RTM Nasional FM and Radio Klasik Sungai Siput repeaters cause interference to Hot FM 90.5MHz and Lite FM 89.3MHz Bukit Larut in Sungai Siput (U) due to poor frequency planning

RTM added Sungai Siput (U) gap filler FM transmitters for two radio stations, Radio Klasik 90.7 and Nasional FM 89.5 two years ago.

RTM Sungai Siput (U) gap filler FM transmitters for Radio Klasik 90.7 and Nasional FM 89.5 were launched because RTM claimed that Sungai Siput (U) is difficult to receive existing Bukit Larut transmission clearly.

In Sungai Siput (U), all radio stations are received from Bukit Larut, meanwhile Gunung Kledang reception is very weak because Sungai Siput (U) has many terrains which already block Gunung Kledang transmissions. When I was in Sungai Siput (U), I listened to 988FM on 101.0MHz Sungai Siput (U), it is much clearer than 99.8MHz Gunung Kledang.

According to the frequency use by Radio Klasik and Nasional FM in Sungai Siput (U) where they're 90.7 and 89.5 respectively, they already interfere Hot FM 90.5MHz and Lite FM 89.3MHz from Bukit Larut in Sungai Siput (U) technically, cause Sungai Siput (U) is no longer receiving Lite FM and Hot FM due to interference.

Sungai Siput (U) repeater FM frequency must be separated at least 400kHz from Bukit Larut, meanwhile 300kHz from Gunung Kledang, actually Sungai Siput (U) is under Bukit Larut coverage.

==RF analysis==

89.3MHz: Lite FM Bukit Larut
89.5MHz: Nasional FM Sungai Siput (U)
<200kHz, INTERFERENCE>

90.5MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut
90.7MHz: Radio Klasik Sungai Siput (U)
<200kHz, INTERFERENCE>

Based on RF analysis above, RTM Sungai Siput (U) repeater radio stations have poor frequency planning by MCMC. The frequency assignment is controlled by MCMC, the frequencies that RTM or any broadcasters used are assigned by MCMC. In addition, FM frequency allocation is based on RF analysis and broadcast area.

What I received Lite FM 89.3MHz and Hot FM 90.5MHz from Bukit Larut in Sungai Siput (U), they are full of interference noise from Nasional FM 89.5MHz and Radio Klasik FM 90.7MHz in Sungai Siput (U), Perak.

In my opinion, RTM Sungai Siput (U) repeater stations can be assigned on better frequencies, rather than current 89.5 and 90.7MHz.

RTM Radio Klasik can be assigned on FM 88.7MHz in Sungai Siput (U), then Nasional FM can be assigned on FM 97.3MHz there.

==RF analysis after reassigned on new frequencies==

1. Radio Klasik

88.7MHz: Radio Klasik Changkat Rembian
88.7MHz: Radio Klasik Sungai Siput (U)
<0kHz, OK>

88.7MHz: Radio Klasik Sungai Siput (U)
89.0MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Jerai
<300kHz, OK>

2. Nasional FM

97.3MHz: Nasional FM Sungai Siput (U)
97.3MHz: Perak FM Changkat Rembian
<0kHz, OK>

96.9MHz: Sinar FM Gunung Kledang
97.3MHz: Nasional FM Sungai Siput (U)
<400kHz, OK>

Based on suggested frequency above, FM 88.7MHz and FM 97.3MHz are ok because they have further separation away from Bukit Larut.

If Radio Klasik and Nasional FM are assigned to the frequencies 88.7 and 97.3 respectively in Sungai Siput (U), this will allow listeners in Sungai Siput can listen to Lite FM 89.3 and Hot FM 90.5 because no more interference from the repeater.

In conclusion, I hope MCMC and RTM will re-allocate Sungai Siput (U) frequencies for Radio Klasik and Nasional FM.