- FM 88.3MHz (Gunung Kledang): Ipoh, Kampar, Tanjung Tualang, Teluk Intan, Sitiawan, Manjung, Langkap, Manong, Lahat, Menglembu, Pusing, Teronoh, Batu Gajah, Simpang Pulai, Parit, Beruas, Pantai Remis, Chenderong Balai, Lumut, Pulau Pangkor, Chemor, Tanjung Rambutan, Bota, Hutan Melintang, Bagan Datuk, Selekoh, Seri Iskandar, Changkat Keruing, Ayer Tawar, Ulu Bertam, Jeram, Sauk, Lenggong & Malim Nawar.
- FM 103.3MHz (Bukit Larut): Taiping, Sauk, Padang Rengas, Kamunting, Kuala Kangsar, Enggor, Lenggong, Simpang, Kuala Sepetang, Semanggol, Batu Kurau, Selama, Rantau Panjang, Matang, Changkat Jering & Terong
- FM 94.9MHz (Gunung Jerai): Bagan Serai, Kuala Kurau, Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang, Selama, & Pantai Remis
- FM 88.7MHz (Bukit Palong): Pengkalan Hulu, Klian Intan, Gerik Barat & Lawin
- FM 98.3MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali): Bidor, Sungkai, Terolak, Slim River, Behrang, Tanjung Malim, Bagan Datuk, & Hutan Melintang.
- FM 88.7MHz (Changkat Rembian): Tapah, Chenderiang & Temoh
Malaysia digital terrestrial television infrastructure provider, MYTV has two DTT transmitters in Perak. Gunung Kledang and Bukit Larut on UHF 666MHz (CH45) and 650MHz (CH43). In terms of transmission coverage, both reaches 10 out of 12 districts within the state, except Hulu Perak and Muallim.
Muallim district can receive MYTV via DTT from Gunung Ulu Kali, this involves Tanjung Malim and Slim River.
For Bukit Larut transmission, it covers Larut Matang Selama, Kerian and Kuala Kangsar districts, but MYTV DTT signal from Bukit Larut is unavailable in Far North Perak.
Lenggong and Southern Lawin are likely the maximum Far North Perak locations to receive Bukit Larut signal, but DTT signal may be unstable ones (<35%), depends on the antenna conditions.
The term "Far North Perak" defines as Hulu Perak district. In the districts, most locations are hilly areas. It is impossible to cover the "Far North Perak" areas by using DTT for MYTV with a strategic transmitter site. If MYTV wants cover Far North Perak areas (Hulu Perak), the TV infrastructure provider requires to install more gap filler transmitters such as Bukit Ladang Teh (Lenggong), Memplam Sari (Gerik), Lawin and neighboring site Bukit Palong (Pengkalan Hulu). Therefore, it costs more to launch gap filler transmitters for Far North Perak areas (Hulu Perak).
The existing gap filler transmitter sites which used by RTM in Far North Perak are not strategic at all because small coverage generated.
In fact, DTH (Direct-To-Home) is more economical than DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) to reach households in Far North Perak areas. So, MYTV viewers in Pengkalan Hulu, Lawin, Gerik and Lenggong must install MYTV satellite dish to watch their favorite local TV channels via DTH, rather than using UHF antenna.
Some of radio stations which have Bukit Larut transmitter will classify it as frequency for Taiping and North Perak, example 988 FM 101.0MHz: Taiping and North Perak.
In northern side of Perak, the district covers Larut Matang Selama, Kerian, Kuala Kangsar and Hulu Perak.
Technically, Bukit Larut radio stations cover only the districts of Larut Matang Selama, Kerian and Kuala Kangsar. Apart from Larut, Matang & Selama where Taiping is the main town of the district, actually Kerian and Kuala Kangsar are classified as North Perak.
Hulu Perak is not under "North Perak" frequency radio coverage because it is far north enough, compare to Taiping, and Parit Buntar.
Here are the areas of North Perak where covered by Bukit Larut transmitter stations for FM radio.
==Larut, Matang, & Selama==
* Taiping
* Kuala Sepetang
* Matang
* Changkat Jering
* Batu Kurau
* Bandar Selama
* Terong
* Simpang
* Kamunting
* Rantau Panjang
==Kerian==
* Parit Buntar
* Semanggol
* Bagan Serai
* Kuala Kurau
* Tanjung Piandang
==Kuala Kangsar==
* Kuala Kangsar
* Padang Rengas
* Sungai Siput (U)
* Enggor
* Sauk
For Hulu Perak district, it is classified as "Far North Perak". This far northern Perak consists Lenggong, Lawin, Gerik, Klian Intan, Pengkalan Hulu, Belum and Temenggor.
