The commercial value of Kelantan and Terengganu states for radio station market

Usually a new radio station mass market will focus in Klang Valley as it is highest population region in Malaysia. In addition, Klang Valley region covers Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur. Klang Valley covers Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Rawang, Shah Alam, Klang, Subang Jaya, Putrajaya, Cheras, Puchong, Serdang, Kajang, Sepang, Cyberjaya, Kuala Langat, Banting, Sungai Buloh, Ampang, Selayang, and Batu Caves. Most of radio stations in Malaysia are mainly focusing in Klang Valley, Penang, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Perak, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu due to higher commercial driven.

Among all Malaysia's states, Kelantan and Terengganu are the lowest commercial driven states, regardless radio broadcasting industry, or investment company. Now I'm going to talk about radio market in these region.

In Kelantan, and Terengganu, only Malay language radio stations can survive there well due to highest Malay population. East-coast based Astro THR Gegar and Manis FM did well there, even RTM Terengganu FM and Kelantan FM too. The rest of radio stations in English, Chinese and Tamil have no commercial value in Kelantan and Terengganu.

Politically, Kelantan and Terengganu are conservative states where currently held by PAS. So, a lot of controversial law and those conservative practices are implemented in those states. When the super conservative practices are implemented, there will have much restrictions to the people. Example: cinema divides men and women. Then, watching movies at the cinemas must turn on the light. Those conservatives policy will frighten the investors from developing Kelantan and Terengganu.

Same goes for non-Malay languages radio stations, Kelantan and Terengganu are not profitable to them. Here are the list of Malaysia TV and radio stations where unavailable in Kelantan and Terengganu via FM radio frequency:

* Chinese: 988 (Star Radio Group), One FM (Media Prima), goXUAN (Astro) and City Plus FM (Cense Media)
* English: Red FM (Star Radio Group disposed radio station), BFM
* Tamil: Raaga (Astro)
* Malay: Zayan (Astro), Best FM

Zayan is modern Muslim digital platform also a radio station by Astro, it targets modern Muslim listeners in Malaysia, but so far Astro has not expanded this radio station to Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu, I may think that these locations are conservative enough, did not fit to Zayan market. As Malay radio station to target modern Muslim, I feel it is freak when it does not expand in Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu.

Best FM (who is owned by Johor Sultan), based in Johor Bahru, it did perform trial transmission in Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu last year, but at last Best FM did not launch in Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu. I believed no commercial value to Best FM, plus Best FM contents are mostly based in Johor. In addition, Johor content are very far away from Kelantan and Terengganu culture, Johor content are more modern actually due to its geographical locations where just next to Singapore.

Aside political factor, some of my friends did ask me that why don't 988, one FM, and City Plus FM have frequencies in Kelantan and Terengganu. Actually I also did some "roughly" market research for these Chinese radio stations, according to their marketing, they are focusing on Chinese majority areas, so they don't go nationwide. Moreover, in terms of advertisement, the Chinese radio stations such as One FM and 988 FM are airing "non-Halal" products commercials during the break, the advertisers such as SPORTS TOTO, Magnum 4D, Loong Kee Barbeque Meat (龍記肉乾) promote their products via radio commercial break in order to attract Chinese consumers in Malaysia, actually found nothing problem.

Inversely, if 988 and One FM expanded coverage in Kelantan and Terengganu, I don't think they will get more revenue due to these advertisers are not interesting to promote their products on the radio which include these states. Plus, these advertisers direction is not complying to the culture of the states. Other than this, for listenership ratings, although if 988 and One FM have frequencies there, I don't think the ratings will be greatly increased, even Media Prima 8TV has no coverage in Kelantan and Terengganu for analog terrestrial television, but Kelantan and Terengganu people can watch 8TV via Astro CH708 and recent MYTV DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television.

Astro two Chinese radio stations MY FM and Melody FM do have Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu seats, but Astro put priority on coverage first. RTM Chinese Ai FM radio stations also have few frequencies in Kelantan and Terengganu, but RTM is government media, so that's government services actually.

