FM 101.1MHz in Negeri Sembilan (Bukit Tampin vs. Bukit Gan)

FM 101.1MHz currently is a vacant radio frequency within Negeri Sembilan state, although it is unsuitable in Gunung Telapak Burok because interference to Selangor FM 100.9MHz coverage in Southern Selangor, but FM 101.1MHz is likely suitable to be used in either Bukit Gan or Bukit Tampin.

Bukit Gan is a new radio station transmission site for Seremban city, but coverage is very limited as it has lower elevation, meanwhile Bukit Tampin is the oldest TV and radio transmission site for Melaka before Gunung Ledang was set up in 1982/83.

Now radio spectrum is heavily congested much, so there were many private radio stations unable to expand coverage in Seremban. They don't want to expand coverage in Seremban by putting transmitter in Bukit Gan because coverage is super limited for Seremban and surrounding areas only, and also the commercial reason.

Formerly I did personal coverage research and proposal for Best FM to launch in Seremban on 101.1MHz from Bukit Gan, but I don't think Best FM will add Seremban frequency because the station mainly focuses on Johor market, Seremban is not the station's market.

Ignored too about FM 100.9MHz in Gunung Ledang as it is unsuitable because of co-channel interference with Selangor FM 100.9MHz in Melaka.

In my opinion, neglect about Bukit Gan, FM 101.1MHz is more suitable to work as "alternative" frequency or gap filler transmitter by locating in Bukit Tampin, actually FM 101.1MHz is suitable for RTM Minnal FM to be used in Bukit Tampin in order to solve interference issue in Melaka and cover blind spot areas within Melaka. The frequency FM 101.1MHz can be used by Minnal FM in Bukit Tampin as same frequency with Gunung Pulai 101.1MHz.

For FM 101.1MHz Bukit Tampin, RTM Minnal FM is more suitable than other radio stations.

Minimum frequency separation of Bukit Tampin radio stations.

==Minimum frequency separation of Bukit Tampin radio stations==
* Gunung Ledang: 400kHz
* Gunung Pulai: 200kHz (but 0kHz for single-frequency network radio station)
* Gunung Telapak Burok: 400kHz
* Bukit Gun: 300kHz
* Gunung Ulu Kali: 200kHz
* Bukit Sungai Besi: 100kHz
* Kuala Lumpur Tower: 0kHz
* Bukit Tinggi: 0kHz

RTM Pahang FM added new frequency on FM 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill

On 27th October 2018, I find there was another new radio signal when I touched my radio dial on FM 102.2MHz while I'm on the way from Puchong to Bukit Jalil. The radio station which broadcast on FM 102.2MHz is in Malay language, I received this radio station was around 1845 hours, it was broadcasting religion talk show (Ceramah Agama), then after the ceramah, the Muslim's prayer Azan Maghrib was aired around 1855 hours with some echo sound. For this month, KL and Selangor Maghrib prayer was around between 1900-1905 hours, but FM 102.2MHz Azan Maghrib prayer was aired before 7pm, I believed FM 102.2MHz was belonged to RTM radio station, the reception of FM 102.2MHz was very weak in Bukit Jalil, so I did compared with existing RTM main transmitter radio station by tuning Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali where has better reception in Bukit Jalil, I found FM 107.5MHz and FM 102.2MHz were airing same Azan around 1855 hours.

After this research, I found that FM 102.2MHz was RTM Pahang FM, but I verified that this frequency was transmitted from Fraser's Hill (Bukit Fraser) without asking information from RTM person.

Actually RTM Pahang FM 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill covers blind spot areas in Raub, Pahang, also blind spot within Fraser's Hill where these areas cannot receive Gunung Ulu Kali 107.5MHz. When Pahang FM is using 102.2MHz in Fraser's Hill, then FM 102.0MHz is tested in Bukit Tampin, so FM 102.1MHz is not allowed to be used in Gunung Telapak Burok.

102.2MHz: Pahang FM Fraser's Hill
102.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<300kHz, OK>

102.1MHz: Raaga FM Bukit Larut
102.2MHz: Pahang FM Fraser's Hill
<100kHz, OK>

Although 102.2MHz is not clear in Klang Valley, but the reception of Pahang FM 102.2MHz Fraser's Hill is stronger than Nasional FM 106.2MHz and Radio Klasik FM 90.9MHz in Puchong, Selangor (Bandar Kinrara 4 is tested area).