In fact, Hulu Perak district is not covered by any radio stations from Bukit Larut or Gunung Kledang where are main transmitter sites for Perak radio stations. For commercial radio stations, Bukit Larut can cover only up to Lenggong and Southern Lawin, then signal goes off after the locations when going northbound to Gerik and Pengkalan Hulu.
For RTM, as government broadcaster in Malaysia, the "Far North Perak" Hulu Perak is covered with three local gap filler transmitter sites and one neighboring TX site, namely:
1. Bukit Ladang Teh for Lenggong
2. Lawin
3. Memplam Sari for Gerik
4. Bukit Palong, Kedah for Pengkalan Hulu
Although Far North Perak (Hulu Perak district) can't really receive any radio stations from Bukit Larut (Taiping and North Perak), but the district can receive few Thailand FM radio stations from Yala and Betong partially.
Pada masa ketika ini, Radio IKIM FM boleh didengari di sebahagian Brunei dengan frekuensi Miri pada FM 104.0MHz yang dipancar dari Tanjong Lobang.
Bandar Seri Begawan ialah ibu kota negara Brunei. Di bandar tersebut, siaran radio Malaysia masih boleh diterima di Brunei dari Bukit Mas, Sarawak (Limbang). Selain itu, Brunei adalah negara Islam di Asia Tenggara.
Pada pandangan saya, untuk menyasarkan pendengar Brunei (Bandar Seri Begawan), IKIM FM boleh memperluaskan siarannya ke kawasan Limbang dan negara Brunei dengan melancarkan satu pemancar di Bukit Mas. Jika IKIM FM mempunyai frekuensi Limbang, saya mempercayai bahawa terdapat persaingan baru bagi stesen radio Islamik antara Malaysia dan Brunei di negara tersebut.
Di negara Brunei, terdapat dua buah stesen radio Islamik iaitu RTB Nur Islam FM 93.3MHz dan Al-Quran Radio FM 89.1MHz. IKIM FM boleh bersaing dengan kedua-dua stesen radio tersebut.
==Cadangan mengenai IKIM FM untuk Brunei dan Limbang==
- Frekuensi: FM 105.6MHz atau FM 106.4MHz
- Kuasa pemancar: 2kW
- Tempat pemancar: Bukit Mas, Sarawak
- Kawasan liputan: Sarawak (Limbang & Lawas), Brunei, Sabah (Sindumin) dan sebahagian Labuan.
At current moment, IKIM FM can be tuned in Western Brunei such as Kuala Belait and Seria on Miri frequency FM 104.0MHz from Tanjung Lobang, Sarawak.
In fact, as Brunei capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan can receive Malaysia radio stations from Limbang (Bukit Mas), Sarawak. In addition, Brunei is a Muslim majority country in South East Asia. From my view, there is a potential market for IKIM FM in Brunei.
To reach Brunei listeners, IKIM FM can launch a transmitter in Bukit Mas, Limbang, Sarawak to cover Brunei (Bandar Seri Begawan). If IKIM FM expands its coverage to Limbang, Sarawak (thus mainly for Brunei), I believe there is a new competition of Islamic radio stations between Malaysia and Brunei.
In Brunei, currently there are two Islamic radio stations, such as RTB Nur Islam (FM 93.3MHz Bandar Seri Begawan) and Al-Quran Radio FM 89.1MHz. IKIM FM can compete against them with having Limbang frequency.
Apart of it, I love to scan vacant frequencies at the same time. Here's my personal proposed parameter:
==IKIM FM Limbang frequency==
* Frequency: FM 105.6MHz or FM 106.4MHz
* Power: 2kW
* Transmitter site: Bukit Mas, Limbang, Sarawak
* Targeting locations:
- Sarawak: Limbang, and Lawas
- Sabah: Sindumin
- Brunei: Bandar Seri Begawan
- Part of Labuan
As a result, with Limbang frequency, Brunei gets covered by IKIM FM transmission with two frequencies from Miri and Limbang of Sarawak.