Media Prima, STAR and other broadcasters prioritize on commercial value of the state, rather than coverage concern. Expand coverage in those regions who have no commercial value will not help a radio broadcaster to gain the advertising revenue where the radio stations need to bear the transmission fees of tower rental, salary of the staffs, and company incomes. Unless the radio broadcaster aim proper direction and target, so the revenue will be coming to them.

Radio broadcasting has same things with investment market company. Developers, restaurants, car service centers/showrooms network coverage are also based on commercial value of the region. I'm giving an example, Lexus Malaysia showroom/service centers in Malaysia.

Lexus is a premium vehicle brand by Toyota to compete with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo Audi, and Infiniti. Actually Lexus showroom and service center availability are based on the consumers' demand by region, so Lexus does not expand their showrooms and service center to the rural areas and low population regions because no Lexus consumers demand to buy the vehicles. If do that so, Lexus could face loss-making due to poor sales.

Current Lexus showrooms and service centers in Malaysia regions are Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Damansara, Kuching, Melaka and Kota Kinabalu. This reminds me to think radio stations commercial value and market aim when expansion plan is rolled out.

I pick another example of a radio station, that's my favorite BFM 89.9. It is an English business radio station, mainly targets PMEBs. So, its advertisers are mainly premium automakers, educations, property, investors, and premium business solutions. Recently, I also heard Volvo advertisement on BFM 89.9, their main vehicles on radio advertisement are S90 and XC60. Volvo is the competitor of Lexus actually.

When BFM 89.9 is willing to expand coverage to other territory, same as Lexus showroom and service center network coverage that I mentioned above. Coverage expansion is based on advertisers and commercial value of a territory.

As business radio station with premium brand advertisers, besides Klang Valley, other territories such as Melaka, Johor Bahru, Seremban, Ipoh and Penang are the mass coverage to them. Due to premium brand advertisers never invest their products in east coast, so the radio station has no interest to expand there due to no commercial value.

Kuantan (capital of Pahang state) is not so bad for most of the radio stations regardless any languages, but it is still not matured yet in terms of development, commercial driven, businesses and investment.

If I compare between Kelantan and Terengganu, Kelantan is poorer actually. Even when international or foreign tourists visit Malaysia, they usually travel Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Sabah, Sarawak, Perak, Pahang, Penang, Kedah, Langkawi, Negeri Sembilan (PD), Johor and Selangor, but unfortunately less number of them visit Kelantan. Meanwhile Terengganu is slightly better a little bit than Kelantan because of Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang beautiful and attactive islands in the state.

In conclusion, Kelantan and Terengganu can have commercial value if these states are developed and opened by ceasing those conservative practices. So, if these states get developed, the investors will come naturally, then it will create job opportunities.

[EXCLUSIVE]: BFM 89.9 turns 10 years anniversary of broadcasting in Malaysia. #BFMis10

Time flies! Malaysia's first English business radio station BFM 89.9 will celebrate its 10 years anniversary of broadcasting in Malaysia on 4th September 2018. Hereby I'm Philip Yong would like to wish BFM 89.9 Happy Anniversary.

Now BFM 89.9 turns 10! To me, BFM 89.9 is the best English radio station that I listen, alongside with Traxx FM where is music based radio station. The programmes are nice enough, unlike other radio stations air those slapstick and crappy stuff which are not suitable to my ear.

BFM 89.9 is neutral and independent enough when reporting about current affairs, headlines and politics, neither pro-government nor pro-opposition media. Its programme "BFM Breakfast Grille" is BFM's signature segment, the interview is very verbal, firm and detail.

Bieber Free Music. BFM 89.9 is anti Justin Bieber? YES, it is also against those crappy mainstream music.