Here's is the video....

RTM Bukit Tampin radio stations

RTM currently has two radio stations in Bukit Tampin, first is Negeri FM 95.7MHz, second may be FM 102.0MHz which is trial transmission with ON-OFF signal.

FM 102.0MHz transmission is always on-off as it is test transmission, it can become Melaka FM second frequency to cover blind spot areas in Melaka where are not covered by FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang, the frequency FM 102.0MHz is not activated yet.

==Current RTM Bukit Tampin stations==
* FM 95.7MHz: Negeri FM (0.1kW)
* FM 102.0MHz: Test transmission (suspect Melaka FM, but TX power is likely 0.5kW)

Previously I had published last blog to talk about Minnal FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang interference issue in Melaka, then I shared my thoughts and suggestions to solve the issue by adding frequency in Bukit Tampin for Minnal FM on 101.1MHz (same with Gunung Pulai).

If RTM launches Minnal FM in Bukit Tampin for Melaka, Minnal FM can become 3rd RTM radio station to be launched in Bukit Tampin. In addition, it can become first Tamil radio station and first non-Malay language RTM radio station in Bukit Tampin. Inversely if RTM Minnal FM Gunung Ledang has no interference issue in Melaka, Bukit Tampin transmitter is not needed anymore.

For rest of RTM radio stations such as Radio Klasik, Nasional FM, Ai FM and Traxx FM, these stations don't need to launch Bukit Tampin transmitter as their frequencies can cover whole Melaka perfectly. Minnal FM is the only problem RTM Gunung Ledang radio station for interference issue in Melaka. 

==RTM Bukit Tampin radio stations (including my suggestion)==
* FM 95.7MHz: Negeri FM (0.1kW)
* FM 102.0MHz: Test transmission (suspect Melaka FM, but TX power is likely 0.5kW)
* FM 101.1MHz: Minnal FM (0.5kW)

Negeri FM 95.7MHz covers blind spot areas within Tampin and Rembau where are not covered by 92.6 and 107.7, meanwhile FM 102.0MHz may cover blind spot areas within Melaka where Gunung Ledang reception is not clear, but Minnal FM 101.1MHz Bukit Tampin is going to cover affected Melaka areas where FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang is co-channel interfered by Era FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.

How to solve RTM Minnal FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang interference issue in Melaka?

RTM Minnal FM frequency in Melaka and North Johor is 103.3MHz from Gunung Ledang, but reception in Central Melaka is unstable, compare to other RTM Gunung Ledang radio stations reception in Melaka because Minnal FM 103.3MHz has co-channel interference (also known as "cross-talk") with Era FM 103.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in part of Melaka.

The interference happens in Pahang (Kemayan, Bandar Bera, Teriang and Temerloh) and Negeri Sembilan is different with Melaka as Era and Minnal FM can be tuned alternatively or proper frequencies in Pahang and Negeri Sembilan.

==Case study in Pahang==
1. In Kemayan, Minnal FM 103.3MHz and Era FM 103.3MHz has co-channel interference, but Era FM 103.6MHz and Minnal FM 90.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok have no signal there, so Era FM can be tuned on 90.3MHz from Gunung Ledang, meanwhile Minnal FM can be tuned on 96.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

2. In Teriang, Bera and part of Temerloh, Era FM can be tuned on 103.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok, meanwhile Minnal FM can be tuned on 96.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali or 90.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok.

==Case study in Negeri Sembilan==
1. When Minnal FM 103.3MHz and Era FM 103.3MHz has co-channel interference, Era FM and Minnal FM can be tuned on 103.6MHz and 90.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok respectively. For Jempol areas like Felda Lui where Gunung Telapak Burok reception is poor, Era FM can be tuned on 90.3MHz from Gunung Ledang, then Minnal FM can be tuned on 96.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali or 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang (subject no interference condition)

==Case study in Melaka==

1. When Minnal FM 103.3MHz and Era FM 103.3MHz has co-channel interference, Era FM can be tuned on 90.3MHz Gunung Ledang or 103.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok, but Minnal FM can be tuned on 90.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok, but for Minnal FM, 90.5MHz can be received loudly and clearly in selected Melaka areas only.