On 30th August 2020, I traveled to Bagan Serai, Kuala Kurau, Tanjung Piandang, and Parit Buntar. These four locations are under Kerian district, Perak.
Generally Kerian district of Perak is under coverage of Bukit Larut FM radio transmission, but technically it is not broadcast coverage of RTM Bukit Larut radio stations except Perak FM.
In Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Kuala Kurau and Tanjung Piandang, basically RTM Radio Klasik stated that the frequency there is FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut, but the reception is not really clear in Bagan Serai, Tanjung Piandang, and Parit Buntar on FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut.
The actual coverage of Radio Klasik FM 103.3MHz Bukit Larut is Taiping, Changkat Jering, Batu Kurau, Semanggol, Matang, Kuala Sepetang, Padang Rengas, Kuala Kangsar, Enggor, Selama and Kamunting. Transmission power for this frequency is only 0.25kW.
When I was in Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang and Bagan Serai, I tested few Radio Klasik frequencies such as FM 103.3MHz Bukit Larut, FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai, FM 88.7MHz Bukit Palong, FM 101.7MHz Bukit Genting and FM 98.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.
In these locations, Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz from Gunung Jerai was much clearer than FM 103.3MHz Bukit Larut.
I believe Radio Klasik listeners in Tanjung Piandang, Parit Buntar, and Bagan Serai usually tune to the station on the frequency FM 94.9MHz from Gunung Jerai which is much clearer than FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut.
For your information, FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai transmits at 5kW power.
Here is the coverage of Radio Klasik in Northwest Perak.
==FM 103.3MHz Bukit Larut (0.25kW)==
- Taiping, Changkat Jering, Batu Kurau, Semanggol, Matang, Kuala Sepetang, Padang Rengas, Kuala Kangsar, Enggor, Selama and Kamunting.
==FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai (5kW)==
- Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Kuala Kurau, Tanjung Piandang
On my TECSUN PL-380 radio receiver, among all frequencies signal strength measurement, Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz is the highest one, tested in Parit Buntar. Therefore, this means that the exact tuning frequency for Radio Klasik FM in Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang and Bagan Serai is FM 94.9MHz from Gunung Jerai.
For Nasional FM, the reception of FM 107.1MHz Bukit Larut is not clear as FM 100.5MHz Gunung Jerai in same areas. In Parit Buntar and Tanjung Piandang, I could detect interference from Suria FM 106.9MHz Gunung Jerai when tuned to Nasional FM 107.1MHz, but I could even receive clearer signal on 100.5MHz from Gunung Jerai.
For a small radio station, to get a frequency license from regulator, the authority requires the broadcasters to do frequency planning and interference analysis by making coverage report. The coverage report may be a mandatory if apply a frequency license.
Some say that it is very expensive to get a radio frequency planning and coverage report, but in fact those reports are done by professional engineers. Inversely, some say that they want to get coverage report of radio transmission for FREE! It is impossible to ask professional engineers to provide RF coverage report for FREE. Besides that, the RF coverage report is generated by using software, it also costs you for the software license.
I may understand that some of broadcasters may not afford to get FM coverage studies report by professional engineers due to the costs. A RF toolkit may help them, but for only coverage map of their transmitting station.
Want to do a basic RF coverage by your own without cost? Here is one of my favorite tool, it is Nautel RF Toolkit which is my favorite RF coverage tool since September 2016 until today.
Nautel RF Toolkit is a free radio coverage tool. To access it, you must create an account. Here are some screenshots of Nautel Radio Coverage Tool:
In my opinion, Nautel RF Coverage Tool is quite amazing. As FM DXer (amateur), I can check the coverage of existing radio stations' transmitter sites by using this toolkit because it can generate estimated coverage of a transmitter site by inserting site parameters and antenna system information.
This Nautel RF Radio Coverage Tool only generates coverage with only OMNI-directional antenna form. It won't generate directional antenna coverage, despite I set the directional antenna gain and TX line loss, this is because it has no antenna beaming angle configuration.
I usually publish a radio coverage map on blog by using Nautel RF Toolkit to show a roughly coverage of a radio station. For the field strength, I follow ITU recommendation which minimum field strength of stereo signal is 54dBuV/m (green), meanwhile lowest field strength (mono signal) is 30dBuV/m (yellow). In terms of accuracy, I can rate 89 out of 100.
