Manis FM is Malay language commercial radio station for east coast, operated since 1998. Originally it was Kelantan-based radio station, operated by Husa Network Sdn Bhd on FM 88.7MHz at Wisma Bangunan Billion office.
Later in 2003, Manis FM expanded coverage to Terengganu and East Pahang, its Kota Bharu frequency was changed to FM 90.6MHz. Manis FM competes with THR Gegar (Astro Malay East Coast radio station) in Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. In 2010, Manis FM was acquired by Terengganu state government which held by Barisan Nasional (BN).
Malaysia 14th general election was held on 9th May 2018, result was launched officially on 10th May 2018. Barisan Nasional was defeated in Terengganu state (with other states except Pahang and Sarawak), Terengganu was fallen to PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia).
Generally, after Terengganu was handover by PAS, Manis FM begins to be owned by PAS Terengganu state government today. Some of my friends in east coast informed that Manis FM is likely to be rebranded or ceased operation, but it is unofficial yet. Currently it is east coast entertainment based radio station for east coast Malay listeners, same format as THR Gegar. When PAS Terengganu state government takes over Manis FM, I may think that Manis FM can be rebranded to 24 hours Islamic radio station to target Muslim listeners in east coast.
In terms of current commercial driven and listenership share, Manis FM is defeated to popular THR Gegar. So, I may think this radio station will get much revenue, it is likely a loss-making radio station.
Malaysia has 3 Islamic related radio stations:
1. IKIM FM is the earliest one, operated by Malaysia Islamic Understandings Institute department (IKIM), launched in 2001 to target various of Muslim listeners (no target age).
2. Salam FM, operated by Islam Development Department (JAKIM, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia), broadcasting from 2300 hours to 0800 hours on RTM Asyik FM frequency.
3. Zayan, operated by Astro Radio to target contemporary modern Muslim listeners, aged 18-35 years old.
From my view, Terengganu and Kelantan are conservative states in Malaysia, but both states have different politic phenomena. So, if Manis FM is rebranded, I may guess it will target conservative groups. Besides that, if I compare with Zayan and IKIM FM, I also guess this radio station direction will be more conservative than Zayan and IKIM FM.
Moreover, I may think Manis FM will broadcast 24 hours Islamic programmes, from Quran recite commentary to the lectures (ceramah) like Hang FM 106.0MHz in Batam, Indonesia where I can receive in Johor Bahru and Singapore.
Another possibility is the station management may decide to stop Manis FM broadcasting and sell to other buyer. If Manis FM is sold, I can suggest BFM Media to acquire this radio station and rebrand to Malay business radio station (sister to BFM 89.9), named as RPM (Radio Perdagangan Malaysia) or RBM (Radio Bisnes Malaysia), but there is some problem too, that's expansion to west coast area due to frequency limitation.
I don't think BFM simply relay Klang Valley programme 89.9Mhz on Manis FM frequencies, as FM 89.9MHz programmes are in English. In addition, BFM 89.9 programmes are not fit to Kelantan and
Terengganu listeners' demand, plus listenership rating and commercial driven for English radio markets are super low in Kelantan and Terengganu. In terms of advertising, BFM 89.9 advertisers are education company, high level car automaker where has no outlet and branches there.
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