The co-channel interference between Minnal FM Gunung Ledang and Era FM Gunung Ulu Kali on 103.3MHz happens in western areas of Melaka including coastal part such as Masjid Tanah, Lubuk Cina, Kuala Sungai Baru, Tanjung Kling, Kem Terendak, Melaka City, Sungai Udang, Klebang, Tanjung Bidara and Batu Berendam, even I can hear the interference around Jonker Street, St Paul's Church, Stadthuys and Famosa, Alternatively, I can tune to 90.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok, but reception is not so clear much as interfered by Era 90.3 from Gn Ledang and RRI PRO-1 Bengkalis 90.6MHz from Indonesia.

It is expensive to solve Minnal FM Gunung Ledang interference issue by changing frequency from 103.3 to 103.1 because RTM is using "5+1" combiner system, where RTM 5 radio stations transmitters share with a standby antenna. From my view, if one of RTM radio station is going to be changed frequency, so rest of RTM radio stations will be affected in this exercise. Then, RTM still needs to do spectrum planning and those calculations again when doing Minnal FM Gunung Ledang frequency migration, so this will cause high cost to do such action. 

Rather than changing frequency, RTM can buy new transmitter for Minnal FM and install at alternative site which also covers Melaka.

In my opinion, to solve Minnal FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang co-channel interference issue, RTM shall launch 1 additional transmitter in Bukit Tampin in order to cover Melaka with better and more stable reception. Actually Bukit Tampin is alternative radio transmission site to cover Melaka after Gunung Ledang where covers Melaka, North Johor and Southeast Negeri Sembilan. Regarding Minnal FM Bukit Tampin frequency, I suggest FM 101.1MHz because its existing South Johor frequency from Gunung Pulai is also using 101.1MHz, so RTM can manage Minnal FM self-interference issue on 101.1MHz under SFN (Single Frequency Network).

==My suggestion of Minnal FM alternative Melaka frequency==

* Frequency: FM 101.1MHz

* Power: 0.5kW-0.75kW

* Transmission Site: Bukit Tampin

* Coverage area: Melaka, also available in Tampin and Rembau.

==RF analysis of Minnal FM 101.1MHz Bukit Tampin==

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Tampin (0.5kW)

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai (5kW)

<0kHz, OK as both are same station under SFN>

100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali
101.1MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Tampin
<200kHz, OK>

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Tampin
101.5MHz: Raaga FM Gunung Telapak Burok
<400kHz, OK>

According to the RF analysis above, Selangor FM 100.9MHz coverage will not be interfered as it gaps 200kHz with Minnal FM 101.1MHz Bukit Tampin. Since FM 100.9MHz that I proposed previously for being used in Gunung Ledang is not suitable due to co-channel interference with Selangor FM 100.9MHz in northwest Melaka, so FM 100.9MHz is no longer become my research in Gunung Ledang anymore.  

With launching Minnal FM Bukit Tampin transmitter 101.1MHz, I believe listeners in Melaka especially affected areas will receive this radio station loudly and clearly, the reception of Minnal FM will be better and more stable than FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang if RTM buys additional transmitter and install at alternative site for Melaka.

Same with RTM Minnal FM sister radio station, Negeri FM, it does have Bukit Tampin frequency on 95.7MHz, but Negeri FM 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin is targeting Tampin, Rembau and Kota where these areas need Bukit Tampin because these locations are not fully covered by Gunung Telapak Burok FM 92.6MHz and Gunung Ledang FM 107.7MHz. For Minnal FM, my suggestion to launch Bukit Tampin is not to cover Rembau and Tampin like Negeri FM, but to cover Melaka alternatively in order to settle FM 103.3MHz interference issue.

I wish RTM will solve this issue in order to provide Minnal FM's listeners an alternative to listen to the station in Melaka when 103.3MHz is interfered.

==Minnal FM frequencies in southern region with suggested additional frequency==
- FM 90.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok covers Negeri Sembilan (Jelebu, Seremban, Port Dickson, Rembau, Kuala Pilah, Central Jempol)
- FM 101.1MHz Bukit Tampin covers Melaka (my suggestion)**, available in Tampin and Rembau (although it's not main targeted coverage)
- FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang covers Northern Johor (Muar, Ledang, Segamat, Batu Pahat and Kluang), Southern Melaka (Asahan, Jasin, Bemban, Nyalas, Merlimau) and Southeast Negeri Sembilan (Tampin, Gemencheh, Gemas, Rompin, and Palong)
- FM 101.1MHz Gunung Pulai covers Southern Johor
- FM 88.3MHz Bukit Tinggi covers Mersing and East Johor

**Suggestion for alternative frequency to solve 103.3 co-channel interference issue in affected Melaka areas

If RTM launches Minnal FM in Bukit Tampin on 101.1MHz, Minnal FM will becomes first Tamil language public radio station to be launched with gap filler/alternative frequency as RTM does usually launching pocket filling frequencies for its Malay language radio stations only.