This free toolkit will not generate any interference analysis like what professional series RF software company does. Moreover, it will not detect the vacant frequencies by performing FM band scanning. Therefore, we need to use FM band scanner toolkit (example: DEVA Band Scanner). To get only your radio station coverage map, Nautel Radio Coverage Tool is my recommendation. Please sign up account to generate your own radio station coverage map.
In addition, as Nautel also states that the coverage tool is not meant to replace the coverage studies and other works done by professional RF engineers. So, please consult with a qualified engineer before applying license or buying equipment.
Although I'm former junior broadcast engineer now, BUT I continue as non-profit broadcast transmission journalist cum enthusiast. As I'm RF enthusiast, I love to use Nautel Radio Coverage Tool to discover the coverage of Malaysia, Singapore and Southern Thailand radio stations.
Disclaimer: The review of Nautel RF Toolkit is come out from my personal opinion, also my personal experience of using the toolkit.
On 30th August 2020, I went to Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang, Kuala Kurau and Bagan Serai for a short vacancy. As they're located at coastal areas of Northwest Perak, so I planned to receive Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh there.
In fact, Perlis FM 102.9MHz was not receivable there. While I was driving from Tanjung Piandang to Parit Buntar, I received some unknown signal on FM 102.9MHz, it was not Perlis FM, but it was Perak FM.
Initially I suspected Perak FM 102.9MHz transmission is from Bukit Palong, Kedah to cover Pengkalan Hulu, so I sent a FM DX verification email to RTM for confirmation of FM 102.9MHz transmission.
Today I receive RTM email regarding FM DX verification. RTM Perak FM 102.9MHz that I received in Titi Serong, Perak is transmitted from Lawin, Perak, not Bukit Palong that I speculated earlier.
Lawin is located between Lenggong and Gerik. In Lawin, RTM has Nasional FM on 101.7MHz (same frequency as Radio Klasik FM 101.7MHz in Bukit Genting which is for Balik Pulau).
RTM Perak FM 102.9MHz actually covers Lawin where it is a blind spot area of FM 94.2MHz Bukit Ladang Teh and FM 96.2MHz Gerik. In Lawin, RTM Perak FM 94.2MHz from Bukit Ladang Teh is likely interfered by far away transmitted Radio Thailand Yala FM 94.25MHz. Therefore, RTM launches Perak FM Lawin frequency FM 102.9MHz.
==RF analysis of Perak FM 102.9MHz Lawin==
102.7MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Kledang
102.9MHz: Perak FM Lawin
<200kHz, OK>
102.9MHz: Perak FM Lawin
102.9MHz: Perlis FM Padang Pauh
<200kHz, OK>
The reception of RTM Perak FM 94.2MHz from Bukit Ladang Teh starts to have interference from Radio Thailand Yala FM 94.25MHz from Lawin to Gerik. In Gerik, Perak FM 94.2MHz signal becomes Radio Thailand Yala FM 94.25MHz.
After I noticed that Perak FM 102.9MHz is from Lawin, so let's analyze if Perak FM 102.9MHz is from Bukit Palong, see what will happen.
==RF analysis if Perak FM uses 102.9MHz in Bukit Palong==
102.7MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Kledang
102.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong (apply directional antenna)
<200kHz, OK>
102.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong (apply directional antenna)
102.9MHz: Perlis FM Padang Pauh
<200kHz, OK>
102.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong (apply directional antenna to Pengkalan Hulu)
103.0MHz: Nasional FM Gulau
<100kHz, NOT OK>
102.7MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Dedap
102.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong (apply directional antenna to Pengkalan Hulu)
<200kHz, NOT OK>
If Perak FM 102.9MHz is transmitted from Bukit Palong, although it transmits by using directional antenna (regardless panel, Yagi or log-periodic), but it can cause interference to Nasional FM 102.7MHz Bukit Dedap and 103.0MHz Gulau coverage, even Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh coverage can be interfered too.
I verified with RTM engineer that RTM Lawin radio stations Nasional FM 101.7MHz and Perak FM 102.9MHz are operating at 250W power only.
It is unbelievable to receive Perak FM 102.9MHz Lawin frequency in Titi Serong and Kuala Kangsar. Here is my DX information:
On 12th September 2020, RTM four radio stations from Sabah and Sarawak was officially launched on MYTV digital terrestrial television platform, they're:
1. Sabah FM on CH707
2. Sabah VFM on CH708
3. Sarawak FM on CH709
4. Wai FM on CH710
Other than RTM Mobile app which is online streaming based radio, people who stay outside Sabah and Sarawak now can listen to these four radio stations on MYTV digital terrestrial television platform.