Despite BFM 89.9 celebrates 10 years anniversary on September 2018, I did remember that the frequency 89.9 was operated on December 2007 as trial transmission. During test transmission, the station ident was just simply named BFM without "89.9" suffix. On December 2007, I still remembered that BFM was playing two impressive songs during trial transmission, namely:

- Sacrifice by Elton John (my all time favorite song from the year 1989)
- Down Under by Men At Work

During that time, I was only 13, too young to listen to BFM, I just stick to those hot contemporary radio stations such as Hitz, Fly FM, Traxx FM, and Red FM in 2007-09, then slowly switched to Mix, Capital FM 88.9 and Lite since 2010. After that, I listened to BFM 89.9 partially around December 2013 for the music programme, mainly Pick of The Pops. Few years later until year end of 2015, I put BFM 89.9 as no.1 radio preset for my car and home radio, meant that I fully listen to this radio station.

BFM 89.9 is not same as other radio stations in terms of music genre. While other mainstream radio stations are always following the current music trend which are crappy much, but BFM 89.9 does not follow those crappy trend where are worse than slapstick. BFM 89.9 plays independent/classic rock and classic oldies from 1960s till 1980s where are not played on other radio station during non-talk programmes. In addition, BFM 89.9 does feature those niche music programmes on its weekend supplement such as:

- Take Five (playing jazz music from yesterday and today)
- Wavelength (Asian waves)
- The Flow (Hip Hop, RnB, House)
- 33RPM (Indie rock)
- Muddy Confluence Music Companion (final episode was on 25th August 2018)
- Pick of The Pops (Classic Hits from 1950s till 1980s) 

Former music programs such as: Twang, Very Noise. BFM 89.9 is "act cute-free" radio station in terms of music as other mainstream radio stations (espcially Chinese languages contemporary hot radio station) who usually play "act cute" songs. BFM 89.9 does have Malay language segment from 11pm till 6am on weekdays, then 11pm till 7am on weekends and public holidays. For Malay segment, BFM 89.9 usually plays Malay songs. Its music genres are Malay classic songs from 1950s till 1980s, then Malay indie music, even Malay segment features Malaysia patriotic songs. BFM 89.9 Malay segment playlist is totally different from those Malay mainstream music radio stations which play "attention seeker" songs. BFM did not play those "attention seeker" artists' songs such as Haqiem Rusli or something Bieber alike where are crappy. "Attention seeker" songs are not welcomed on BFM 89.9. I do say that because these kind of artists just use something negative or crappy stuffs which are not liked by public in order to seek attention from public by promoting him/herself. BFM 89.9 keeps its music playlist independent, and reaches away from the mainstream.

Pick of The Pops (POTP) with Patrick Teoh is my all time favorite BFM 89.9 weekend supplement ever, I listened to this show officially since end 2015. I usually listened to POTP on Monday 9pm for repeat, I missed the first air show on Saturday 2pm as that's my working hours. Since October 2016, POTP was no longer having repeat show on Monday as That Time Of Night programming hours were swapped from 8pm-9pm to 9pm-10pm. For this moment, the movement did not disappoint me because I listened to POTP by downloading podcast after 4pm on Saturdays. When I was at office, I usually checked on BFM 89.9 website www.bfm.my for latest POTP podcasts after 4pm, then I downloaded it to my office PC, then transfer to my smartphone. When my working hours ended, I began to play Pick of The Pops podcast on my mobile phone from office to the car, then to the home. For my listening hours, I do make it flexible. Since I missed the show on Saturday 2pm, but I do listen from Saturday 6pm till 8pm, it is more flexible to me, unless there is certain special activity on Saturday after 6pm, I will only delay listening on Monday 7.30pm. Sometimes the show can blow away the mood of Monday Blues if listen on Monday. Also, I do usually listen to "Cruise Control" (hosted by the presenter Richard Bradbury and Daniel Fernandez aka DSF) via podcast as it is related to automotive matters.

A visit to BFM 89.9 at Bu8 on May 2017

Testing! Testing! Oops, actually I'm not on air.