Bukit Palong transmission for Penang, is it able to attract advertisers?

Back to 2015, actually I began involving as volunteer behind the scene to help BFM 89.9 to do some research on Penang frequency planning, I heard that their Penang frequency applications were rejected by MCMC (Malaysia Communications Multimedia Commission) when I read few articles before, so I tried to help BFM 89.9. First, I was doing research about Bukit Palong coverage in order to cover Penang. Why Bukit Palong? This was because I could receive Bukit Palong RTM radio stations in Penang, mainly Georgetown in December 2013, signal was moderate.

Bukit Palong actually is located in Baling, Kedah, a hill between Kedah and Perak border. Its main coverage areas are East Kedah (Baling) and Hulu Perak (Pengkalan Hulu), Betong Thailand is bonus area, but Bukit Palong transmission can be received in some Penang areas, just distant signal form.

Because of my listening experience of receiving Bukit Palong radio station in Penang, so I decided to make my personal suggestion to MCMC for BFM to get Bukit Palong frequency in order to cover Penang alternatively, but I was receiving result that Bukit Palong was unable to cover Penang as it is far away from Penang and it has no commercial value. Although I could receive Bukit Palong radio station in Penang, but the reception is unstable and Penang got partially covered only. Unlike Gunung Jerai and Bukit Penara where fully cover Penang, Bukit Palong covers partially Penang areas, even quarterly covers. Bukit Larut has better coverage than Bukit Palong for Penang seriously.

I look back about the radio station profile of BFM recently, BFM is English business radio station in Malaysia where currently covers Klang Valley, South Perak, West Pahang and parts of Negeri Sembilan/Melaka. I usually listen to this business radio station, regardless peak hours or non-peak hours, so I also do listen to BFM advertisers' radio commercials, most of advertisers' products and services on BFM are telecommunication, education, health, business solutions, and cars (luxury cars, but minimum D-segment saloon).

I pick car advertisers as main topic. As BFM is business radio station in Malaysia, the radio stations attract few automakers to advertise their new cars on BFM, such as:

1. Volvo (XC40, XC60, XC90 and S90)
2. Mercedes-Benz (Switch to EQ)
3. BMW
4. Renault (Koleos)
5. Nissan (Serena and Teana)
6. Toyota (service or new car purchase promotion)
7. Honda (Accord)
8. Peugeot (3008)
9. DS Automobiles (DS5)
10. Audi
11. Subaru

Among these automaker companies, their target consumers are in the city, and premium urban areas. Penang is premium urban state within northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.

Note: Perodua and Proton are not advertised on BFM, but they advertised on mainstream radio where are entertainment-based stations.

I pick Lexus is an example, although Lexus is not used to advertise its car on BFM before. Lexus is a luxury division company of Toyota Motor Corporation, it is premium brand by Toyota. So, the competitors of Lexus are Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Acura, Volvo, Jaguar, and DS Automobiles. In Malaysia, Lexus Malaysia was established since 2006 officially, currently Lexus has eight showrooms and service outlets in Malaysia, covers Kuala Lumpur, Damansara, Ipoh, Penang, Melaka, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

If one day BFM uses Bukit Palong transmission site to cover Penang, meanwhile Lexus is willing to advertise the all-new Lexus ES250 on BFM to attract buyers in Klang Valley and Penang from the radio station listeners, but the advertisers may not invest when Bukit Palong mainly covers Baling and Pengkalan Hulu.

Lexus ES250 2019

Currently Lexus has no showrooms and service outlets in Kedah, even Baling and Pengkalan Hulu are not premium areas. There have no Lexus buyers in Baling, Kedah, so Lexus may not be able to attract more buyers to own ES250 in Penang because Bukit Palong cannot cover many Penang areas, even may face loss revenue on advertisement due to effective-less advertising.

