If RAAF Radio Butterworth MW transmission tower was alive till 2010 or today, BFM is already available in Penang since 2009.

I was shared by my friend about his history of listening to radio in 1970s, he mentioned a Malaysia radio station that everyone forgets, but this radio station was only available in Penang, transmitted from Butterworth, and operated by Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF).

RAAF Radio Butteworth (Credit to RAAF School Penang)

It was RAAF Radio Butterworth, broadcasted on MW 1445kHz at 1kW transmission power for Penang from 1960 till late 1980s. This radio station broadcasted Australia radio program, it was Penang English speaking listeners' favorite radio station, alongside Rediffusion and RTM Blue Network (Traxx FM).

RAAF Radio Butterworth had ceased its transmission since late 1980s, its MW transmission mast was dismantled too, but let's imagine what happen if this radio station did not ceased its broadcast till 2010 or 2015 or now.

BFM 89.9 is English language business radio station in Malaysia which currently broadcasts in Klang Valley, South Perak, West Pahang, part of Negeri Sembilan and Melaka on FM 89.9MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali. BFM had done several Penang frequency application since 2009 until 2019, but the station frequency application was rejected by MCMC due to unavailable frequency spectrum.

We notice that FM frequency spectrum is very peak in Peninsular Malaysia, especially west coast region. If RAAF Butterworth did not dismantle its AM transmission mast, I believe BFM had already Penang frequency since 2009 by using RAAF Butterworth transmission infrastructure, but on AM broadcast.

Although AM broadcast sound quality is not good as FM radio, but as a talk radio station, AM broadcast is still suitable for BFM Radio. If BFM has Penang frequency, listeners have to tune the station on MW band. 
  
To make MW broadcast frequency application, more frequency studies are required because AM transmission can overspill to many locations outside the broadcast license area, especially nighttime transmission.

By keeping the transmission mast of RAAF Butterworth until today, this may benefit to BFM, RAAF and RMAF Butterworth in terms of business. RAAF can profit money by providing AM infrastructure to new broadcasters who are unable to expand coverage in Penang on FM frequency band.

Imagine if BFM broadcasts in Penang on AM band from RAAF Butterworth, by using at least 10kW AM transmitter, the whole Penang state can receive BFM. Same coverage with FM radio, Kerian district of Perak (Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, Tanjung Piandang, & Kuala Kurau), Selama and Kedah (Bandar Baharu, Kulim, & Sungai Petani) can receive BFM.

If BFM operates AM transmitter WITH the power above 100kW, I believe Alor Setar, Perlis, Langkawi, Perak and Thailand can receive the signal from RAAF Butterworth, but radiation exposure to human health must be taken under consideration as mediumwave radio frequency radiation is quite harmful to human body. In addition, interference to bordering AM radio stations (notably Thailand and Indonesia) must be considered because AM transmission can overspill to border country during nighttime transmission.

As the broadcast license area of BFM is Penang only from RAAF Butterworth, I believe 10kW power transmission is very sufficient to cover Penang state. Here is the simulation parameter of BFM Penang frequency if using RAAF Butterworth AM transmission tower infrastructure once it is still alive today.

==BFM Radio Penang frequency on AM band (Simulated proposal)==
* Frequency: MW 666kHz (formerly operated by RTM Radio 3 Penang/Mutiara FM)
* Power: 10kW 
* Transmitter model: Nautel NX10
* Transmitter site: RAAF Butterworth, Penang
* Coverage: Penang Island, Seberang Perai, Perak: Kerian & Selama, and Kedah: Sungai Petani/Kulim/Bandar Baharu
* Nighttime coverage: Sik, Baling, Taiping, Alor Setar, Perlis, Langkawi, Thailand: Betong, Satun & Songkhla

Note: The parameter above is only a simulation, not real purpose.

As BFM broadcasts in Penang on AM band, for Penang, BFM shall rename "BAM" (Business AM), but no such station would have AM suffix as their name, maybe "Business Radio". 

If RAAF/RMAF provides AM broadcast transmission infrastructure, it is considered to break monopoly of Telekom Malaysia (TM) in terms of broadcast transmission infrastructure provider market in Malaysia.

While FM frequency band is full in Peninsular Malaysia nowadays and DAB+ is still not relevant and practical yet in Malaysia due to consumer marketing and infrastructure, Malaysia shall practice to use MW radio. In my opinion, MW radio band is alternative platform to FM radio, it can ease new radio broadcasters who are unable to expand their broadcast coverage on FM frequency band.

Shortwave is not a relevant platform to be relaunched for urban location, and most of radio receivers are no longer featuring SW band, unless you purchase TECSUN, Sangean and high level Sony receiver. The radio receivers in most of electrical appliances shop only feature FM and MW band, some of cheaper China made radio receivers have only FM band.

Sadly, it did not happen until today because RAAF already dismantled its AM tower since early 1990s. Positively, due to growing of technology nowadays with high speed and cheaper internet package, as well as 5G is to be landed in Malaysia, therefore listeners can listen to BFM via mobile app, however cars nowadays are equipped with Bluetooth, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, so it is much easier to access radio station by using alternative platform. 

In conclusion, I hope BFM will get Penang frequency successfully one day when an appeal is done. Wish the radio station all the best.

Note: RAAF Butterworth photos in this article are credited to RAAF School Penang and its Facebook page.