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

[Singapore DXing]: The day after end transmission of Lush FM 99.5MHz

Singapore had a radio station to play Singaporean local music ranging from indie to pop, rock and alternative music. It was Lush 99.5FM, operated by Mediacorp. Launched on 31st December 2004, but Mediacorp ended Lush 99.5FM on 31st August 2017 as part of rationalization, as well as low listenership rating which cause Lush 99.5 is unable to sustain the operating costs.

Rest in peace Lush 99.5FM.

I heard the news stated that the Lush 99.5FM music element will be merged into 938Now and 987FM.

After Lush 99.5FM was death since 31.08.2017, there is no more Singaporean local indie music radio station in Singapore. At the same time, Singapore English talk radio station 938LIVE refreshed its content since November 2017 by renaming 938NOW.

987FM is playing current hot mainstream contemporary hits, Class 95FM is playing mainstream hits from 1980s until now, then Gold 90.5FM is playing classic hits from 1960s till 1990s. Where is Singaporean local music going to after death of Lush 99.5FM?

About Lush 99.5FM music merging to other radio stations like 987FM and 938NOW, I think 938NOW shall play more important role than 987FM to play Lush 995 music element. I don't think 987FM is suitable to play Lush 99.5FM music element as 987FM is playing hot mainstream music.

987FM: Hot mainstream contemporary hit radio
938NOW: News, talk, current affairs, traffic info

In my opinion, 938NOW shall not play mainstream songs like Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus etc. In order to pay respect on Lush 99.5FM, the radio 938NOW shall play Singaporean local indie music (non-mainstream, electronic, chill out, rock, alternative, pop) all the time, even with non-peak hours to keep distance away of its music genre from 987FM and Class 95FM. Therefore, Singapore local indie music still can be survived on radio, although no more Lush 99.5FM.

938NOW is a Singapore radio station to focus on news, current affairs and other talks. To me, it is more fit on 938NOW radio image if they play indie music, not mainstream music like what played on 987FM and Class 95FM.

==Suggestion of music genre for 938NOW (in order to pay respect on Lush 99.5FM)==
938NOW: News, current affairs, talk feature with chill out, urban AC, electronic music, indie music, deep house, local music

With this suggestion, Singapore local non-mainstream indie artists' songs can be played on 938NOW. In addition, 938NOW can attract more listeners who like to listen to non-mainstream music. Although Lush 99.5 is death, and suggestion to merge Lush 99.5FM music element into 938NOW does not mean 938NOW replaced Lush 99.5FM because 938NOW is a talk radio station, but it is just featuring Lush 99.5FM music elements.

Is it logic to suggest im4u FM 107.9MHz to transmit from Gunung Ulu Kali?

Until today, im4u FM 107.9MHz is transmitted from Bukit Sungai Besi for Klang Valley, launched since March 2013.

3 years ago, I was used to suggest im4u FM 107.9MHz to migrate its transmitter site to Gunung Ulu Kali in order to reach wider coverage of Klang Valley.

==RF analysis of im4u FM 107.9==

107.5MHz: Pahang FM Gn Ulu Kali
107.9MHz: IM4U FM Gn Ulu Kali
<400kHz, OK>

107.7MHz: Negeri FM Gn Ledang
107.9MHz: IM4U FM Gn Ulu Kali
<200kHz, OK>

107.9MHz: IM4U FM Gn Ulu Kali
107.9MHz: Radio Klasik Bukit Pelindung
<0kHz, OK>

107.9MHz: IM4U FM Gn Ulu Kali
107.9MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Larut
<0kHz, NOT OK>

When I rethink again back of this suggestion which made two years ago, now I don't think IM4U FM 107.9MHz is not suitable to be used in Gunung Ulu Kali as there is co-channel interference to Minnal FM 107.9MHz Bukit Larut coverage in Perak areas like Manjung, Sitiawan, Lumut, Ayer Tawar, Pangkor Island and some Teluk Intan areas. In this areas, Minnal FM main frequency is 98.9MHz from Gunung Kledang. Unfortunately, Minnal FM 98.9MHz Gn Kledang is interfered heavily by 988 FM 98.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in many Perak areas since 1996. In Tapah, Teluk Intan, Bidor, Sungkai, Langkap and Kampung Gajah, Minnal FM can be received alternatively on FM 96.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, even FM 107.9MHz Bukit Larut still can be received, but not clear.