Seriously I was used to visit BFM 89.9 office at Bu8 before in 2016, 2017 and 2018 for having private discussion with one of "BFMer", I do like the environment of the radio station, it is magical place actually. They're very friendly actually. Moreover, I was used to meet with the founder of BFM 89.9 actually, Malek Ali for certain discussion, he is friendly enough. When I had some mistakes of presenting my thoughts over broadcast transmission procedure, he did correct me. BFM 89.9 is also the place that I learnt something personally.

Me with David Chew (BFM 89.9 Producer) & Malek Ali (Founder of BFM 89.9) for having dinner on 23th May 2018

Although radio broadcasting is not my job, but it is one of my interesting hobby, somewhat I do learn about broadcast personally.

BFM 89.9 is mainly Klang Valley radio station in Malaysia, but this radio station is accessible in outside of Klang Valley via same frequency such as:

1. Pahang
- Kuala Lipis, Raub, Temerloh, Padang Tengku, Lanchang, Mentakab, Bera, Triang, Karak, Dong, Benta, Lurah Bilut, Sungai Ruan, Sungai Koyan, Sega, Fraser Hill, Bentong, Maran, Kemayan, Keratong, Bandar Muadzam Shah, Jengka, Chenor, Gambang and Genting Highlands.

2. Negeri Sembilan
- Nilai, Mantin, Lenggeng
- Seremban, Port Dickson, Lukut, Pedas, Teluk Kemang, Rembau, Linggi, Pasir Panjang
- Bahau, Gemas, Rompin, Serting, Simpang Pertang, Simpang Durian, Sungai Lui, Jempol, Air Hitam, Laddang Geddes.

3. Southern Perak
- Tapah, Bidor, Sungkai, Trolak, Slim River, Tanjung Malim, Teluk Intan, Bagan Datoh, Langkap, Hutan Melintang, Chenderiang, Temoh, Selekoh, Sg Sumun, Kampung Gajah.
-  Bota, Seri Iskandar, Lambor Kanan, Lumut, Manjung, Sitiawan, Ayer Tawar.
- Teronoh, Tanjung Tualang, Mambang Di Awan, Ayer Kuning and some part of Kampar

4. Melaka
- Masjid Tanah, Alor Gajah, Malacca Town, Kem Terendak, Kuala Sungai Baru, Lubuk China, Sungai Udang.

6. Johor
- Segamat, Batu Anam, Labis

When I travel outside of Klang Valley such as Southern Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Pahang, I usually bring my radio set and mobile phone with radio receiver to perform reception test of BFM 89.9. During perform radio reception test, I will record down the audio and publish on YouTube to claim that BFM 89.9 is available outside Klang Valley. In addition, I may help to promote this business radio station outside Klang Valley.

Again. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to BFM 89.9. Wish BFM 89.9 will stay long-life, and happy broadcasting to BFM crews. Here I also hope that BFM 89.9 will expand its coverage to other territories such as Penang, Melaka, Johor, Perak and Negeri Sembilan successfully via FM radio, All The Best to BFM 89.9. I also would like to thank to someone for inviting me to visit BFM 89.9 studio and office with the discussions.

Building Future Malaysia. Bluff-Free Medium. Balanced Frank Medium. Busy Finding Money. Bieber-Free Music. Brake Faster Macha. Building First-World Mindset.

RTM state radio stations offerings between Klang Valley and Penang.

RTM actually has state radio station for each state to serve the regional listeners where listen to more localized content and information of the state by broadcasting state-related programs.

Each state of Malaysia has at least 1 state radio station. Basically, RTM state radio station is only for the particular state (Example, Negeri FM for Negeri Sembilan only), but it can be received beyond the state border, even far away from the border.

I noticed that Penang has the similarity with Klang Valley for the availability of RTM state radio stations.

In Penang, 3 RTM state radio stations are available, meanwhile 4 RTM state radio stations are available in Klang Valley.