Advertisers are looking at strategic transmitting location, rather than alternative transmitting sites where can't cover those urban areas completely. Same as Kuantan, Lexus has no any outlets in Pahang areas because less people owns luxury vehicles there. So, this means that Kuantan has no commercial value to BFM.

In conclusion, based on my own personal research by putting Lexus as an example, Bukit Palong cannot create commercial value as Penang is not its target coverage. Since this opinion is made, I'm no longer putting Bukit Palong as proposed site for my research anymore. Therefore, what I recommend about the transmission site for BFM Penang frequency is either Bukit Penara, TM Gelugor, Seberang Jaya, BM Hill, Penang U4 or Gunung Jerai, depends on the availability of the tower infrastructure. If uses transmission sites where are mainly for Penang, regardless main site or new site, the commercial driven is high as they attract more advertisers.

Liputan kawasan jangkaan di Perak jika RTM melancarkan pemancar Changkat Rembian untuk Asyik FM 107.7MHz

Untuk meliputi kawasan Perak lebih jelas daripada 102.5 dan 105.1 bagi Asyik FM, pemancar Changkat Rembian dengan kekuatan pemancar 1kW diperlukan. Ini adalah cadangan parameter saya:

==Parameter frekuensi Asyik FM di Tapah Perak Selatan==
* Frekuensi: FM 107.7MHz
* Kuasa: 1kW (boleh ditambah kepada 2kW jika diperlukan)
* Tempat pemancar: Changkat Rembian, 35000 Tapah, Perak

==Liputan kawasan jangkaan Asyik FM pemancar Changkat Rembian 107.7MHz dengan kuasa 1kW==

* Tapah
* Temoh
* Bidor
* Chenderiang
* Sungkai
* Langkap
* Teluk Intan
* Kampung Gajah
* Bota
* Batu Gajah
* Tapah Road
* Tanjung Tualang
* Mambang Di Awan
* Teronoh
* Siputah
* Pusing
* Seri Iskandar
* Sebahagian Kampar
* Bagan Datuk
* Chenderong Balai
* Malim Nawar

Dengan pemancar Asyik FM Changkat Rembian, siaran radio ini dijangka boleh dengar di banyak kawasan Perak. Pemancaran Asyik FM dari Changkat Rembian boleh meliputi Perak Selatan (Batang Padang + Hilir Perak) dan sebahagian Perak Tengah (termasuk sebahagian Kinta).

==Masalah penerimaan siaran Asyik FM di Perak== (berdasarkan di kawasan Orang Asli)

102.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Ulu Kali
102.7MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Kledang
<200kHz, Asyik FM diganggu di kawasan Langkap, Bidor, Sungkai, Kampung Gajah dan Kampar>

104.9MHz: Zayan FM Gunung Ulu Kali
105.1MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Brinchang
105.3MHz: Suria FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<200kHz, Asyik FM diganggu di Bidor, Tapah, Langkap, Sungkai>

Cara penyelesaian: Menambah pemancar di Changkat Rembian untuk meliputi kawasan yang terjejas di Perak.

Expected coverage of proposed Asyik FM 107.7MHz Changkat Rembian in Perak if launched

In order to cover Orang Asli areas in Central and Southern Perak loudly and clearly, Asyik FM shall expand coverage in Perak by adding Changkat Rembian repeater. Here is my proposed parameter:

==Asyik FM Tapah and South Perak frequency suggestion==
* Frequency: FM 107.7MHz
* Power: 1kW (could be upgraded to 2kW)
* Transmission site: Changkat Rembian, 35000 Tapah, Perak

==Expected coverage of Asyik FM Changkat Rembian frequency 107.7MHz at 1kW==

- Tapah (with large number of Orang Asli)
- Bidor (with Orang Asli)
- Chenderiang (with more Orang Asli)
- Temoh (with Orang Asli)
- Langkap (with Orang Asli)
- Sungkai
- Teluk Intan
- Hutan Melintang
- Bagan Datuk
- Tanjung Tualang
- Bota
- Lambor Kanan
- Kampung Gajah
- Batu Gajah
- Teronoh (with Orang Asli)
- Pusing
- Siputah
- Seri Iskandar
- part of Kampar
- Mambang Di Awan
- Malim Nawar
- Tapah Road
- Chenderong Balai

Seriously if RTM Asyik FM launches in Changkat Rembian 107.7MHz, at least Central and Southern Perak still can receive clearer RTM Orang Asli radio station, rather than listening on weak 102.5 and 105.1MHz where are heavily interference by radio station from nearby transmitter sites such as Gunung Kledang, Gunung Ulu Kali and Bukit Larut.

