MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz ceased its broadcast since April 2022, listeners can continue tune to MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz and Pattani FM 91.0MHz in Narathiwat, Thailand.

 

Recently someone published a comment on my YouTube video of receiving Radio Thailand Narathiwat FM 98.25MHz in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, Malaysia where credit to my friend.

The YouTube user, named Ooi Roax asked whether MCOT had ceased the broadcast of Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz or not, as he spotted there is no MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz in the provincial radio station list on MCOT official website.

 

I'm already left behind of Thailand radio station update as I don't follow and update the news regularly. I went to verify it by tracing any posts related to MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz switch off news at MCOT Narathiwat official Facebook page from March 2022 to May 2022.

From what I understand is MCOT Narathiwat did not officially announce that FM 96.0MHz in Narathiwat would be ceased broadcast actually, instead told the listeners and followers to tune to MCOT Radio via Yala FM 102.5MHz and Pattani FM 91.0MHz.

 

I believe MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz transmission was switched off around 10th April 2022. Until now, FM 96.0MHz is likely vacant frequency in Narathiwat and Kelantan, so it could be possible that FM 96.0MHz is permanently switched off.

Although I'm not really following MCOT so much, but I feel curious that why did MCOT shut down Narathiwat broadcast FM 96.0MHz, as Narathiwat is one of province in Southern Thailand.

However, I could guess the reasons:

1. MCOT might think that its radio station has less listeners in Narathiwat. Hence, commercially MCOT would close down Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz.

 

In addition, Narathiwat is Malay majority province. By comparing Radio Thailand Narathiwat FM 98.25MHz, Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz, Radio Thailand Sungai Golok FM 106.5MHz and other small scale community radio stations' Malay language local content, MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz has less Malay content than those radio stations, even it could have lesser Malay content than MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz.

2. In terms of coverage availability, the transmission of MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz can't cover the whole province, listeners in some of districts such as Rueso, Si Sakhon, Ja-Nae, Waeng and Sukhrin cannot receive MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz, even the signal is weak in some of areas within Sungai Golok, Tak Bai and Sungai Padi districts.

Meanwhile its neighboring provincial radio station, MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz is available in most of districts within Narathiwat province.

 

In Narathiwat, MCOT Radio service is available via Yala broadcast FM 102.5MHz, the signal is still clear.

3. If MCOT did not switch off Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz broadcast permanently, I think MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz may go for full transmission system upgrade.

The closure of MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz doesn't really affect its listeners in that province because they can tune to MCOT Radio via Yala FM 102.5MHz and Pattani FM 91.0MHz. In addition, I may believe MCOT integrate Narathiwat radio content into Yala FM 102.5MHz slot.

MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz transmission site is located at Khao Pok Yo where shares with Radio Thailand Yala and Thailand Parliament Radio Station. Due to its strategic transmission site, outside Yala province, MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz is also available in Pattani, Narathiwat, part of Songkhla, North Kelantan and part of Hulu Perak in Malaysia.

 

MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz is clearer than MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz in Kelantan areas of Malaysia such as Kota Bharu, Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, Machang, Pasir Puteh, Bachok and Kuala Krai, meanwhile MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz is only clear in Tumpat.

 

After MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz ceased its broadcast in 10th April 2022, meanwhile in Kelantan, Malaysia, the Chinese listeners can receive 988 on FM 96.1MHz from Gunung Jerai without interference.

 

In memory of MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz, here are some old videos which Senn Lens received MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

(TOPIK HANGAT) Apakah kesan kepada penyiaran radio dan TV Malaysia jika Johor keluar dari Malaysia?

 

Johor ialah sebuah negeri yang terletak di wilayah selatan Semenanjung Malaysia. Johor bersempadan dengan Singapura, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan dan Pahang. Terdapat sebuah berita melapor bahawa Sultan Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar memberi amaran kepada Putrajaya (Kerajaan Pusat Malaysia) kerana Baginda berasa kecewa terhadap Putrajaya yang seakan-akan menganaktirikan negeri Johor.

 

"Jangan Sampai Rakyat Johor Desak Keluar Malaysia", Amaran Sultan Johor kepada Putrajaya.

 

Ia cuma sekadar amaran sahaja sebenarnya. 

 

Topik isu Johor ini sangat sensitif untuk dibincangkan oleh ramai kerana ia agak menghasutkan. Jika sesetengah orang membangkitkan topik ini, mereka boleh diberkas oleh polis atas sebab kenyataan yang menghasutkan.

 

Ia akan memberi banyak kesan segala-galanya antara Malaysia, Singapura dan Johor jika Johor keluar dari Malaysia.

Namun, topik utama saya ialah kesan kepada penyiaran radio dan TV Malaysia sekiranya Johor keluar dari Malaysia dan menubuhkan sebagai sebuah negara yang berdaulat.

Di Johor, terdapat tiga buah menara pemancar penyiaran TV dan radio, iaitu Gunung Ledang (untuk Johor Utara), Gunung Pulai (Johor Selatan) dan Bukit Tinggi (Johor Timur: Mersing).

Sekiranya Johor keluar dari Malaysia, ia akan memberi kesan kepada penyiaran TV dan radio Malaysia, terutamanya pemancaran dan liputan. Penyiaran Malaysia perlu menamatkan siaran TV dan radio di Johor atas sebab pemisahan Johor dari Malaysia.