Back to April 2020, I had published a blog article to suggest RTM to launch Wai FM and Sabah VFM on MYTV to promote Sabah and Sarawak culture. Now, my suggestion happens in reality.
I'm very happy when Wai FM and Sabah VFM are launched on MYTV. In addition, RTM adds Sabah FM and Sarawak FM on MYTV that I did not suggest in April 2020, so it is another bonus.
For Wai FM on MYTV, it is based on Astro CH871 and SW11665kHz version, rather than Kuching FM 101.3MHz (Iban) and FM 106.1MHz (Bidayuh and Kayan). MYTV version of Wai FM is combination of Iban, Bidayuh and Kayan services in terms of content.
I realize there are many Sabahans and Sarawakians staying in Peninsular Malaysia, and these radio stations have no FM frequencies in Peninsular Malaysia, but from now they can listen to Wai FM and Sabah VFM on MYTV.
Congratulations for the launching. In my opinion, I also wish RTM will add Sarawak's Red FM on MYTV too. For your information, Sarawak's Red FM (not confuse with defunct Red FM where closed in 2016) is bilingual radio station in Sarawak, broadcast in Chinese and English. I could listen to this Sarawak English and Chinese radio station on MYTV if RTM Red FM launched on the platform.
We know that many AM radio stations from Indonesia can be received in Malaysia during nighttime transmission.
Normally I only managed to receive Indonesia AM radio stations, mainly Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) in Malaysia after evening.
Believe it or not? There is only 1 Indonesia AM radio station that I received in Malaysia during daytime propagation from morning to noon, it is Radio Aksi Bethany AM 900kHz.
Radio Aksi Bethany AM 900kHz is actually transmitted from Medan, Indonesia, then I received it in Tanjung Piandang (Ban Pecah), Perak, Malaysia at noon. For your information, it is available in Penang and coastal areas of Perak all day, but Radio Aksi Bethany AM 900kHz could be interfered by high transmission power Radio Thailand AM 891kHz from Bangkok in Tanjung Piandang, Perak and Penang when reach in the evening.
Radio Aksi Bethany AM 900kHz from Medan, Indonesia can be received in Tanjung Piandang, Malaysia all day because Tanjung Piandang and other coastal areas in Perak are located to the adjacent areas of Sumatera, Indonesia.
Between Indonesia and Malaysia, there is only sea, no terrain.
==INDONESIA AM RADIO DX DAYTIME TRANSMISSION REPORT==
- Frequency: MW 900kHz
- Power: 10kW
- Transmission site: Medan, North Sumatra province, Indonesia
- Receiving site: Ban Pecah Tanjung Piandang, Perak, Malaysia
- Distance: 250km
- Receiving date/time: 30.08.2020 1143H (UTC+8)
- SINPO: 45334
In conclusion, Radio Aksi Bethany AM 900kHz is the only Indonesia MW radio station which available in Tanjung Piandang, Perak, Malaysia all day.
Voice of Navy 3 from Phuket, Thailand operates on AM 1458kHz and FM 88.0MHz. In Tanjung Piandang (Ban Pecah), Perak, Malaysia, I attempted to receive on FM 88.0MHz, but nothing signal from Phuket after I saw a friend received Voice of Navy 3 FM 88.0MHz in Taiping, Malaysia.
In fact, I could receive AM 1458kHz from Phuket, Thailand in Tanjung Piandang, Perak, Malaysia during daytime transmission. Meanwhile Radio Thailand Phuket AM 1062kHz is not receivable there during daytime transmission.
Usually I could only receive AM radio stations from Thailand during nighttime.
- Receiving site: Tanjung Piandang, Perak Malaysia (Ban Pecah)
- Distance: 384km
- Receiving date: 30.08.2020 1130-1250H (UTC+8)
- SINPO: 35434
Other than Songkhla based AM radio stations such as 1269kHz, 1431kHz and 1512kHz where can be received in Malaysia during daytime transmission, AM 1458kHz is the only Phuket based AM radio station can be received in Tanjung Piandang, Perak, Malaysia during daytime, even it can be received in Langkawi, and Penang during daytime as these areas are located at adjacent area nearby Malacca Straits. Between Tanjung Piandang and Phuket, there are no any terrains and buildings, so Phuket AM 1458kHz can transmit there during daytime.