==Current reception problem of Asyik FM in Perak== (based on Orang Asli areas)

1. West Pahang and Selangor frequency

102.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Ulu Kali
102.7MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Kledang
<200kHz, interference in Bidor, Langkap, Sungkai, Kampar, Tapah Road>

2. Cameron Highlands frequency

104.9MHz: Zayan FM Gunung Ulu Kali
105.1MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Brinchang
105.3MHz: Suria FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<200kHz, interference in Bidor, Tapah, Langkap, Sungkai>

Solution: Need to add transmitter in Changkat Rembian to cover affected areas.

RTM Asyik FM shortwave transmission SW 6050kHz ceased transmission! Is shortwave radio irrelevant for domestic broadcast today?

Before October 2017, I did not have any shortwave radio receiver. Formerly I have a cheap radio receiver with shortwave radio, but it was damaged (due to wear and tear condition). 

I purchased an advanced radio receiver via online, named TECSUN PL-380 DSP receiver which features FM/MW/LW/SW, then I was discovered RTM shortwave radio stations where transmitted from RTM Kajang. RTM Sarawak FM 9835kHz and Wai FM 11665kHz are still active today, but Asyik FM 6050kHz is no longer active. Last active of Asyik FM shortwave transmission was around 2015, but I suspected RTM ceased Asyik FM shortwave broadcast 6050kHz since 2016, even there is nothing on SW 6050kHz today. Asyik FM shortwave 6050kHz could be heard nationwide, even part of the world. Orang Asli in rural areas could access listening to Asyik FM via shortwave before transmission was closed down. Although shortwave transmission can travel far away beyond the country, but the reception of shortwave broadcast is not really stable.

Is shortwave radio broadcast irrelevant nowadays? The answer is YES, but not international broadcast. Shortwave radio is not relevant for domestic radio broadcast as domestic people prefer listening to radio via FM and online, even digitally DAB+. Meanwhile shortwave is still relevant for international broadcast in order to promote a country propaganda and information to the whole world.

Shortwave transmission is cheap actually, 1 transmitter tower can cover nationwide.

Asyik FM ceased shortwave transmission in 2016, but Asyik FM moves digitally nowadays via Astro CH875 and RTM myKlik mobile app streaming, alongside with FM radio.

For FM radio, Asyik FM currently reserves in Selangor, Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Northeastern Johor and Mualim Perak with these frequencies:

- 91.1MHz Kuala Lumpur Tower covers Klang Valley

- 102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali covers Selangor, West Pahang, Southern Perak (Slim River + Tanjung Malim only), and part of Negeri Sembilan/Melaka

- 105.1MHz Gunung Brinchang covers Cameron Highlands

- 95.6MHz Gunung Ledang covers Northeast Johor

- 89.3MHz Ulu Tembeling

- 99.9MHz Bukit Botak covers Damak, Pahang (gap filler)

- 97.3MHz Bukit Ladang Teh covers Lenggong and Sauk of Perak

RTM has good move to launch Asyik FM on Astro/NJOI CH875 as alternative platform to listeners who are not under Asyik FM coverage, but not all Orang Asli have Astro decoder to listen to Asyik FM. Although RTM launches Asyik FM on Astro platform is a good initiative, but RTM shall not expect all Orang Asli to listen to Asyik FM via Astro platform and online, some of them are not rich to afford these gadgets. Together with Astro CH875 platform, RTM shall expand Asyik FM coverage to deeper territories including rural areas to provide information and entertainment to Orang Asli communities.

Asyik FM coverage Pahang is almost completed, but I highly concern regarding Asyik FM coverage in Perak, more than Pahang. What I seriously concern over Asyik FM in Perak areas, mainly in Tapah, Bidor and Chenderiang, following by Gerik and Sungai Siput (U). Tapah is the main Perak area that I concern over Asyik FM the most.

Generally Asyik FM 102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is for Selangor, West Pahang and Southern Perak, but technically due to its transmission antenna with 5kW power is beaming to Pahang direction more in order to serve many Orang Asli areas in Pahang where they stay in Banjaran Titiwangsa, but reception in Perak is not good as other RTM radio stations from Gunung Ulu Kali. 