==RTM state radio stations availability in Klang Valley==
* KL FM 97.2MHz from Kuala Lumpur Tower
* Selangor FM 100.9MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali (mainly for Selangor)
* Pahang FM 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali (mainly for Pahang)
* Negeri FM 92.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok (mainly for Negeri Sembilan)

==RTM state radio stations availability in Penang==

* Mutiara FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Penara 
* Kedah FM 97.5MHz from Gunung Jerai 
* Perak FM 104.1MHz from Bukit Larut 

Even some Melaka and Negeri Sembilan areas can receive 3 RTM radio stations from Gunung Ledang such as Melaka FM 102.3MHz, Johor FM 105.3MHz and Negeri FM 107.7MHz, but this only applies for Gemencheh, Gemas, Nyalas, Asahan, Segamat, Jementah, Jasin, Merlimau, Bemban, Alor Gajah, Tangkak, and Batu Anam. 

Perak FM in Pulau Pangkor

In Pulau Pangkor, most of the radio stations are tuned via Ipoh frequency from Gunung Kledang. For television, RTM does have Pulau Pangkor transmitter actually for this island because not all areas in Pulau Pangkor can receive TV1 and TV2 from Gunung Kledang and Bukit Larut, even Malaysia digital terrestrial television MYTV also already set up Pulau Pangkor transmitter to cover Pangkor Island.

RTM Perak FM is a state radio station for Perak. Of course state radio station shall be given wider coverage than national radio station in order to serve the listeners within a state.

In Pulau Pangkor, I believe Pangkor Island receives Perak FM on FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang, meanwhile FM 104.1MHz Bukit Larut cannot be received in most of the areas, even co-channel interference with Best FM 104.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in most of Manjung areas such as Pantai Remis, Sitiawan, Ayer Tawar, and Lumut. 

According to the coverage map of Perak FM 104.1MHz Bukit Larut and 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang in Pulau Pangkor, FM 95.6MHz is slightly better than FM 104.1MHz in most of the areas, but some of the areas are not covered due to hilly terrains. 

In my opinion, I may think that RTM needs to add low power gap filler transmitter in Pulau Pangkor for Perak FM in order to cover Pangkor Island and some Lumut areas. For the frequency, although the spectrum is very full for main transmitter sites Gunung Kledang and Bukit Larut, but Pulau Pangkor has available spectrum.

Perak FM can use single frequency network with its Tapah frequency FM 97.3MHz (Changkat Rembian) for Pangkor by setting up repeater in TM Pulau Pangkor where RTM TV1 and TV2 transmit for Pangkor. I don't think there is interference if Perak FM sets 97.3MHz in Pulau Pangkor with 0.25kW TX power.

==My coverage study of Perak FM Pulau Pangkor== (testing purpose)

* Frequency: FM 97.3MHz

* Power: 0.25kW

* TX Site: TM Pulau Pangkor

==RF analysis==

97.1MHz: Sinar FM Gunung Jerai

97.3MHz: Perak FM Pangkor

<200kHz, OK>

97.3MHz: Perak FM Pangkor

97.3MHz: Perak FM Changkat Rembian

<0kHz, OK>

97.3MHz: Perak FM Pangkor

97.5MHz: Kedah FM Gunung Jerai

<200kHz, OK>

97.3MHz: Perak FM Pangkor

97.6MHz: Hot FM Gunung Ulu Kali

<300kHz, OK>

With Perak FM low power repeater in Pangkor Island on FM 97.3MHz, I believe Pangkor Island will be covered better than Gunung Kledang, but it is subject to RTM decision whether they want to add pocket filling transmitter for Pangkor or not. 

==Coverage of Perak FM in Pangkor==
- FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang: 70%
- FM 97.3MHz Pangkor gap filler transmitter: 93%
<Difference: 23%> 

==Pulau Pangkor minimum frequency separation== 
- Gunung Kledang: 400kHz
- Bukit Larut: 400kHz
- Gunung Ulu Kali: 200kHz
- Changkat Rembian: 0kHz
- Gunung Brinchang: 0kHz
- Bukit Asa: 0kHz
- Gunung Jerai: 100kHz