When comes to nighttime transmission, AM 1458kHz from Phuket is likely having adjacent channel interference from high power Bangkok transmitted Radio Thailand Educational Network AM 1467kHz there.
In Tanjung Piandang, the signal of AM 1458kHz from Phuket, Thailand is available all day.
RTM Mutiara FM main frequency for Penang is actually FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara, meanwhile it has two low power transmitter to cover 95.7MHz blind spot areas such as 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai and 90.9MHz Bukit Genting.
FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai did not cover all Penang areas. It is used to cover only Batu Feringghi, Tanjung Bungah, Tanjung Tokong and Teluk Bahang actually. The transmission power of FM 93.9MHz is only 0.1kW, and 93.9MHz is using only directional antenna (panel type) to beam southwest direction.
In Penang, there is RTM Nasional FM using same frequency as Mutiara FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai, but cover Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar only where Nasional FM cannot be received on FM 100.5MHz from Gunung Jerai there. Due to Nasional FM Bukit Genting and Mutiara FM Gunung Jerai use same frequency on FM 93.9MHz, this results co-channel interference in most of Penang locations such as Georgetown, Bayan Lepas, Gelugor, Central Seberang Perai (Juru, Seberang Jaya, Bukit Mertajam) and South Seberang Perai (Sungai Jawi, Nibong Tebal).
Other than Penang, in fact RTM Mutiara FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai is also having co-channel interference (CCI) from Nasional FM 93.9MHz Bukit Genting in Perak. The CCI locations in Perak are:
1. Kuala Kurau
2. Tanjung Piandang
3. Parit Buntar
4. Bagan Serai
In addition, Bandar Baharu of Kedah is also having co-channel interference between Mutiara FM and Nasional FM on 93.9MHz.
Here are the videos of CCI on FM 93.9MHz that I received in Tanjung Piandang, Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai and Kuala Kurau which I made on 30.08.2020.
1. Tanjung Piandang (Ban Pecah)
2. Kuala Kurau
3. Parit Buntar
The reception of Mutiara FM 93.9MHz is stable without co-channel interference when received in Alor Pongsu, Perak.
The co-channel interference of FM 93.9MHz does not affect Mutiara FM listeners at all, because listeners can tune to FM 95.7MHz from Bukti Penara in listed areas, however Parit Buntar, Kuala Kurau, Bagan Serai and Tanjung Piandang are not first priority broadcast areas of RTM Mutiara FM.
From Parit Buntar to Bagan Serai, you will also detect co-channel interference signal between Mutiara FM and Nasional FM on 93.9MHz.
From my review, what I received FM 93.9MHz co-channel interference in Perak is same as what I listened to RTM Johor FM 105.3MHz Gunung Ledang in Melaka and Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan where having co-channel interference from Suria FM 105.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.
What I predicted last year about FM 93.9MHz CCI in Tanjung Piandang, Bagan Serai and Kuala Kurau, Perak is accurate now.
Before going to Perak on 30th August 2020, I planned for FM radio stations DX log list. My first priority of FM DX in Tanjung Piandang, Kuala Kurau, Bagan Serai and Parit Buntar was Thailand FM radio stations, then RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz, meanwhile Gunung Raya Langkawi transmitted radio stations were second priority.
I could not receive RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh in Tanjung Piandang and Kuala Kurau nearby the seaside, so I tried to receive Langkawi radio stations in Perak.
Believe it or not? Lite FM 105.7MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali, Pahang/Selangor border) is having co-channel interference with RTM Kedah FM 105.7MHz (Gunung Raya, Langkawi, Kedah) in Perak, Malaysia.
Due to Kedah FM 105.7MHz Gunung Raya transmitter can overspill to numerous coastal areas in Kedah, Penang and Perak, the signal can be received weakly in Tanjung Piandang, and Parit Buntar, Perak.
In fact, the co-channel interference of two radio stations (Lite FM and RTM Kedah FM) on the frequency FM 105.7MHz happens in Tanjung Piandang, Perak, Malaysia.
Gunung Ulu Kali radio transmission somewhat can overspill to northwest Perak, but weaker signal, meanwhile Gunung Raya can overspill to part of Perak areas. Therefore, co-channel interference between two distant radio stations happens.