==Radio (pemancaran)==

1. Untuk kawasan Melaka, stesen radio dipancar dari Gunung Ledang. Jika penyiaran radio Malaysia menutup pemancar FM Gunung Ledang, mereka perlu memindah pemancarnya ke Bukit Tampin bagi meliputi Melaka. Terutama kepada stesen radio Malaysia yang bertaraf swasta yang tidak berminat untuk melancarkan pemancar Bukit Tampin, stesen radio tersebut perlu memperluaskan liputan pemancar Gunung Telapak Burok dengan menambah kuasa pemancar atau mengubah speksifikasi antena bagi meliputi kawasan Melaka.

2. Bagi pendengar di Melaka, sekiranya pemancar Gunung Ledang bagi stesen radio Malaysia ditutup, mereka perlu menerima siaran radio Malaysia dengan menala kepada frekuensi Seremban yang dipancar dari Gunung Telapak Burok, tetapi penerimaan siaran kurang jelas.

 

3. Di Negeri Sembilan, terdapat kawasan yang bergantung kepada pemancaran radio dari Gunung Ledang, seperti kawasan Lui di Jempol (Lui Barat, Lui Timur, Lui Muda dan Felda Sungai Lui) yang berhampiri dengan Kemayan di negeri Pahang. Kawasan ini tidak dapat menerima isyarat dari Bukit Tampin, manakalan penerimaan isyarat radio FM dari Gunung Telapak Burok adalah lemah di kawasan Lui, Jempol akibat kawasan tersebut terhalang oleh sebuah banjaran bukit yang membahagikan sempadan daerah Jelebu dan Jempol. RTM perlu menambah pemancar jurang untuk meliputi kawasan tersebut, dimana adalah titik buta kepada pemancaran Gunung Telapak Burok, manakala saya tidak berasa penyiaran radio swasta Malaysia tidak akan melancar pemancar tambahan untuk meliputi kawasan Jempol atas sebab nilai komersil.

 

4. Di negeri Pahang, Keratong dan Muadzam Shah adalah kawasan yang berganting kepada pemancar Gunung Ledang, penamatan pemancar Gunung Ledang bagi stesen radio Malaysia tidak akan memberi kesan kerana Keratong dan Muadzam Shah masih boleh menerima siaran radio Malaysia dari Gunung Telapak Burok dan Gunung Ulu Kali, cuma penyiaran radio perlu memperluaskan pemancaran Gunung Telapak Burok untuk meliputi kawasan tersebut.

 

5. Di kawasan Negeri Sembilan seperti Gemas, Gemencheh, Rompin dan Felda Palong, penutupan pemancar Gunung Ledang oleh penyiaran radio Malaysia tidak akan membawa kesan kerana kawasan ini masih boleh menerima isyarat dari Gunung Telapak Burok (Seremban).

 

6. Stesen radio Malaysia mungkin tidak dapat diterima di Singapura, Karimun dan Batam di Indonesia kerana pemancar Gunung Pulai ditutup.

 

7. Penutupan pemancar Gunung Ledang oleh stesen radio Malaysia. Johor boleh membuat semula peruntukan frekuensi FM, manakala stesen radio Melaka yang memindah tempat pemancar ke Bukit Tampin perlu mengubah frekuensi. 

 

8. Pada masa ini, RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz dipancar dari Gunung Ledang di Johor. Sekiranya pemisahan Johor dari Malaysia berlaku, Melaka FM perlu memindah tempat pemancarnya ke Bukit Tampin untuk meliputi negeri Melaka, tetapi liputan siaran Melaka FM akan menjadi kecil.

 

9. RTM Negeri FM mempunyai pemancar di Gunung Ledang pada frekuensi FM 107.7MHz. Jika pemancaran Negeri FM 107.7MHz di Gunung Ledang ditutup, RTM perlu melancarkan pemancar jurang (gap filler) untuk meliputi kawasan titik buta FM 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok di daerah Jempol, manakala liputan pemancaran Bukit Tampin FM 95.7MHz perlu diperluaskan bagi meliputi Tampin, Gemencheh, Johol dan Gemas dimana kawasan ini tidak dapat menerima isyarat FM 92.6MHz dengan jelas. (Gemencheh, Gemas dan Johol OK jer, cuma Tampin tidak dapat isyarat frekuensi FM 92.6MHz)

 

==Penyiaran radio di Johor==

* Jika pemisahan Johor dari Malaysia berlaku, RTM (Radio Televisyen Malaysia) di Johor mungkin diubah namanya kepada RTJ (Radio Televisyen Johor) sepertimana RTM Singapura ditukar namanya kepada RTS- Radio Television Singapore setelah Singapura keluar dari Malaysia pada tahun 1965.

* RTM Johor FM mungkin menjadi sebagai radio kebangsaan Johor. Selain itu, Best FM boleh keluar dari Lembah Klang (Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor) dengan menutup pemancarnya di Gunung Ulu Kali kerana Best FM ialah stesen radio swasta yang berasal dari Johor.