Bidor, and Tapah cannot receive Asyik FM 102.5MHz clearly, even 105.1MHz also. RTM cannot expect Orang Asli in Batang Padang district of Perak to listen to Asyik FM on 102.5 and 105.1 as reception is very poor. RTM shall launch Asyik FM in Changkat Rembian on proposed 107.7MHz to provide better reception in Tapah and Bidor. From my view, I notice that there are quite many of Orang Asli (although less than Indians and Chinese) in Bidor, Tapah and Chenderiang.

Orang Asli in Tapah (Source: wikimedia)

Tapah Orang Asli village (Source: Google)

In Tapah, the town can receive Gunung Ulu Kali radio stations clearly, but Asyik FM 102.5MHz is poor there, but rural areas of Tapah which consists many Orang Asli cannot receive any radio stations from Gunung Ulu Kali and Gunung Kledang, especially Jalan Pahang (the road from Tapah to Cameron Highlands). RTM also shall not expect Orang Asli who stay along Jalan Pahang Tapah to receive Asyik FM 102.5MHz and 105.1MHz, seriously these areas had no signal while I was on the way going down from Cameron Highlands to Tapah, except Changkat Rembian signal.

In conclusion, Tapah (Changkat Rembian) needs Asyik FM. Moreover, Asyik FM Changkat Rembian frequency 107.7MHz (my suggestion) does not only serve Tapah, but it also serves Bidor, Sungkai, Chenderiang, and Temoh, even Hilir Perak (Teluk Intan, Langkap, Bagan Datoh) and some Perak Tengah areas can access Asyik FM from Tapah.

Following RTM had stopped Asyik FM shortwave transmission, RTM shall add more gap filler transmitters for Asyik FM in Orang Asli majority areas, mainly:

- Changkat Rembian for Tapah + Bidor + Sungkai + Chenderiang + Temoh + Hilir Perak + part of Perak Tengah (Kampung Gajah and Bota) 

- Sungai Siput (U)

- Gerik, Perak

- Jerantut Pahang
- Kuala Rompin

Meanwhile in Kelantan, Gua Musang rural areas and Lojing have many Orang Asli, but existing Bukit Chupak and FELDA Paloh transmitter sites are not able to cover these areas, so it is difficult to search a transmitter site to cover Orang Asli areas in Lojing and Gua Musang deeper areas due to highly covered by terrains.

Astro decoder vs. radio receiver?

Radio receiver is far away cheaper than Astro decoder, Orang Asli can buy cheaper radio receiver to listen to Asyik FM loudly and clearly if RTM launches pocket filling transmitters in their areas where are not covered by main transmitter sites. Cheapest radio units that they can afford are Leotec, Wirata, Meck and JOC radio receiver, and better quality Panasonic RX-M70 cassette player. While there is no much available radio stations in Tapah Orang Asli areas, they can search Asyik FM easily.

In Tapah, currently there is only 3 available radio stations where reception are clear enough, such as Radio Klasik 88.7MHz, Era FM 102.0MHz and Perak FM 97.3. If Asyik FM 107.7MHz is launched, Tapah can have four local repeater stations. So, Orang Asli can search Asyik FM easily.

Radio stations frequencies in Tapah, Perak

==List of radio stations frequencies in Tapah, Perak==

A. STAR
* 988 FM: 98.8 (Gunung Ulu Kali) /99.8MHz (Gunung Kledang)
* Suria FM: 105.3MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)

B. RTM
* Radio Klasik: 88.7MHz (Changkat Rembian)
* Nasional FM: 95.3MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Traxx FM: 100.1MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Ai FM: 106.7MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Minnal FM: 96.3MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Asyik FM: 102.5MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali; poor reception)
* Perak FM: 97.3MHz (Changkat Rembian)
* Selangor FM: 100.9MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Pahang FM: 107.5MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)

C. MEDIA PRIMA
* one FM: 88.1MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Hot FM: 97.6MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Fly FM: 95.8MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)

D. ASTRO RADIO
* Hitz FM: 92.9MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Mix FM: 94.5MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Lite FM: 105.7MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Raaga FM: 99.3MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Era FM: 102.0MHz (Changkat Rembian)
* Sinar FM: 96.7MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Zayan FM: 104.9MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* MY FM: 101.8MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)/ 100.6MHz (Gunung Kledang)
* Melody FM: 103.0MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* goXUAN FM: 88.9MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)

E. OTHERS
* BFM: 89.9MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Best FM: 104.1MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)

In Tapah, beside Changkat Rembian local repeater radio stations, the rest of radio stations receive signal from Gunung Ulu Kali, same as Bidor, Slim River and Tanjung Malim, meanwhile Ipoh Gunung Kledang radio stations cannot be received in Tapah as it was blocked by Hutan Lipur Sungai Salu where located between Kampar and Tapah.