On 30th August 2020, I went to Tanjung Piandang Ban Pecah, Perak for making FM DX videos. By using TECSUN PL-380, there was co-channel interference between Lite FM and RTM Kedah FM when tuned to the frequency on FM 105.7MHz. Here are three videos that I recorded in Ban Pecah Tanjung Piandang, Perak.The co-channel interference between Lite FM and Kedah FM on 105.7MHz definitely does not affect both radio stations' listeners in Tanjung Piandang because Tanjung Piandang is not the broadcast coverage area of both radio station. In Tanjung Piandang, Lite FM can be listened on 89.3MHz from Bukit Larut, even 104.4MHz Gunung Jerai is still clear there, meanwhile RTM Kedah FM can be tuned on 97.5MHz from Gunung Jerai.
Kedah FM 105.7MHz has 161km distance from Gunung Raya to Tanjung Piandang, meanwhile Lite FM 105.7MHz has 236km distance from Gunung Ulu Kali to Tanjung Piandang. The interference is same as what I listened to Lite FM 105.7MHz in South Melaka, and Muar, Johor which has interference with RTM Nasional FM 105.7MHz from Gunung Pulai.
From Semanggol to Alor Pongsu, I received Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz on PLUS Highway, then I entered Alor Pongsu toll.
After paying toll at Alor Pongsu exit, I could receive Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz clearly when I stopped after the toll exit by using TECSUN PL-380.
In Alor Pongsu, Perak, Malaysia, I received FM 93.0MHz from Betong, Thailand clearly with STEREO signal on TECSUN PL-380 radio receiver.
Here are the video that I received Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz in Alor Pongsu.
No interference from local station Hitz FM 92.8MHz Gunung Jerai is found in Alor Pongsu when receive Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz.
==Radio Thailand Betong FM DX in Alor Pongsu, Perak, Malaysia==
On 30th and 31st August 2020, I traveled to Kerian district, Perak, Malaysia, I received few Thailand FM radio stations in Parit Buntar, Alor Pongsu, Kuala Kurau, Bagan Serai and Tanjung Piandang.
Here are the radio stations lists and receiving locations:
1. Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz and FM 94.25MHz
Receiving areas: Bagan Serai, and Semanggol.
2. Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz
Receiving areas: Bagan Serai and Semanggol
3. Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz
Receiving areas: Alor Pongsu, Semanggol, Kuala Kurau, Bagan Serai, and Parit Buntar
4. Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz
Receiving areas: Kuala Kurau and Tanjung Piandang
Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz, 94.25MHz and FM 95.0MHz are receivable in Bagan Serai and Semanggol, but interference from local radio station.
FM 92.0MHz and FM 94.25MHz are interfered by Ai FM 92.1MHz Bukit Genting and Mix FM 94.3MHz Gunung Kledang respectively, meanwhile FM 95.0MHz are interfered by Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai.
For Satun radio, only Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz is receivable weakly in Kuala Kurau and Tanjung Piandang, but Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz and MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz cannot be received there.
From 2013 till 2016, apart from Perlis FM 102.9MHz in Padang Pauh, actually FM 102.9MHz was my proposed frequency for Penang transmission.
Between 2013 and 2016, I proposed FM 102.9MHz to IKIM FM (later BFM) for Bukit Penara frequency to cover Penang and Georgetown as 89.0MHz was not receivable during that time.
I was told that FM 102.9MHz is not suitable for Bukit Penara transmission because it could interfere to Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh coverage. Besides that, Perlis FM has only 1 frequency for Perlis. Therefore, I stopped to study it.
Now, FM 102.9MHz is occupied by RTM Perak FM in Bukit Palong, Kedah to cover Pengkalan Hulu, West Gerik, Klian Intan and Thailand Betong.
Here is the difference:
2013-2016: FM 102.9MHz Bukit Penara 2kW (proposed)
2020: FM 102.9MHz Bukit Palong 1kW (RTM Perak FM)
In the past, I also did not recommend FM 102.9MHz Bukit Palong because it could cause co-channel interference with Perlis FM and adjacent interference to RTM Nasional FM Bukit Dedap 102.7MHz coverage, but at last FM 102.9MHz is used by RTM Perak FM in Bukit Palong where I spotted its weak signal in Parit Buntar and Kuala Kangsar, Perak recently.