 

==Radio dan TV (bagi orang yang menerima siaran TV dan radio Malaysia di Johor)==

1. Sekiranya TV dan radio Malaysia menutup pemancar Gunung Ledang atas sebab Johor keluar dari Malaysia, penonton dan pendengar di Muar, Segamat, Batu Pahat dan Kluang perlu menerima isyarat dari Gunung Telapak Burok, tetapi isyarat akan menjadi lemah. Jika TV dan radio yang berasaskan di Melaka yang dipancar dari Bukit Tampin, liputan siaran akan terhad di Tangkak, Muar dan Segamat sahaja kerana pemancaran Bukit Tampin tidak boleh memancar ke Batu Pahat dan Kluang.

2. Untuk penonton Johor yang menerima siaran MYTV, liputan DTT oleh MYTV cuma terhad di Tangkak dan Muar (Bukit Tampin), serta Segamat (Gunung Telapak Burok).

 

==Radio dan TV (bagi orang yang menerima siaran TV dan radio Johor di Malaysia)==

1. Orang yang bertempat di Melaka, Negeri Sembilan Tenggara, Pahang Selatan dan sedikit bahagian Selangor boleh menerima siaran TV dan radio Johor dari Gunung Ledang, menjadikan menerima siaran negera jiran, kecuali kerajaan pusat (Putrajaya) memilih untuk menyekat isyarat dengan menggunakan frekuensi sama dengan Johor di Gunung Ulu Kali, Gunung Telapak Burok dan Bukit Tampin, juga Bukit Pelindung dan Bukit Sembilan.

 

==Televisyen (Pemancaran)==

1. Malaysia telah melaksanakan peralihan siaran televisyen terrestrial daripada analog (PAL) kepada digital (DVB-T2) dengan DTH (satelit) pada tahun 2019, MYTV ialah penyedia perkhidmatan infrastruktur TV digital. Jika Johor keluar dari Malaysia, pemancar MYTV di Johor (Gunung Ledang, Gunung Pulai, Taman Sentosa dan Skudai) ditutup. Oleh itu, penonton Johor tidak akan menerima siaran MYTV.

2. Kesan kepada penyiaran DTT di Melaka adalah kosong kerana MYTV mempunyai pemancar Bukit Tampin untuk meliputi Melaka. Di samping itu, tiada kesan kepada penyiaran DTT di Pahang Selatan kerana MYTV sudah mempunyai pemancar Bukit Sembilan di Muadzam Shah. Oleh kerana itu, Keratong boleh menerima isyarat dari Bukit Sembilan.

3. Jika MYTV di Gunung Ledang ditutup, ia akan memberi kesan kepada penonton di Negeri Sembilan Timur seperti Felda Palong dan Bandar Seri Jempol kerana kedua-dua kawasan ini bergantung kepada pemancar Gunung Ledang, tetapi MYTV perlu menamabah pemancar DTT di Gunung Telapak Burok.

4. Penonton di Singapura dan Batam tidak akan menerima lagi siaran MYTV kerana MYTV di Gunung Pulai ditutup. Namun, mereka boleh menerima siaran TV Johor dari Gunung Pulai.

 

==Perancangan frekuensi dan koordinasi untuk radio FM==

* Jika Johor menjadi sebuah negara yang berpisah dari Malaysia, ia lagi sukar untuk membuat perancangan frekuensi untuk FM radio bagi Malaysia (Selangor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan dan Melaka) kerana pemancar Gunung Telapak Burok, Bukit Sembilan, Kuala Rompin, Pulau Tioman, Gunung Ulu Kali dan Bukit Tampin terlibat dalam koordinasi antarabangsa antara Malaysia dan Johor kerana tempat pemancar ini boleh terlebih menumpah isyarat ke Johor, menyebabkan gangguan isyarat. Atau Gunung Ledang dan Bukit Tinggi boleh menumpah isyarat ke Melaka, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan dan sebahagian Selangor. Oleh itu, jarak frekuensi minimum diperlukan.

 

a. Gunung Ulu Kali vs. Gunung Ledang: 100kHz

b. Gunung Telapak Burok vs. Gunung Ledang: 200kHz

c. Bukit Tampin vs. Gunung Ledang: 400kHz

d. Bukit Sembilan vs. Gunung Ledang: 300kHz

e. Gunung Telapak Burok vs. Gunung Pulai: 100kHz

f. Bukit Tampin vs. Gunung Pulai: 200kHz

g. Kuala Rompin vs. Bukit Tinggi (Mersing): 300kHz

h. Pulau Tioman vs. Bukit Tinggi (Mersing): 300kHz

 

Manakala koordinasi frekuensi antara Malaysia (Melaka, Negeri Sembilan dan Pahang) pada perkhidmatan DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) di DVB-T2 tidak leceh seperti radio FM.

 

Pada pandangan saya, kerajaan pusat (Putrajaya) harus mendengar maklumbalas dan kritikan dari Sultan Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. Kerana Johor ialah sebahagian dari Malaysia, kerajaan pusat tidak boleh mendiskriminasikan pembangunan negeri Johor, dan Putrajaya harus membangunkan Johor dengan baik. Justeru, Putrajaya harus belajar dari kesilapan mereka. 

(HOT TOPIC) What are the impacts given to Malaysia TV and radio broadcasters if Johor leaves Malaysia?

Johor is a state in Southern Region of Peninsular Malaysia where located next to Singapore, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang (clockwise). Recently a news report that The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar warned Putrajaya (Federal Government of Malaysia) that Johor could secedes from Malaysia if the state is still being discriminated by the Federal Government of Malaysia in terms of state development and the funds.