When comes to Manjung district areas like Sitiawan, Manjung, Ayer Tawar, Changkat Keruing and Pangkor, these areas suppose to receive radio signal from Gunung Kledang loudly and clearly. While Minnal FM 98.9MHz is still having interference with 988 FM 98.8MHz, its Bukit Larut 107.9MHz is very important alternative frequency in these affected areas. It also states that Minnal FM 96.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali reception is unstable in Manjung district areas as 100kHz interference with Sinar FM 96.4MHz Bukit Larut. Imagine if IM4U FM 107.9MHz is transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali, all Minnal FM frequencies in Perak 98.9, 96.3 and 107.9 will get interference much.

Unless Minnal FM changes its Ipoh frequency 98.9MHz to 99.0MHz, so there is no problem if IM4U FM 107.9MHz transmits from Ulu Kali, but RTM is unable to change the frequency as RTM is using 6+1 system where six transmitters share with a TX standby antenna. If RTM changes Minnal FM Ipoh frequency, the rest of RTM Ipoh radio station broadcasting will be heavily affected. In addition, this will involve high cost to change the transmission equipment. Besides that, I was told by RTM that the usage of FM 98.9MHz by Minnal FM in Gunung Kledang Ipoh was earlier than 988 FM 98.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali. RTM also told me that logically 988 shall change the frequency.

I may agree with the comment, but 988 is a Chinese radio station name based on FM 98.8MHz in Klang Valley. If 988 changes frequency, the station name shall be renamed. Why 988? In Chinese language, 988 is 九八八 ("jiu ba ba" in Mandarin, "kao batt batt" in Cantonese), the name sounds bringing prosperity, it means 988 is bringing prosperity forever. (久發發, "jiu fa fa" in Mandarin, "kao fatt fatt" in Cantonese).

When Minnal FM 98.9MHz Gunung Kledang faces interference with 988 FM 98.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in many Perak areas, Minnal FM 107.9MHz Bukit Larut and 96.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali becomes important alternative frequencies to cover affected areas. In conclusion, IM4U FM 107.9MHz cannot be transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali. 988 in these affected areas can be tuned on FM 99.8MHz from Gunung Kledang Ipoh, even FM 101.0MHz Bukit Larut can be listened.

- FM 107.9MHz: Lumut, Manjung, Sitiawan, Ayer Tawar, Changkat Keruing, Pantai Remis, Pangkor
- FM 96.3MHz: Teluk Intan, Bagan Datoh, Langkap, Tapah, Bidor, Sungkai, Terolak, Temoh, and Kampung Gajah

TV Alhijrah becomes loss making TV station. Will Media Prima acquire TV Alhijrah?

According to Auditor General's report 2016 series 2, TV Alhijrah lost money 3 years continuously.
Its pre-tax losses were RM19.65 million in 2014, RM17.03 million (2015) and RM10.88 million (2016), meanwhile the losses of TVAH were RM21.34 million in 2014, RM16.55 million (2015), and RM11.73 million (2016) after the tax.

The AG report stated that advertising performance is also unsatisfactory because the number of sponsored programmes is still low"

TV Alhijrah is a Malaysia Islamic free-to-air television which operated by JAKIM (Islamic development affairs department), it was launched in 2010 and broadcasted via analog TV (selected areas), Astro, internet and myFreeview digital terrestrial television (in HD form).

The objective of the company to become a broadcaster that educates, entertains and unites the ummah lacked effectiveness due to the low ratings. Revenue from airtime is also far from achieving the company's target.

In my opinion, as Islamic media, TV Alhijrah is very far away from IKIM FM (Islamic radio station in Malaysia). Firstly, programming content is one of the issue. Secondly, TV Alhijrah analog channel coverage is not widely transmitted. Other than Mersing and east Johor, TV Alhijrah has no coverage in rest of Johor areas, same goes to Penang and Negeri Sembilan. Thirdly, most of Malaysians are watching commercial television such as Astro and Media Prima channels, so the viewership is affecting TV Alhijrah because it is owned by JAKIM.