[COVERAGE]: Does BFM 89.9's airwaves already break Klang Valley bubble?

BFM 89.9 is an English language independent and progressive business and talk radio station in Malaysia. It celebrated 10 years anniversary and created its milestone by having a big moves to KEN TTDI office block which is more upscale location in Taman Tun Dr Ismail. BFM 89.9 is based in Klang Valley with frequency FM 89.9MHz for Klang Valley from Gunung Ulu Kali.

Does BFM 89.9 break Klang Valley bubble of its airwaves?

Generally and technically, the answer is YES, but BFM 89.9's airwaves already breaks Klang Valley bubble partially since the first-air-date. BFM 89.9 has not burst Klang Valley bubble completely yet as expansion to other territories beyond Klang Valley has not been done.

Why do I say BFM 89.9 already breaks Klang Valley bubble "partially"?

This is because of its super strategic transmission location Gunung Ulu Kali covers greater Klang Valley (Kuala Lumpur and whole Selangor state), even BFM 89.9 can be received beyond the border of Selangor state such as Southern Perak (until Tapah, Tanung Tualang and Lumut), Western Pahang (until Gembang, Maran, Kuala Lipis and Keratong), part of Negeri Sembilan (Nilai, Mantin, Labu, Rembau, Port Dickson, Simpang Pertang, Bandar Seri Jempol, Rompin, Gemas and part of Seremban), and Melaka (from Lubuk Cina till Merlimau), even small part of Johor such as Batu Anam can receive BFM 89.9.

Unlike IM4U FM 107.9 and former Ultra FM 101.3, although they were Klang Valley based radio stations, but they were not able to break Klang Valley bubble because they were transmitted from a lower profile transmission site in Klang Valley, called as Bukit Sungai Besi.

I believe BFM 89.9 is on the way rolling out expansion plan beyond Klang Valley. Imagine if BFM expands its coverage to other region successfully one day, so it means that BFM 89.9 already breaks Klang Valley bubble completely. Wish BFM 89.9 do the best for expansion plan of the station!

The similarities of programmes between City Plus FM and BFM 89.9

City Plus FM and BFM 89.9 are business talk radio stations in Malaysia, the difference between these two radio stations are the broadcast languages. City Plus FM broadcasts in Chinese Mandarin, meanwhile BFM 89.9 broadcasts in English (but Malay broadcast is from 11pm till 6am).

I do notice that some of programmes are almost same genre and content between City Plus FM and BFM 89.9, just different languages. Here are the similar programs between City Plus FM and BFM 89.9.

* A+ 人物= Breakfast Grille on CEO of SMEs or giant company
* 問政 = Breakfast Grille on politicians, and ministers
* 城市方向盤= Cruise Control
* 地球轉一圈 = Business Headlines
* 財經+ = Biz Talk
* 科技360 = Tech Talk
* 城市天際線 = The Property Show
* 理財怎麼辦 = Ringgit & Sense
* 中場休息, 來電音樂 = untitled*
* 閱讀天下 = Bookmark
* 我們旅行中 = Ticket To Ride*
* 下班吃甚麼 = Feeding Time*
* 聽爵享受 = Take Five
* 主編點新聞 = Current affairs 
 * 就差你一票 = Talkback (partially)

*BFM Ticket To Ride, Feeding Time and Untitled were discontinued

Despite too many mainstream radio stations in Malaysia "overplayed" crappy stuffs on air, but Malaysia needs some radio stations to cover serious topics, rather than those "act-cute", slapstick, prank call, gossips and other nonsense contents.

City Plus FM has Chinese version of BFM 89.9 Take Five which plays jazz music on every Friday from 9pm till 10pm, known as 聽爵享受 (Enjoying the jazz). I like this segment as the songs sound like "coffee shop" music.