 

Actually it is just a warning and reminder to Putrajaya from The Sultan of Johor.

It is a very sensitive topic to be discussed by the public because it could be seditious as if somebody protests it, they could be arrested by the police for making seditious statement.

Talk about if Johor secedes from Malaysia, it will definitely give many impacts to everything between Malaysia, Johor and Singapore.

However, I'm not talking about this so much, but the main topic is to focus on the impacts to the current Malaysia TV and radio broadcasters if Johor quits from Malaysia and establishes as an independent country.

 

In Johor, there are three TV and radio broadcast transmitter towers, such as Gunung Ledang (for North Johor and Melaka), Gunung Pulai (South Johor) and Bukit Tinggi (Mersing).

 

If Johor leaves Malaysia, it will definitely bring many impacts to Malaysia TV and radio broadcasters, especially transmission coverage. The Malaysia TV and radio broadcasters have to shut down all the transmitters in Johor state in respect to the secession.

==Radio (transmission)==

1. For Melaka area, all radio stations are transmitted from Gunung Ledang actually. If Malaysia radio broadcasters switch off Gunung Ledang FM transmitters as Johor leaves Malaysia, they have to shift their transmission site to Bukit Tampin where located in Negeri Sembilan in order to cover Melaka state for FM broadcast transmission. Especially for commercial broadcasters who may have no interested to launch Bukit Tampin transmitters due to commercial reasons, the radio stations have to increase transmission power of Gunung Telapak Burok transmitter to cover Melaka.

2. For the listeners in Melaka, if Gunung Ledang transmitters are switched off for Malaysia radio stations, the listeners have to tune to Malaysia radio stations in Melaka by switching to Seremban frequency from Gunung Telapak Burok, however the reception is not clear.

3. In Negeri Sembilan, there are some areas relying on Gunung Ledang radio transmission, such as Lui areas of Jempol (Lui Barat, Lui Muda, Lui Timur, Felda Sungai Lui). It is impossible to receive Bukit Tampin signal in these areas, meanwhile Gunung Telapak Burok signal is poor there. RTM may need to add gap filler transmitter to cover those areas, meanwhile I don't think Malaysia commercial broadcasters have the interest to launch transmitter to cover there due to commercial value reason.

4. In Pahang, Keratong and Muadzam Shah are the areas to rely Gunung Ledang radio transmission. If Gunung Ledang transmitters are switched off, listeners in these locations need to receive radio stations signal from Gunung Telapak Burok, however it is less clear. For RTM, the Malaysia public broadcasters may need to add a transmitter in Bukit Sembilan to cover "former" Gunung Ledang coverage areas in Pahang. 

5. In Negeri Sembilan locations like Gemas, Gemencheh, Rompin and Felda Palong, the switch off of Gunung Ledang transmitter by Malaysia radio broadcasters give zero impact because these locations can still receive signal from Gunung Telapak Burok, but radio broadcasters have to widen the transmission in order to reach these locations better.

6. Malaysia radio stations may be no longer accessed in Singapore, Indonesia's Batam and Karimun as Gunung Pulai transmitters are switched off.

7. Switching off Gunung Ledang transmitters by Malaysia radio stations. Johor could be going to re-stake the frequencies allocation for FM radio, meanwhile Melaka based radio stations who move to Bukit Tampin has to reallocate the frequencies. 

8. RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz is currently transmitted from Gunung Ledang in Johor. If the Johor's secession from Malaysia happens, Melaka FM has to move its transmitter site to Bukit Tampin to cover Melaka state, but the broadcast coverage will be smaller.

9. RTM Negeri FM has a transmitter in Gunung Ledang on FM 107.7MHz. If Gunung Ledang transmitter is switched off due to secession, RTM Negeri FM has to launch a gap filler transmitter to cover blind spot areas of Gunung Telapak Burok transmitter in Jempol, meanwhile Bukit Tampin FM 95.7MHz transmission coverage has to be widened by increasing the transmitter power to cover Tampin, Gemencheh, Gemas and Johol where FM 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok signal is less clear there.

==Radio broadcasters in Johor==

* For RTM, if the secession happens, RTM (Radio Televisyen Malaysia) could be renamed as RTJ (Radio Televisyen Johor) like Singapore gains independence from Malaysia in 1965 where RTM Singapore renamed as RTS- Radio Television Singapore (now as Mediacorp). 

* RTM Johor FM could become the national radio station in Johor. In addition, Best FM could exit Klang Valley by switching off Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter as Best FM is based in Johor.

==Radio and TV (for people who tune to Malaysia TV and radio stations in Johor)==

1. If Malaysia TV and radio stations switch off Gunung Ledang transmission as Johor leaves Malaysia, the viewers and listeners in Muar, Segamat, Batu Pahat and Kluang need to receive Malaysia TV and radio stations signal from Gunung Telapak Burok (Seremban, Negeri Sembilan), but receiving signal will be poor. If Melaka based TV and radio stations are transmitted from Bukit Tampin, the availability areas in Johor will be limited in Tangkak, Muar and Segamat only as Bukit Tampin transmission cannot reach Batu Pahat and Kluang.

2. For Johor viewers who accessing MYTV service, the DTT coverage of MYTV may be limited in Tangkak and Muar (for Bukit Tampin), as well as Segamat (for Gunung Telapak Burok). 