Next, if TV Alhijrah continues loss making by subsequent years like Capital FM from The Star, I may think Media Prima acquired TV Alhijrah.

In the past, most of standalone TV channels such as Metrovision, NTV7, Channel 9 were acquired by Media Prima (TV3 company). Media Prima is a fully integrated media company which born from the asset of TV3 and New Straits Times to form since 2003. The acquisition of Media Prima on Metrovision, NTV7 and Channel 9 leds the company becomes monopoly of free-to-air TV markets. About FTA TV market in Malaysia, there are RTM, Media Prima, TV-Alhijrah (JAKIM) and Bernama, the FTA TV market is dominated by Media Prima. When comes to viewership ratings of FTA TV, Media Prima TV3 is the highest, following by TV9, NTV7 and 8TV, beating away RTM TV channels.

Here are the history of Media Prima acquisitions:

- Metrovision: Acquired in 2000. Rebranded to 8TV since 2004 to target Chinese and English viewers.
- NTV7: Acquired in 2005, but remained its programming format.
- Channel 9: Acquired in 2005. Rebranded to TV9 since 2006 to target younger Malay viewers
- Wa FM (Synchrosound Studios Sdn Bhd): Acquired in 2005. Rebranded as Hot FM since 2006 as Malay hot contemporary radio station to target Gen Y and Gen Z Malays.
- Radio Wanita WFM 88.1: Acquired in 2008. Rebranded as One FM since 2009 as Chinese hot contemporary radio station
- Ultra FM and PiMai FM: Acquired in 2015. Rebranded as Kool FM since March 2016 as Malay classic retro radio station to target Malay Gen X.

Last acquisition by Media Prima was on October 2015 to take over Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd (Ultra and Pi Mai). Since TV Alhijrah lost money in 2014, 2015 and 2016, will Media Prima acquire TVAH at the next?

Media Prima currently owns six TV channels until today, such as:
- TV3 (HD and SD)
- NTV7
- 8TV
- TV9

and newly:
- Drama Sangat (currently in trial transmission via digital terrestrial television/DTT to air drama 24/7, formerly Drama Sangat was just a segment on TV3 and TV9)
- CJ Wow Shop (trial transmission via DTT, a shopping TV 24/7 in the future. Currently CJ Wow Shop also aired on NTV7, 8TV and TV9 during early morning slots)

Imagine if Media Prima acquires TV Alhijrah to settle the loss making of the station, there are three possibilities can be happened. Death or alive of TVAH?

1. Media Prima can fully rebrand TV Alhijrah as other format TV station. This means former TVAH will not become Islamic TV station anymore, just like Metrovision to 8TV.

2. Media Prima may remain TVAH brand, but different management. Advertising will be totally different.

3. Media Prima can rename TVAH without changing its format. Currently there is Islamic related segment on TV3 and TV9 called as "Raudhah". In my opinion, if Media Prima acquires TV Alhijrah, MPB can rename it as "Raudhah TV", 24 hours Islamic TV station by Media Prima. So, those TV3 and TV9 Islamic related programmes can be transferred to this newly acquired TV.

Jokingly say after MPB acquires TVAH and rebrands it as Raudhah, they can add CJ Wow Shop shopping segment on that station, called as "CJ Wow Shop Islamic" to sell Islamic products to target Muslims community who may prefer to buy Islamic products via shopping television. Jubah, hijab, niqab, burqa, variety design kopiah (Muslim men praying cap) with TV3/TV9/Hot FM/Kool FM logo etc can be sold on CJ Wow Shop Islamic at Raudhah TV. Hehehhehehhe! XD "Pakai tanpa was-was! Hahahahhahhaha! XD"

Anyway see what is the next action course.

