RTM Minnal FM shall migrate Ipoh frequency to FM 99.0MHz

More than 2 decades, RTM Minnal FM always suffers interference issue in Perak state after launching of 988 FM since 1996. 

Minnal FM current Ipoh frequency is FM 98.9MHz, transmitted from Gunung Kledang. It is always clashed by 988 FM 98.8MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in many Perak areas, critical locations are:

- Teluk Intan
- Langkap
- Air Mawang
- Kampung Gajah
- Sitiawan
- Lumut
- Pulau Pangkor
- Hutan Melintang

These areas above are under Gunung Kledang coverage actually. 988 has no problem with the interference issue because listeners there tune to FM 99.8MHz from Gunung Kledang, but Minnal FM is the problem because alternative frequency FM 96.3MHz Gn Ulu Kali and FM 107.9MHz Bukit Larut are less stable.

Ayer Tawar reception is ok as 988 FM 98.8MHz cannot be received there.

I had highlighted this many years ago, since 2011. I also wrote an email to RTM engineering department regarding this issue by revealing my suggestion, I was told that RTM radio stations are using 6+1 transmitter system, where 6 transmitters share with 1 standby antenna. So, they are difficult to change Minnal FM Ipoh frequency, despite FM 98.9MHz was used earlier than FM 98.8MHz. To change frequency, RTM needs to pay high cost because need to remove many transmission equipment. Under BN era, RTM is always loss making public media.

Now, Pakatan Harapan takes over Barisan Nasional as Malaysia government, and YB Gobind Singh Deo is appointed as Communications and Multimedia Minister, so RTM is going for full revolution within 6 months. Besides of its programming revolution, RTM shall look back of its interfered frequencies on its radio stations in order to serve better to public by solving interference issue.


Because Minnal FM Ipoh frequency 98.9MHz suffers interference with 988 FM 98.8MHz for 22 years, it is impossible to urge 988 to change frequency due to the branding. Therefore, to serve Perak Indians better in terms of reception issue, I think RTM Minnal FM shall change its Ipoh frequency to FM 99.0MHz. Current FM 98.9MHz is too closed to FM 98.8MHz, so Minnal FM shall move further 100kHz on Ipoh frequency. Minimum frequency separation between Gunung Kledang and Gunung Ulu Kali is 200kHz.
  
==Minnal FM Ipoh frequency suggestion== 
* Frequency: FM 99.0MHz
* Power: 2kW (same as current 98.9MHz)
* Transmitter site: Gunung Kledang (same as current 98.9MHz)

==RF analysis of Minnal FM 99.0MHz Ipoh frequency==

98.8MHz: 988 FM Gunung Ulu Kali
99.0MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Kledang
<200kHz, GOOD>

98.7MHz: Traxx FM Gunung Jerai
99.0MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Kledang
<300kHz, OK>

99.0MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Kledang
99.3MHz: Raaga FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<300kHz, OK>

98.9MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Penara/Bukit Genting
99.0MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Kledang
<100kHz, OK>

99.0MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Kledang
99.1MHz: Fly FM Alor Setar Tower
<100kHz, OK>

In conclusion, I hope RTM Minnal FM will migrate Ipoh frequency to FM 99.0MHz. Therefore, those affected Perak areas can receive Minnal FM from Gunung Kledang on 99.0MHz loudly and clearly, even South Perak areas like Sungkai and Terolak still can get it.