 

==Radio and TV (for people who tune to Johor TV and radio stations in Malaysia)==

1. People who are staying in Melaka, Southeast Negeri Sembilan, Southwest Pahang and some Selangor areas can access Johor TV and radio stations by receiving signal from Gunung Ledang, becoming tuning neighboring country broadcast stations, unless the Federal Government of Malaysia chooses to jam the signal by making co-channel interference signal with allocating same frequency with Johor in Gunung Ulu Kali, Gunung Telapak Burok and Bukit Tampin.

==TV (transmission)==

1. As Malaysia already successfully switched the terrestrial television broadcast from analogue (PAL) to digital (DVB-T2) with backup support of DTH satellite transmission in 2019, MYTV is currently a digital terrestrial television infrastructure provider. If Johor leaves Malaysia, MYTV has to switch off DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) broadcast transmission in Johor (Gunung Ledang, Gunung Pulai, Taman Sentosa and Skudai). Hence, Johor people will be no longer accessing MYTV service.

2. The impact to Malaysia DTT in Melaka is zero because MYTV has Bukit Tampin transmitter to cover Melaka. In addition, zero impact is also given to Malaysia DTT in South Pahang because MYTV has Bukit Sembilan transmitter in Muadzam Shah, so it is sufficient to cover Keratong.

3. If MYTV in Gunung Ledang is switched off, it will affect MYTV viewers in East Negeri Sembilan as Felda Palong and Bandar Seri Jempol are relying on Gunung Ledang signal, but MYTV has to add DTT transmitter in Gunung Telapak Burok.

4. Viewers in Singapore and Batam will be no longer accessing MYTV as MYTV in Gunung Pulai is switched off if Johor declares independence from Malaysia. However, Singapore and Batam viewers could access Johor TV stations from Gunung Pulai, instead of Malaysia.

==Frequency planning and coordination for FM radio==

* If Johor becomes a country where secedes from Malaysia, it is more difficult to do frequency planning on FM radio because Gunung Telapak Burok, Bukit Sembilan, Kuala Rompin, Pulau Tioman, Gunung Ulu Kali and Bukit Tampin are involved in the international coordination between Malaysia and Johor as these transmitter sites can overspill to Johor state, causing signal interference. Or Johor's Gunung Ledang, Bukit Tinggi can overspill to Melaka, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and some Selangor areas. Hence, minimum frequency separation must be rolled out.

a. Gunung Ulu Kali vs. Gunung Ledang: 100kHz

b. Gunung Telapak Burok vs. Gunung Ledang: 200kHz

c. Bukit Tampin vs. Gunung Ledang: 400kHz

d. Bukit Sembilan vs. Gunung Ledang: 300kHz

e. Gunung Telapak Burok vs. Gunung Pulai: 100kHz

f. Bukit Tampin vs. Gunung Pulai: 200kHz

g. Kuala Rompin vs. Bukit Tinggi (Mersing): 300kHz

h. Pulau Tioman vs. Bukit Tinggi (Mersing): 300kHz

 

Meanwhile frequency coordination between Malaysia (Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang) and Johor on DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television services is not complex as FM radio.

In my opinion, Federal Government of Malaysia should have to listen the feedback and warnings from The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. As Johor is part of Malaysia, the Federal Government of Malaysia has to develop the state properly by not discriminating Johor. Moreover, the Federal Government should learn from their mistakes and correct the false.

Few concerns if I propose BFM Penang frequency FM 102.9MHz and transmitted from Bandar Baharu, Kedah (Bukit Sungai Kecil)

 

It has been almost 14 years that BFM 89.9 broadcasts in Klang Valley, South Perak, large part of Pahang, and some part of Negeri Sembilan/Melaka/Johor. Since 2014, I noticed that BFM 89.9 was looking for Penang frequency, unfortunately the frequency application was not approved by MCMC.

 

In fact, BFM was trying to expand its broadcast coverage to Penang since 2009, however MCMC turned it down due to technical interference to existing radio station.

 

I involved myself to assist BFM to look for Penang frequency by creating my proposal since 2015. Since that, I began to be interested in broadcast engineering stuffs, despite I'm not coming from telecommunication background. In between that, I was introduced by the station founder of the broadcast transmission equipment company job. Hence, I joined the company (Malaysia branch Australia company) to try it out in April 2019, sadly due to personal issue, I left in May 2020. Despite I already left the job two years ago, I also would like to thank to the radio station founder for introducing me the job, meanwhile radio broadcast continues becoming my hobby (thus amateur).

MCMC already announced that the new frequency applications by new radio broadcasters are not considered as the regulator was studying FM frequency re-planning in 1st July 2019. However, the outcome was made in 2020. 

MCMC stated that no new frequencies can be assigned in Klang Valley, Johor Bahru, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and locations nearby international borders (like Kota Bharu, Alor Setar, Kangar, Miri, Limbang, Lawas, Langkawi, Baling and Jeli), but MCMC hold a consultation session with all radio broadcasters to identify the appropriate platforms or methods in ensuring the continuity and development of the radio broadcasting industry in Malaysia. [MCMC Annual Report from 2020]

As MCMC mentioned Penang is the major city where no new FM frequency can be assigned in the summary report of frequency study outcome, so I don't think BFM can expand the coverage to Penang.