At the same time, someone is asking me that what if TV Alhijrah is absorbed by RTM. For this, I never think RTM will absorb TVAH because the acquisition is very expensive. Plus, TVAH is semi commercial free-to-air TV station, which is operated by JAKIM. From my view, as I know, the acquisition on loss making TV or radio costs at least RM 20 millions, maximum up to RM 100 millions, depends on the seller auction price.

In Malaysia, most of giant media company like Astro and Media Prima will acquire those loss making media especially TV and radio because the giant media company can launch new brands without applying new license. Due to limited spectrum in Malaysia, it is very difficult to apply new broadcast license (including CASP license).

MPB can transfer those existing Islamic programmes on TV3 and TV9 such as Tanyalah Ustaz, DAI (Dakwah Nusantara), Jejak Rasul etc to post acquired TVAH station if MPB remains TVAH format.

Media Prima- "King of Free To Air TV" in Malaysia.

 

City Plus FM Penang frequency suggestion: Bukit Larut

City Plus FM is a Chinese business radio station which operated by CENSE Media Sdn Bhd since November 2016 for trial transmission, and official transmission since May 2017. It is transmitted from Gunung Telapak Burok on FM 106.0MHz to cover Negeri Sembilan, Klang Valley, Central Pahang, Northeast Johor and parts of Melaka.

For northern region, Penang is important as there are many business areas and SMEs, but the frequency is super limited there.

In my opinion, City Plus FM can launch transmitter in Bukit Larut to beam northwest direction to cover Penang. Although North Perak has less SMEs, but it is bonus area. For the frequency, only FM 93.1MHz is available.

I do suggest Bukit Larut, instead of other sites such as Seberang Jaya and Bukit Penara because Bukit Larut is the highest hill in northern region of Malaysia (1349 meters). Plus the frequency FM 93.1MHz looks more suitable as there is likely no interference to existing radio.

==City Plus FM Penang frequency suggestion==
Frequency: FM 93.1MHz
Power: 2kW
Transmitter site: Bukit Larut

==RF analysis of City Plus FM Penang frequency==

92.8MHz: Hitz FM Gunung Jerai
93.1MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Larut
<300kHz, OK>

93.1MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Larut
93.3MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Palong
<200kHz, OK>

93.0MHz: Radio Thailand Betong
93.1MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Larut
<100kHz, OK>

93.1MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Larut
93.1MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Brinchang
<0kHz, OK>

92.7MHz: Hitz FM Gunung Kledang
93.1MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Larut
<400kHz, OK>

92.9MHz: Hitz FM Gunung Ulu Kali
93.1MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Larut
<200kHz, OK>

From here, if City Plus FM uses 93.1MHz in Bukit Larut, although it never interfere Radio Thailand Betong 93.0MHz coverage within Betong Thailand, but the reception of Radio Thailand Betong 93.0MHz won't be received in Penang, instead signal is being overlapped by City Plus FM 93.1MHz. In addition, I don't think there is problem if co-channel frequency with Nasional FM 93.1MHz Gunung Brinchang because Nasional FM 93.1 covers Cameron Highlands only. Alternatively and exactly Nasional FM can be tuned in affected areas on FM 90.9MHz from Gunung Kledang and FM 107.1MHz from Bukit Larut, even FM 95.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is available when comes to South Perak such as Tapah and Tanjung Malim.

Previously I considered 93.2MHz, but now I don't suggest FM 93.2MHz because it will cause interference with Minnal FM 93.3MHz Bukit Palong in Penang. So, City Plus FM reception will be worse in Penang if use 93.2 from Bkt Larut.

With Bukit Larut transmitter, City Plus FM doesn't only cover Taiping and Penang, even some Ipoh areas can receive the station.

It is enough when City Plus FM has two frequencies in Peninsular Malaysia.

106.0FM: Klang Valley, Negeri Sembilan, Central Pahang, Northeast Johor, and parts of Melaka
93.1FM: Penang and Taiping

Bilakah Kool FM ada frekuensi di wilayah selatan?

Kool FM mempunyai lima frekuensi di negara Malaysia.

