcasting.

Although FM 107.9MHz is empty frequencies in South Johor, it is used as aircraft transmission in Johor airport, Singapore airport and Batam/Riau airport. In my opinion, in order to let Kool FM to launch Johor Bahru frequency on FM 107.9MHz in Gunung Pulai, the airport in Johor, Singapore, and Batam/Riau where use 107.9-108.1MHz as aircraft shall be changed to 108.2MHz onwards, but this will involve high costs to do reallocate broadcasting-aircraft spectrum frequencies.

FYI, the spectrum frequency range is between VHF 108MHz-137MHz.

In Malaysia, there is no any radio station to use FM 87.5MHz and 108.0MHz, except Langkawi FM in RTM Kuah (low power transmitter). Media Prima One FM in Gunung Kledang Ipoh formerly was FM 87.5MHz, it changed to FM 87.6MHz due to 87.5 reception is unstable and interference with other services. This is because MCMC may avoid the radio station to avoid to interfere with other services, so the FM frequency range is between FM 87.6MHz to FM 107.9MHz.

In conclusion, Johor Bahru is still in red light for Kool FM to reach there. For the temporary moment, Kool FM shall launch frequency in Gunung Ledang first for Melaka and North Johor (my suggestion: 100.9MHz). At least central and some southern Johor areas still can receive Kool FM from Gunung Ledang, but Johor Bahru will not receive Kool FM clearly.

Profesor Kool