Nevertheless, I'm thinking about the proposed alternative site (outside Penang) for BFM to cover Penang (may be a partial transmission). Nearby Penang, outside main site Gunung Jerai, actually there is an alternative transmitter site in Kedah located nearby Penang, it is Bukit Sungai Kechil located in Bandar Baharu district of Kedah (nearby Nibong Tebal, Penang).

The transmitter tower in Bukit Sungai Kechil has only 1 radio station, namely RTM Kedah FM 88.5MHz which covers Bandar Baharu and Serdang of Kedah where they're blind spot areas of FM 97.5MHz Gunung Jerai. Technically, Bukit Sungai Kechil radio transmission can partially cover Penang areas, even it has distant signal receivable in Georgetown.

My proposal of BFM Penang frequency with alternative site:

- Frequency: FM 102.9MHz

- Power: 0.5kW

- Transmission site: Bukit Sungai Kechil, Kedah

- Antenna beaming angle: 310DEG

Proposed antenna model, antenna gain, and antenna height are not disclosed as they're confidential.

==RF Analysis==

102.9MHz: BFM Bukit Sungai Kechil

103.3MHz: Radio Klasik Bukit Larut

<400kHz, OK>

102.7MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Genting

102.9MHz: BFM Bukit Sungai Kechil

<200kHz, OK>

102.9MHz: BFM Bukit Sungai Kechil

102.9MHz: RTM Perak FM Lawin

<0kHz, OK>

102.9MHz: BFM Bukit Sungai Kechil

102.9MHz: RTM Perlis FM Padang Pauh

<0kHz, despite looks OK, but interference within Penang is the biggest concern>

Based on RF analysis, the transmission of FM 102.9MHz from Bukit Sungai Kechil by BFM may look OK in main listening areas (Southern Seberang Perai, Bandar Baharu and Parit Buntar). Although the transmission of FM 102.9MHz from Bukit Sungai Kechil doesn't cause interference to Perlis FM 102.9MHz coverage in Perlis, but what I concern the most is FM 102.9MHz Bukit Sungai Kechil being interfered by Perlis FM in Penang areas. Since I raise my concern, it seems that FM 102.9MHz Bukit Sungai Kechil transmission is not ideal when it comes to major cities and towns in Penang such as Butterworth, Georgetown, Gurney, Gelugor, Bukit Mertajam, Air Hitam and possibly Bayan Lepas because these locations have many high rises buildings and condominiums.

I feel doubt over the transmission of FM 102.9MHz from Bukit Sungai Kechil whether it can covers Penang well or not.

My main concern is the reception quality of those stated areas (Georgetown, Butterworth, Permatang Pauh, Bukit Mertajam) when listeners tune to BFM on 102.9MHz from Bukit Sungai Kechil because Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh could overspill its signal to these areas, causing co-channel interference between BFM and Perlis FM within Penang.

BFM 102.9MHz from Bukit Sungai Kechil may have weak signal in some of Georgetown areas, but at the same time Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh is receivable too. So, co-channel interference could be happened, especially high rise buildings and condominiums.

If the listeners tune to BFM 102.9MHz from Bukit Sungai Kechil transmission tower at Komtar Tower (example: 30th floor, 52nd floor), then tune the same frequency again at a condominium in Butterworth (example: 8th floor, 15th floor), do they detect the co-channel interference signal from Perlis FM while they're listening to BFM on 102.9MHz?

That is my biggest concern when talk about interference within Penang.

If BFM's listeners in Penang (mainly Georgetown, Butterworth, Juru, Gelugor, Bukit Mertajam and Gurney) hear the co-channel interference signal from Perlis FM when they tune on the frequency FM 102.9MHz from Bukit Sungai Kechil, this can make listeners unhappy because the radio station is being interfered. In addition, listeners may shift to listening to BFM via mobile app and podcasts, instead of FM radio which already suffers co-channel interference.

Back to November 2015, when I was working in automotive service industry (now I'm in same company too) while radio DX-ing is my hobby, coincidentally my company organized a company trip to Penang during that time, all of us went to Penang Hill first before checking in the hotel in Tanjung Bungah. Hence, despite I did not own a special radio receiver (TECSUN PL-380) yet, but I used my Lenovo A536 mobile phone built-in radio receiver to receive any distant radio station there.

At the top of Penang Hill, I could receive RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh loudly and clearly, even the restaurant at Bukit Bendera (Penang Hill) can receive the station from Padang Pauh clearly too. Now I recall the moment again, I'm highly concern if the listeners (even restaurant managers who tune to BFM 102.9MHz) heard the co-channel interference between BFM and Perlis FM at Penang Hill.

That is my biggest concern when talk about interference within Penang.

Even if Penang is not the listening area or the targeting coverage of RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz, but it is receivable in Penang (Butterworth, Georgetown, Juru, and Gurney) because there is no any terrain between Penang Island, Seberang Perai coastal towns and Padang Pauh transmission tower. Consequently, Perlis FM 102.9MHz transmission can overspill to Penang easily.

 

I can compare with another location. Imagine if,

• Penang (Georgetown/Butterworth/Juru) = Fraser's Hill
• Bukit Sungai Kechil = Gunung Ulu Kali
• Padang Pauh = Felda Paloh or Bukit Bakar. 

 

When both sites are running same frequency, co-channel interference does happen.