- 101.3 di Lembah Klang dari Bukit Sungai Besi
- 90.2 di Pulau Pinang dari Bukit Penara. Boleh didengari di Perak Utara dan Kedah Selatan
- 93.6 di Kuala Terengganu dari Bukit Besar
- 88.6 di Kota Bharu dari Peringat
- 107.3 di Alor Setar dari Menara Alor Setar

Pelancaran frekuensi Kool FM terakhir ialah di Alor Setar pada Oktober 2016. Sampai sekarang, Kool FM belum ada frekuensi di kawasan lain seperti Perak, Kuantan, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka dan Johor.

Kawasan Ipoh memang tiada frekuensi, 93.9 dan 94.9 dilihat sebagai frekuensi kosong tidak boleh digunakan akibat "co-channel" dengan Mutiara FM 93.9MHz dan Radio Klasik 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai, boleh menyebabkan gangguan teruk kepada liputan Gunung Jerai di beberapa kawasan Kedah. Jarak minima antara Gunung Kledang dan Gunung Jerai ialah 100kHz, tiada jarak stesen radio antara Kledang dan Jerai ialah 0kHz pada masa kini. Tidak semua kawasan Ipoh boleh dapat Kool FM dengan jelas jika dipancar dari Bukit Larut.

Kool FM tidak mempunyai sebarang frekuensi di kawasan wilayah selatan sampai sekarang. Saya perasan bahawa tiada frekuensi kosong di kawasan Johor Bahru lagi. Walaupun 107.9MHz adalah kosong, saya diberitahui frekuensi tersebut telah digunakan di kawasan lapangan terbang untuk pemancar "airband" di Johor Bahru, Singapura dan Indonesia. Kos memang tinggi jika frekuensi 107.9MHz di lapangan terbang ketiga-tiga kawasan tersebut ditukar.

Untuk wilayah selatan, biasanya ada tiga pemancar untuk meliputinya (tidak termasuk pemancar gap filler).

- Gunung Telapak Burok untuk Negeri Sembilan kecuali Tampin dan FELDA Lui Jempol
- Gunung Ledang untuk Melaka dan Johor Utara
- Gunung Pulai untuk Johor Selatan, boleh diterima di Singapura.

Bayangkan jika frekuensi 107.9MHz tiada lagi digunakan untuk tujuan penerbangan, Kool FM boleh menggunakan 107.9MHz di Gunung Pulai untuk kawasan Johor Selatan, tambahan pula Singapura boleh menerima Kool FM untuk bersaing dengan Mediacorp Warna 94.2FM. Malangnya, sampai sekarang 107.9MHz tidak boleh digunakan untuk penyiaran radio di Johor Selatan dari Gunung Pulai. Saya diberitahui bahawa penggunaan frekuensi 107.9MHz untuk penyiaran radio boleh menyebabkan kemalangan penerbangan (yang boleh membawa maut kepada penumpang kapal terbang) akibat gangguan kepada pemancaran penerbangan jika 107.9MHz sedang digunakan untuk penerbangan.

Kesiannya tiada frekuensi Kool FM lagi di wilayah selatan sampai sekarang, terpaksa dengar melalui app atau online. Pada pandangan saya, Kool FM memerlukan sekurang-kurangnya 1 pemancar untuk wilayah selatan, iaitu frekuensi Melaka dari Gunung Ledang. Walaupun frekuensi Johor Bahru sudah penuh, tetapi Gunung Ledang dilihat bahawa masih mempunyai frekuensi kosong lagi.

Dengan frekuensi Kool FM di Gunung Ledang, sekurang-kurangnya Kool FM boleh meliputi Melaka, Johor Utara dan sebahagian besar kawasan Negeri Sembilan.