 

In Fraser's Hill, when Gunung Ulu Kali radio stations which operate same frequency with Bukit Bakar and Felda Paloh, listeners can detect co-channel interference between both transmitter sites, despite Fraser's Hill is not far from Gunung Ulu Kali. Therefore, same goes to FM 102.9MHz Bukit Sungai Kechil, listeners who tune this frequency in Penang may hear co-channel interference signal from Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh transmitter too.  

 

88.1MHz: 8FM Gunung Ulu Kali

88.1MHz: Kelantan FM Paloh

<Co-channel interference in Fraser's Hill>

 

99.3MHz: Raaga Gunung Ulu Kali

99.3MHz: Ai FM Bukit Bakar

<Co-channel interference in Fraser's Hill>

 

102.9MHz: BFM Bukit Sungai Kechil

102.9MHz: Perlis FM Padang Pauh

<Co-channel interference in Georgetown/Butterworth/Juru>

 

In conclusion, the possibility of the approval by MCMC over FM 102.9MHz in Bukit Sungai Kechil transmission in Penang may be low due to interference within Penang. I may rate 35/100 about the possibility.

為了打破Astro Radio中文電台在吉蘭丹和登嘉樓市場的壟斷, 首要媒體中文電台8FM其實可以在瓜拉登嘉樓和哥打峇魯設有收聽頻道.

 

在吉蘭丹的哥打巴魯 (Kota Bharu, Kelantan)和瓜拉登嘉樓 (Kuala Terengganu), 中文電台其實並不多, 這兩個市鎮只有國營電台RTM愛FM和Astro Radio旗下的MY FM與Melody FM.

 

去年8月份, 首要媒體電台在15年創立以來為所有旗下電台進行大改革, 其中文電台One FM改名為8FM. 

 

8FM的電台品牌形象比One FM還要大眾化, 尤其是音樂選曲和節目內容話題. 8FM不像One FM一樣只顧著娛樂性的內容, 反而8FM有專注在時事話題和重要的社會課題. 

 

目前8FM在馬來西亞主要華人地區都有收聽頻道, 除了哥打峇魯和瓜拉登嘉樓.

 

從One FM開台到在2021年8月轉型為8FM, 這家電台到現在仍然沒有哥打峇魯和瓜拉登嘉樓頻道. 或許這兩個都是馬來人佔多數的地區, 反而當地非常少華人的, 導致哥打峇魯和瓜拉登嘉樓對One FM是毫無商業價值的地區.

 

為了打破Astro Radio中文電台MY FM和Melody FM在哥打巴魯和登嘉樓市場的壟斷, 首要媒體集團Media Prima Audio其實可以為8FM在哥打峇魯和瓜拉登嘉樓設有收聽頻道, 讓當地聽眾多出一種選擇. 有時壟斷太久會導致反感, 所以競爭對手可以破天荒做出人家預想不到的事情來結束壟斷.

 

現在首要媒體電視台八度空間8TV都能在吉蘭丹和登嘉樓通過UHF天線收看, 而是數碼電視訊號 DVB-T2平台. 以前模擬電視analogue PAL時代, 八度空間是沒有在吉蘭丹和登嘉樓廣播的.

 

正巧One FM變成8FM, 然後8FM變成八度空間的電台品牌, 加上電台品牌大眾化了, 所以8FM可以在瓜拉登嘉樓和哥打峇魯落地.

 

如果首要媒體8FM要在哥打峇魯和瓜拉登嘉樓設有的頻率是從"8"字頭算起 (模仿西海岸一帶的頻率), 意思是坐落在87.5MHz-89.9MHz之間, 那麼我可建議以下頻道:

 

- 哥打峇魯 (發射地點: Peringat): 87.6 或 87.7

- 瓜拉登嘉樓 (發射地點: Bukit Besar): 88.3 或 89.2

==8FM Kota Bharu==

87.6MHz: 8FM Peringat

87.8MHz: 愛FM Felda Tenang

<200kHz, OK>

87.7MHz: 8FM Peringat

87.8MHz: 愛FM Felda Tenang

<100kHz, OK>

==8FM Kuala Terengganu==

88.1MHz: Gegar Bukit Panau

88.3MHz: 8FM Bukit Besar

<200kHz, OK>

88.1MHz: Kelantan FM Paloh

88.3MHz: 8FM Bukit Besar

<200kHz, OK>

87.9MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Besar

88.3MHz: 8FM Bukit Besar

<400kHz, OK>

88.3MHz: 8FM Bukit Besar

88.7MHz: Terengganu FM Bukit Besar

<400kHz, OK>

88.7MHz: Terengganu FM Bukit Besar

89.2MHz: 8FM Bukit Besar

<500kHz, OK>

以上的建議"8"字頭頻率是當地檢測的空頻率, 但在哥打峇魯, 頻率挺飽和的因為當地有許多的泰國電台. 如果泰國也拉和陶公府電台使用的頻率是FM 87.75MHz, 8FM在哥打峇魯就不再適合使用87.6或87.7.

 

如果首要媒體要模仿Fly FM的模式, 8FM可以使用這些頻率:

 

- 哥打峇魯: 90.2

- 瓜拉登嘉樓: 90.1

 

90.1MHz: 8FM Bukit Besar (瓜拉登嘉樓)

90.2MHz: 8FM Peringat (哥打峇魯)

其頻率距離只有100kHz而已, 並不會造成嚴重干擾, 何況兩者是同家電台.