==Kawasan liputan Kool FM Gunung Ledang==
- Seluruh Melaka
- Johor: Muar, Tangkak, Bakri, Pagoh, Gerisek, Sungai Mati, Parit Jawa, Batu Pahat, Sri Gading, Kluang, Parit Raja, Parit Sulong, Semerah, Yong Peng, Simpang Renggam, Chaah, Labis, Segamat, Batu Anam. Boleh didengari di Kota Tinggi dan Pontian dengan penerimaan yang lemah
- Negeri Sembilan: Tampin, Gemencheh, Gemas, Rompin, Bahau, Bandar Seri Jempol, FELDA Serting, FELDA Lui, Kampung Sungai Lui, Kuala Pilah, Serting, Batu Kikir, Juasseh, Simpang Pertang, Pusat Bandar Palong, Rembau, Kota dan sedikit kawasan Kuala Klawang.
- Pahang: Kemayan, Muadzam Shah dan Keratong

Untuk frekuensinya, ada orang cadang FM 100.8MHz. Pada pandangan saya, FM 100.8MHz itu bahaya kerana boleh membawa gangguan kepada liputan MY FM 100.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok di Negeri Sembilan akibat MY FM 100.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok mempunyai jarak 200kHz lagi daripada Ai FM 100.4MHz Gunung Ledang. Lihat analisa ini:

100.4MHz: Ai FM Gunung Ledang
100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok
100.8MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang

<200kHz +&-, gangguan teruk>

Pada pandangan saya juga, frekuensi FM 100.9MHz lebih sesuai digunakan oleh Kool FM di Gunung Ledang, kawasan utama ialah Melaka terdahulu, diikuti Johor Utara dan sebahagian Negeri Sembilan, tetapi kawasan Johor Bahru tidak akan menerimanya dengan jelas kerana 200kHz dengan Minnal FM 101.1MHz dari Gunung Pulai. Walaupun frekuensi 100.9MHz yang saya cadangkan untuk Kool FM sama dengan Selangor FM 100.9MHz Ulu Kali, saya mungkin berfikir bahawa tiada masalah jika ada co-channel interference di Negeri Sembilan seperti Port Dickson dan Rantau serta Pahang (Bera, Teriang dan Temerloh), kerana kawasan yang ada gangguan frekuensi sama bukan lagi kawasan liputan Kool FM Gunung Ledang dan Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali. Justeru, Selangor FM 100.9MHz hanya untuk negeri Selangor sahaja. Kool FM boleh tambah frekuensi Seremban di Gunung Telapak Burok jika penerimaan Gunung Ledang tidak jelas di Negeri Sembilan dan Pahang Tengah.

100.9MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang
100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<0kHz, OK>

100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok
100.9MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang
<300kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang
101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai
<200kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang
101.1MHz: MY FM Bukit Pelindung
<200kHz, OK>

== Contoh co-channel Gunung Ledang dan Gunung Ulu Kali==

103.3MHz: Era FM Gunung Ulu Kali
103.3MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Ledang

105.3MHz: Suria FM Gunung Ulu Kali
105.3MHz: Johor FM Gunung Ledang (Johor Utara sahaja)

88.1MHz: one FM Gunung Ulu Kali
88.1MHz: one FM Gunung Ledang

100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali
100.9MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang
<OK>

Kool FM perlu lancar frekuensi Melaka di Gunung Ledang terdahulu untuk wilayah selatan, diikuti Gunung Telapak Burok untuk Negeri Sembilan dan Pahang Tengah.

Kool FM Pahang Tengah/Barat

Pada masa sekarang, Kool FM belum sampai ke kawasan Pahang, namun Kuantan belum ada Kool FM.

Kita tahu Bukit Pelindung boleh meliputi kawasan Pahang Timur dengan jelas, ia juga pemancar utama di negeri Pahang, iaitu ibu negerinya, Kuantan.

Bukit Pelindung meliputi Kuantan, Pekan, Gambang, dan Terengganu Selatan. Kawasan selain dari Pahang Timur tidak boleh menerima signal Bukit Pelindung.

Biasanya Pahang Barat menerima siaran radio dari Gunung Ulu Kali, kawasanya seperti Temerloh, Bentong, Bera, Lipis dan Raub. Frekuensi Lembah Klang Kool FM 101.3MHz terletak di Bukit Sungai Besi, ini menyebabkan kawasan Pahang Barat tidak boleh menerima Kool FM. Dengar khabar angin pemohonan pemindahan tempat pemancar Kool FM ke Gunung Ulu Kali telah ditolak akibat gangguan kepada stesen radio yang tersedia ada. Sebenarnya Kool FM 101.3MHz hanya ada jarak 200kHz dengan stesen lain, tiada masalah secara umumnya. Pada masa yang sama, menara pemancar Gunung Ulu Kali penuh juga salah satu faktor Kool FM tidak dapat pergi situ.

==Kool FM Gunung Ulu Kali==

101.3MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ulu Kali
101.5MHz: THR Raaga Gunung Telapak Burok
<200kHz OK>

101.3MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ulu Kali
101.5MHz: Lite FM Gunung Kledang
<200kHz OK>

Ada contoh stesen radio lain antara Ulu Kali dengan Telapak Burok/Kledang mempunyai jarak 200kHz, seperti:

98.6MHz: Fly FM Gunung Telapak Burok
98.8MHz: 988 Gunung Ulu Kali

89.7MHz: Ai FM Gunung Telapak Burok
89.9MHz: BFM Gunung Ulu Kali

98.3MHz: Radio Klasik Gunung Ulu Kali
98.5MHz: Melody FM Gunung Kledang

Jika Kool FM masih tidak dapat memindah pemancar 101.3MHz ke Gunung Ulu Kali, secara alternatif Kool FM boleh menambah 1 pemancar Seremban di Gunung Telapak Burok, sekurang-kurangnya boleh meliputi beberapa kawasan Pahang Barat. Gunung Telapak Burok bukan sajanya meliputi Negeri Sembilan (seperti Seremban, Port Dickson, Kuala Pilah, Jelebu, Jempol Tengah, dan Rembau Utara) dan Selangor Selatan, ia boleh meliputi kawasan Pahang juga.

Untuk frekuensinya, agak sesak di Negeri Sembilan juga. Selepas saya "scan" (mencari) frekuensi kosong dengan menggunakan penerima radio, 102.1MHz hanya frekuensi kosong yang mungkin sesuai digunakan.

==Cadangan anternatif frekuensi Kool FM untuk Pahang Barat/Tengah==

Frekuensi: FM 102.1MHz (frekuensi terakhir di Negeri Sembilan)
Kuasa: 2kW (secara standard)
Tempat pemancar: Gunung Telapak Burok, Negeri Sembilan

Bagi meliputi kawasan Pahang Tengah dan sebahagian Pahang Barat, antenna pemancar Kool FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Burok perlu tala ke arah timur laut. Selain itu, pemancar Kool FM Telapak Burok perlu kurang tala ke arah selatan untuk mengelakkan gangguan liputan kepada Melaka FM 102.3MHz di Melaka.

==Kool FM Negeri Sembilan/Pahang Tengah==

101.8MHz: MY FM Gunung Ulu Kali
102.1MHz: Kool FM Gunung Telapak Burok
<300kHz, OK>

102.1MHz: Kool FM Gunung Telapak Burok
102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang
<200kHz, OK>

Dengan frekuensi Seremban Kool FM dari Gunung Telapak Burok, Kool FM sekurang-kurangnya boleh diterima di kawasan Pahang bawah berikut:

- Bandar Bera
- Keratong
- FELDA Tembangau
- Teriang
- Temerloh
- Chenor
- Mentakab
- Lanchang
- Manchis (kawasan luar bandar Bentong)

Mungkin kawasan Jerantut boleh menerima siaran Kool FM dari Seremban juga, walaupun tiada pemancar Gunung Ulu Kali.

Tetapi Karak, Bentong, Raub, Lurah Bilut, dan Lipis tidak akan menerima siaran Kool FM dari Gunung Telapak Burok akibat kawasan tersebut dilindungi banjaran Titiwangsa.

Pada masa yang sama, selain daripada frekuensi Kuantan Kool FM di Bukit Pelindung untuk Pahang Timur dan frekuensi Negeri Sembilan Kool FM di Gunung Telapak Burok untuk Seremban dan Pahang Tengah, frekuensi Melaka Kool FM di Gunung Ledang juga diperlukan bagi meliputi kawasan Pahang Selatan seperti Kemayan, Keratong, Rompin dan Muadzam Shah.