 

89.8MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Panau

90.2MHz: 8FM Peringat

90.6MHz: Manis FM Tunjung

<400kHz, OK> 

 

90.0MHz: Kelantan FM Bukit Tangki Air/Champion Radio Sg Golok (泰國)

90.2MHz: 8FM Peringat

<200kHz, OK>

 

89.7MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Besar

90.1MHz: 8FM Bukit Besar

90.5MHz: 愛FM Bukit Besar

<400kHz, OK>

 

除了鎖定當地少數的華裔聽眾, 8FM或許也可以吸引會口操華語的馬來同胞, 但對8FM而言, 在當地的商業價值已經是問題. 商業價值的問題是有顧慮到廣告商和電台運作費用. 若哥打峇魯和瓜拉登嘉樓是毫無商業價值的市鎮, 那麼8FM要在那邊設有收聽頻道就不值得.

Fraser's Hill is my 5th location in Pahang to receive Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar after Benta, Cameron Highlands, Sungai Yu and Merapoh.

Benta was my first location in Pahang to receive Kelantan FM via the frequency 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar on 14th November 2021, following by Cameron Highlands, Sungai Yu and Merapoh. (Note: I received Kelantan FM in Sungai Yu via FM 102.9MHz from Wakaf Che Yeh)

 

Now, Fraser's Hill is my 5th location in Pahang to receive Kelantan FM from Bukit Bakar. The reception of Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar is moderate to clear in Fraser's Hill, Pahang overall.

 

In Fraser's Hill, Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar is available from Taman Awam to Jeriau Waterfall. Here are few videos of receiving Kelantan FM 97.3MHz in Fraser's Hill, Pahang which I recorded from 5th and 6th June 2022:

Although its adjacent radio station RTM Ai FM occupies the frequency 97.1MHz in Fraser's Hill transmission tower as gap filler transmitter to cover Raub where is a blind spot area of FM 106.7MHz Gunung Ulu Kali transmission, but no interference noise is heard when tune to Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar in Fraser's Hill. This is because RTM Ai FM 97.1MHz Fraser's Hill transmission power only operates at 0.125kW, so it never interferes Kelantan FM coverage.

 

Nearby Taman Awam, Kelantan FM 97.3MHz is partially clear, but less stable due to adjacent channel interference noise from Traxx FM 97.4MHz Gunung Ledang transmitter (Malacca and North Johor) can be detected. The signal of Kelantan FM 97.3MHz is getting clearer and more stable when walk from T-junction which divides Semantan Road and High Pines Road to Jeriau Waterfall.

 

From Semantan Road to Jeriau Waterfall and Taman Sungai Hijau, Kelantan FM 97.3MHz is very clear with STEREO indicator signal detected on my radio receiver. 

 

Alongside FM 97.3MHz, I could receive Kelantan FM 88.1MHz from Felda Paloh (which covers East Gua Musang such as Paloh, Aring and Chiku) in Fraser's Hill too, however Kelantan FM 88.1MHz is badly interfered by Media Prima Audio's Chinese radio station 8FM (formerly known as One FM) 88.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

Distance from Felda Paloh to the receiving location in Fraser's Hill is about 154-155 kilometers.

 

Co-channel interference between Kelantan FM and 8FM on the frequency 88.1MHz is detected at Semantan Road/Jalan Semantan which nearby Rompin House and Smokehouse Trail.

 

I detected Kelantan FM 88.1MHz Felda Paloh transmitter signal when I walked on Jalan Semantan between Smokehouse Trail and Rompin House in Fraser's Hill with co-channel interference signal from 8FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter.

 

==Reception report of Kelantan FM in Fraser's Hill, Pahang==

* Frequency: FM 97.3MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmitter site: Bukit Bakar, Machang, Kelantan

* Receiving site: Fraser's Hill, Pahang

* Distance: 230km

* Overall signal performance rating: 70/100 

 

Previously, Benta was the furthest location that I received Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar, now I break the record again by receiving Kelantan FM 97.3MHz in Fraser's Hill at a further distance with 230km.

 

Here are the locations where Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar is receivable:

 

 

1. Taman Awam

2. Jalan Semantan

(I was listening to Kelantan FM's afternoon radio segment, namely Akok - Apa Khabar Orang Kelate on the frequency FM 97.3MHz outside Rompin House, Jalan Semantan, Bukit Fraser while uploading the distant radio signal monitoring videos on YouTube)

3. Istana Sri Pahang

4. Jalan Sungai Hijau, Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Fraser dan Rumah Pangsa Sungai Hijau

5. Air Terjun Jeriau

Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar is not available in Fraser's Hill town (nearby Shahzan Inn, The Paddock, and Puncak Inn). When I was at the town, I could hear interference noise from Traxx FM 97.4MHz Gunung Ledang transmitter on the frequency FM 97.3MHz through my radio receiver TECSUN PL-380. Alongside Taman Awam at Jalan Pokok Pine, the adjacent channel interference with Traxx FM 97.4MHz from Gunung Ledang is also detected in somewhere around Jalan Lady Guillemard where is a road to Sri Peninjau. (most quiet road in Fraser's Hill).

To all Kelantan's FM listeners who travel to Fraser's Hill, you can access listening to this radio station by tuning the frequency on FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar.