Penerimaan isyarat frekuensi RTM Nasional FM di Chukai, Terengganu.

 

RTM melancarkan pemancar jurang (gap filler transmitter) untuk Terengganu FM di Bukit Kemuning, Kijal, Terengganu bagi meliputi Daerah Kemaman, Terengganu dimana terdapat kawasan tidak dapat menerima siaran Terengganu FM pada 97.7MHz dari Bukit Bauk, Dungun.

 

Saya melihat setiap penambahan pemancar jurang RTM di kawasan terpencil akan mempunyai Nasional FM kerana Nasional FM ialah stesen radio perdana RTM, tetapi RTM tidak menambah pemancar di Bukit Kemuning untuk Nasional FM dan Radio Klasik.

 

Ini kerana:

1. Terengganu FM tidak mempunyai pemancar Bukit Pelindung. Tanpa "merentas" negeri ke Pahang untuk memasang pemancar Terengganu FM di Bukit Pelindung dan "bergaduh" dengan Pahang FM, RTM mengadakan rancangan yang lebih strategik untuk Terengganu FM dengan meletakkan pemancar di Bukit Kemuning. Penerimaan siaran radio dari Bukit Pelindung tidak berapa jelas di Chukai dan Kijal, oleh itu Terengganu FM lebih sesuai di Bukit Kemuning daripada Bukit Pelindung.

 

2. Nasional FM masih boleh meliputi kawasan Kemaman, Terengganu dengan pemancar Bukit Pelindung pada frekuensi FM 107.1MHz, manakala pemancar Bukit Bauk pada frekuensi FM 96.9MHz masih boleh meliputi Kemaman Utara yang berhampiri dengan Daerah Dungun seperti Kerteh dan Kemasik.

 

Oleh kerana Nasional FM boleh diterima pada frekuensi 107.1MHz dari Bukit Pelindung di Kemaman, Terengganu, RTM Nasional FM tidak mengadakan keperluan untuk menambah pemancar jurang di Bukit Kemuning seperti Terengganu FM.

 

Saya mengambil rakaman video penerimaan Nasional FM di Bandar Chukai, Daerah Kemaman, Terengganu dengan membuat perbandingan antara dua frekuensi, iaitu FM 107.1MHz (Bukit Pelindung) dan FM 96.9MHz (Bukit Bauk).

Berdasarkan pada bacaan kekuatan isyarat di penerima radio TECSUN PL-310ET saya, Nasional FM 107.1MHz dari Bukit Pelindung lebih jelas daripada 96.9MHz dari Bukit Bauk di Chukai, Terengganu.

 

Di Chukai, Terengganu, bacaan isyarat Nasional FM 107.1MHz lebih tinggi daripada 96.9MHz. Selain itu, 107.1MHz mempunyai isyarat STEREO, manakala 96.9MHz cuma mempunyai isyarat MONO akibat isyarat lemah.

 

Kesimpulannya, Nasional FM boleh didengari di Kemaman pada frekuensi FM 107.1MHz dari Bukit Pelindung. Sekiranya siaran Nasional FM tidak dapat didengari dengan jelas pada frekuensi FM 107.1MHz di beberapa kawasan di Daerah Kemaman, pendengar boleh cuba menala ke frekuensi FM 96.9MHz dari Bukit Bauk.

Selain daripada Terengganu FM 90.7MHz yang dipancar dari Bukit Kemuning dan Nasional FM 107.1MHz Bukit Pelindung, stesen radio RTM lain boleh juga diterima di Kemaman, Terengganu di bawah berikut:

- Radio Klasik FM 107.9MHz (Bukit Pelindung)

- Pahang FM 104.1MHz (Bukit Pelindung)

- Traxx FM 105.3MHz (Bukit Pelindung)

- Ai FM 106.1MHz (Bukit Pelindung)

- Minnal FM 103.3MHz (Bukit Pelindung)

 

List of the radio stations in Kemaman, Terengganu.

 

Senarai stesen radio di Kemaman, Terengganu.

List of the radio stations in Kemaman, Terengganu. 

 

- 87.6MHz: Fly FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 88.8MHz: Gegar FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 89.6MHz: IKIM FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 90.4MHz: 988 FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 90.7MHz: RTM Terengganu FM (Bukit Kemuning)*

- 91.6MHz: Zayan FM (Bukit Pelindung) 

- 92.4MHz: Hot FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 93.2MHz: Hitz FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 94.1MHz: Mix FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 95.1MHz: Manis FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 96.1MHz: Suria FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 97.2MHz: Sinar FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 98.0MHz: Era FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 100.0MHz: Melody FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 100.4MHz: Molek FM (Bukit Pelindung)**

- 101.1MHz: MY FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 103.3MHz: RTM Minnal FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 104.1MHz: RTM Pahang FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 104.7MHz: Lite FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 105.3MHz: RTM Traxx FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 106.1MHz: RTM Ai FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 107.1MHz: RTM Nasional FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 107.9MHz: RTM Radio Klasik (Bukit Pelindung)

 

* Local transmitter in Kemaman district

** Formerly carried by 8FM until 1st October 2022

 

(ANNOUNCEMENT) Several radio stations temporarily stop the broadcast transmission and go off-air in Kelantan due to the flood disaster, RTM radio stations can be tuned in Kota Bharu via Bukit Bakar transmitter alternatively.

Due to heavy flood disaster in Kelantan, several radio stations temporarily go off air and their frequency transmissions are temporarily forced to shut down. So, the listeners cannot tune in the radio stations via FM radio in the affected areas.

 

Involved radio stations such as:

* RTM Radio Klasik FM 101.1MHz (RTM Kota Bharu)

* RTM Nasional FM 101.9MHz (RTM Kota Bharu)

* RTM Kelantan FM 102.9MHz (RTM Kota Bharu)

* RTM Traxx FM 104.7MHz (RTM Kota Bharu)

* RTM Ai FM 105.7MHz (RTM Kota Bharu)

* RTM Minnal FM 106.7MHz (RTM Kota Bharu)

* Molek FM 105.1MHz (MPB Peringat)

* Hot FM 88.6MHz (MPB Peringat)

* Fly FM 107.4MHz (MPB Peringat)

* Manis FM 90.6MHz (Celcom KBX Tunjung)

* Suria FM 106.1MHz (TM Telipot)

 

RTM Kota Bharu, MPB Peringat, TM Telipot and Celcom KBX Tunjung transmission towers are the land based sites where they can be flooded easily. When Kelantan flood disaster is getting worsened, and if these radio stations continue on-air via FM frequency transmission, the flood can destroy their transmission system badly which can cost more money to repair and replace the system due to the flood disaster.

 

Astro radio stations (Era FM 103.3MHz, Sinar FM 93.8MHz, Gegar FM 88.1MHz, Hitz FM 92.8MHz, Mix FM 94.6MHz, Lite FM 104.3MHz, MY FM 102.3MHz and Melody FM 99.8MHz) and IKIM FM 89.8MHz are not affected at all because they are transmitted from Bukit Panau in Tanah Merah, Kelantan which is hill based transmitter site. Hence, Bukit Panau is not affected by the flood. Listeners in affected areas can continue listening to Astro radio stations and IKIM FM 89.8MHz as usual via FM radio.

Although RTM Kota Bharu transmission is affected by the flood, but in fact RTM radio stations are not fully affected because the listeners in Kota Bharu, Pasir Mas and Tumpat can tune to RTM radio stations' broadcasts alternatively via Bukit Bakar transmitter by following below:

 

- Radio Klasik FM 95.5MHz

- Nasional FM 96.5MHz

- Kelantan FM 97.3MHz

- Traxx FM 98.5MHz

- Ai FM 99.3MHz

- Minnal FM 100.9MHz

Bukit Bakar is not affected by the flood disaster as it is also the hill based transmitter site.

Meanwhile other transmission sites outside Kota Bharu (Bukit Chupak in Gua Musang, Bukit Paloh in Felda Paloh, Bukit Tangki Air in Jeli) are not reported temporarily off air due to the flood.

Aiwa multiband radio receiver RMD-77 & RMD-99ST are the badge-engineered version of TECSUN PL-310ET and PL-398MP respectively.

 

The Japanese consumer electronics brand Aiwa introduced two multiband radio receivers RMD-77 and RMD-99ST which I recently look on its Aiwa Europe website.

By looking at the design and features of Aiwa RMD-77 and RMD-99ST, they are eventually badge-engineered version of Chinese TECSUN PL-310ET and PL-398MP respectively.

==Aiwa RMD-77 vs. TECSUN PL-310ET==

 

==Aiwa RMD-99ST vs. TECSUN PL-398MP==

TECSUN PL-398 series divided into two model, PL-398MP has SD card slot to play mp3 files, meanwhile PL-398BT has Bluetooth feature for music connection via Bluetooth system. Aiwa RMD-99ST has SD card and MP3 reader in the unit, hence RMD-99ST is a rebadged version of TECSUN PL-398MP.

There are only two differences between Aiwa and Tecsun radio receivers such as:

1. Light colours (Aiwa is in blue, meanwhile TECSUN is in yellow)

2. Radio button writing font

Both Aiwa RMD-77 and RMD-99ST are made in China, I believe they are made at TECSUN factory in Dongguan, Guangdong Province.

About the quality, I believe Aiwa RMD-77 and RMD-99ST are good because I own TECSUN PL-310ET actually. So, Aiwa RMD-77 quality should be ok.

In terms of marketing, Aiwa RMD-77 and RMD-99ST are only sold in Europe. They can become the favorite of DXers in Europe who are looking for Aiwa brand multiband radio receivers.

Furthest FM radio stations that I received in 2022 (January to December)

==January 2022==

1. Bagan Datuk, Perak 

Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz (269km)

 

2. Teluk Intan, Perak

- Radio Muslim Al-Fatih FM 107.3MHz Medan, Indonesia (271km)

 

==February 2022==

1. Teluk Intan, Perak

- PSU Radio Pattani FM 107.25MHz from Thailand (317km)

 

2. Sitiawan, Perak

- Ai FM 100.4MHz/Melody FM 107.3MHz/Negeri FM 107.7MHz (292km)

==March 2022== 

1. Pantai, Negeri Sembilan

- Smart FM 101.8MHz Pekanbaru, Indonesia (266km)

 

2. Bandar Seri Jempol, Negeri Sembilan

- Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz (261km)

 

 

==May 2022==

1. Kinta Highlands, Perak

- Radio Suara Medan FM 94.7MHz & Radio Jawa Raja FM 107.7MHz (321km)

 

2. Lojing Highlands, Kelantan

- Negeri FM 107.7MHz/Radio Klasik FM 93.6MHz/Raaga FM 99.7MHz Gunung Ledang (279km)

 

3. Sungai Ayer Tawar, Selangor

- Radio Nastra FM 88.6MHz Langkat, Indonesia (289km)

 

==June 2022==

1. Fraser's Hill, Pahang

- Radio Thailand Sungai Golok FM 106.5MHz (258km)

 

==July 2022==

1. Jerantut, Pahang

- RTM Negeri FM 107.7MHz/Raaga FM 99.7MHz Gunung Ledang (176km)

2. Kuala Tembeling, Pahang

- RTM Kelantan FM 102.9MHz Wakaf Che Yeh, Kota Bharu (224km)

3. Cyberjaya, Selangor

- Raaga FM 102.1MHz Bukit Larut (230km)

 

4. Balakong, Selangor

- Thailand Parliament Radio Station FM 87.5MHz Bangkok (1205km)

 

==August 2022==

1. Kuantan, Pahang

- Nasional FM 96.6MHz/Traxx FM 97.4MHz/Raaga FM 99.7MHz Gunung Ledang (178km)

2. Gambang, Pahang

- RTM Johor FM 92.1MHz Bukit Tinggi (172km)

3. Kuala Rompin, Pahang

- Raaga FM 99.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (199km)

 4. Endau, Johor

- Sinar FM 96.9MHz/MY FM 100.6MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk (173km)

5. Pekan, Pahang

- BFM 89.9/Raaga FM 99.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (178km)

 

6. Tanjung Gemuk, Pahang

- Sinar FM 96.9MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk (173km)

 

7. Chukai, Terengganu

- IKIM FM 102.7MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk (214km)

 

==September 2022==

1. Muadzam Shah, Pahang

- Lite FM 105.7MHz/Hot FM 97.6MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (150km)

 

==October 2022==

1. Dabong, Kelantan 

- Minnal FM 96.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (218km)

 

2. Felda Paloh, Kelantan

- BFM 89.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (182km)

3. Simpang Ampat, Alor Gajah, Melaka

- Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz (247km) 

==November 2022==

1. Genting Highlands, Pahang

- Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Pekanbaru PRO-1 FM 99.1MHz (323km)

2. Tampin, Negeri Sembilan 

- Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz (243km)

 

3. Rembau, Negeri Sembilan

- Minnal FM 101.1MHz Gunung Pulai (195km)

4. Kuala Lumpur 

- Perak FM 95.6MHz/988 FM 99.8MHz Gunung Kledang (178km)

 

5. Seremban, Negeri Sembilan 

- RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai (223km)   

==December 2022==

1. Broga, Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan

- Perak FM 95.6MHz, 988FM 99.8MHz, Zayan FM 106.4MHz Gunung Kledang (210km)  

Note: April 2022 was skipped as there was no FM DXing video made.

Why doesn't Perak FM have a transmitter in Bukit Palong to cover Pengkalan Hulu? Instead of Bukit Palong, RTM Perak FM can launch a transmitter in Klian Intan to cover Pengkalan Hulu.

 

Pengkalan Hulu is the northernmost location in Perak state, it is located nearby Thailand border (Betong, Yala Province). This small town in Hulu Perak has no coverage from RTM Perak FM actually like other locations.

 

In Pengkalan Hulu, RTM radio stations are covered by Bukit Palong transmitter where is located in Baling, Kedah. For Traxx FM, the tuning frequency is 91.7MHz in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak.

 

Basically RTM can launch Perak FM transmitter in Bukit Palong to cover Pengkalan Hulu and Klian Intan, however until today RTM does not launch Bukit Palong transmitter for Perak FM.

 

Technically this is because:

1. None of Perak FM existing transmitters (Gerik, Bukit Larut, Bukit Ladang Teh and Gunung Kledang) can link its microwave signal feed to Bukit Palong via microwave link due to geographical condition.

 

2. Although if Perak FM installs microwave link in RTM Gerik and Bukit Larut to transmit data to Bukit Palong, but I don't think the data can reach to Bukit Palong due to terrains block the signal from linking each other. Therefore, RTM Perak FM must have C-band satellite feed or OLTE (optical line terminal) system to link to Bukit Palong in order to cover Pengkalan Hulu.

 

3. Current RTM radio stations in Bukit Palong are actually linked from Gunung Jerai via microwave link signal.

 

Alternatively, RTM can consider to install a transmitter in a new site to cover Pengkalan Hulu, instead of Bukit Palong. I recommend a hill nearby Gunung Paku in Klian Intan, Perak.

 

Klian Intan is located between Gerik and Pengkalan Hulu. There is a telecommunication tower nearby Gunung Paku where is opposite the village. 

The coordinates is 5.632494N, 101.033486E (presumed), the height elevation above sea level is 533m (+/-).

 

As the tower is not so far from RTM Gerik, I believe RTM Perak FM can link its signal feed by transmitting data to this new tower in Klian Intan. So, Pengkalan Hulu can receive Perak FM.

 

Currently Perak FM has no any clearer frequency in Pengkalan Hulu, Gerik transmitter FM 96.2MHz from Mempelam Sari is the nearest, but it is null by 988 FM 96.1MHz from Gunung Jerai. So, FM 102.9MHz from Lawin could be likely the only frequency in Pengkalan Hulu, however the reception is weak.

 

By plotting a coverage simulation map with 250W transmitter power and 3 bay array dipole antenna (6dBd antenna gain), the coverage of this new transmitter site in Klian Intan can cover Pengkalan Hulu clearly, even RTM Perak FM can be tuned in Betong, Thailand from this tower.

About the frequency allocation, as Klian Intan and Pengkalan Hulu are located near Thailand border, so the international frequency coordination study with Thailand is required for this new site.

 

Frequencies are available to be used in Klian Intan tower for Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu frequency.

 

1. FM 93.8MHz

2. FM 102.9MHz (SFN with Lawin)

3. FM 103.9MHz

4. FM 104.7MHz

5. FM 105.5MHz

 

==RF analysis==

1. FM 93.8MHz

93.8MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

93.9MHz: Mutiara FM Gunung Jerai

<100kHz, OK> 

 

93.6MHz: Hitz FM Bukit Larut

93.8MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

<200kHz, OK>

 

2. FM 102.9MHz

102.9MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

102.9MHz: Perak FM Lawin

<0kHz, OK>

 

102.9MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

102.9MHz: Kelantan FM Kota Bharu

<0kHz, OK> 

 

102.7MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Dedap

102.9MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

<200kHz, OK>

 

3. FM 103.9MHz

103.9MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<200kHz, OK> 

 

103.6MHz: Era FM Gunung Jerai

103.9MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

<300kHz, OK>

 

4. FM 104.7MHz

104.7MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

104.9MHz: Melody FM Bukit Larut

<200kHz, OK> 

 

104.4MHz: Lite FM Gunung Jerai

104.7MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

<300kHz, OK>

 

104.7MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

104.7MHz: Traxx FM Kota Bharu

<0kHz, OK>

 

104.7MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

104.8MHz: Langkawi FM Gunung Raya

<100kHz, OK> 

5. FM 105.5MHz

105.5MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

105.7MHz: Ai FM Kota Bharu

<200kHz, OK> 

 

105.3MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Larut

105.5MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

<200kHz, OK>

 

105.5MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

105.7MHz: Kedah FM Gunung Raya

<200kHz, OK>

 

Among all 5 nominated frequencies, the best frequency for Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu transmission from Klian Intan tower is FM 105.5MHz, following by FM 103.9MHz, FM 104.7MHz and FM 102.9MHz.

Labuan FM coverage availability in Sabah and Brunei. (via coverage simulation map)

 

RTM Labuan FM is a Malay language radio station to serve the community of Federal Territory of Labuan. It broadcasts from 7am to 7pm, meanwhile it relays Nasional FM from 7pm to 7pm.

 

Labuan FM has two frequencies in Labuan Island.

 

FM 103.7MHz is transmitted from RTM Labuan where it transmits studio feed to Bukit Timbalai transmitter, meanwhile FM 89.4MHz is Bukit Timbalai transmitter to cover entire Labuan. Both transmitter power is 0.1kW only.

 

By generating the coverage simulation map, RTM Labuan FM is also available in part of Sabah (Kuala Penyu District) and Brunei via same frequencies by following location below:

 

1. Kampung Mempakul, Sabah on FM 103.7MHz from RTM Labuan

2. Menumbok, Sabah on FM 103.7MHz from RTM Labuan

3. Kalugus, Sabah on FM 89.4MHz from Bukit Timbalai

4. Muara, Brunei on FM 89.4MHz from Bukit Timbalai

5. Kampung Awat-Awat in Lawas, Sarawak on FM 89.4MHz from Bukit Timbalai

In Kalugus, Labuan FM 89.4MHz Bukit Timbalai transmitter signal could have interference with KK12FM 89.5MHz from Bukit Karatong.

Cats FM completed frequencies list in Sarawak (as 8th December 2022)

 

* FM 99.3MHz Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Serian, Lundu & Bau (Gunung Serapi)

* FM 88.7MHz Sri Aman & Betong (Bukit Temudok)

* FM 96.7MHz Sarikei & Daro (Bukit Kayu Malam)

* FM 88.4MHz Sibu (Bukit Lima)

* FM 99.9MHz Selangau, Dalat & Kanowit (Bukit Singgalang)

* FM 97.9MHz Mukah

* FM 88.3MHz Bintulu (Bukit Setiam)

* FM 93.3MHz Miri (Bukit Lambir)

* FM 107.6MHz Kapit

* FM 99.5MHz Belaga

* FM 88.7MHz Limbang (Bukit Mas)

* FM 88.2MHz Lawas (Bukit Tiong)

 

Cats FM is still available in Sindumin & Sipitang, Sabah via FM 88.2MHz Lawas frequency, meanwhile it can be tuned in Brunei on 88.7MHz Limbang frequency (Bandar Seri Begawan) and 93.3MHz Miri frequency (Kuala Belait & Seria).

List of MYTV DTT frequencies and coverage in Sarawak

 

==MUX 1: CH47 (UHF 682MHz) & MUX 2: CH43 (UHF 650MHz)==

* Gunung Serapi (Kuching, Lundu, Bau, Kota Samarahan)

* Saratok

* Bukit Temuduk (Sri Aman)

* Bukit Mas (Limbang & Brunei)

* Bukit Lambir (Miri)

* Gunung Ancharang (Niah & Suai)

 

==MUX 1: CH36 (UHF 594MHz) & MUX 2: CH42 (UHF 642MHz)==

* Sarikei

* Bukit Lima (Sibu)

* Bukit Kapit (Kapit & Song)

* Bukit Singgalang (Selangau, Mukah & Kanowit) 

 

==MUX 1: CH46 (UHF 674MHz) & MUX 2: CH34 (578MHz)==

* Bukit Nyabau (Bintulu)

* Belaga

為甚麼988沒有在東馬 (砂拉越古晉&沙巴亞庇)有收聽頻道?

988是馬來西亞歷史最悠久的中文私營電台, 它的歷史是從麗的呼聲開始. 988是馬來西亞收聽率亞軍的中文電台, 這家電台在西馬半島主要地區有收聽頻道, 除了哥打峇魯和瓜拉登嘉樓.

 

可是有很多人問988為何沒有在東馬 (亞庇和古晉)設有收聽頻道?

 

其實988沒有東渡沙巴和砂拉越是有原因的.

 

1. 電台收聽率調查報告是沒有計算多少位東馬聽眾收聽電台. 不管是Gfk還是AC Nielsen, 馬來西亞電台收聽率調查只專注在西馬半島. 就算若988有在東馬設有頻道, 它也無法為988提升收聽率和廣告收入因為東馬收聽率沒有算在Gfk整體調查報告裡.

- 988不像RTM愛FM一樣, 因為988是走商業為主的路線, 所以它專注的地區是在西馬主要華人地區.

2. 988的節目內容都是西馬半島為主. 對東馬聽眾而言, 988的節目未必適合他們收聽因為不夠"本土化", 988的節目比較少關注東馬, 反而東馬聽眾覺得MY FM砂拉越/沙巴分台和Tea FM的內容比較親切因為他們比較"本土化".

 

**東馬的MY FM節目內容是跟西馬半島的MY FM是不一樣的, 只有部份節目轉播西馬半島, 意味著"全國性廣播".

 

3. 除了華語廣播, 988也有很多的節目是以粵語(廣東話)為主. 在東馬, 粵語不是當地的中文流行方言, 因為當地華人是不會說粵語的, 除了沙巴山打根. 所以, 988東渡沙巴和砂拉越開設收聽頻率是個浪費, 對商業運作是沒有意義. 

 

無須東渡沙巴和砂拉越, 其實988在西馬的收聽率第二高都算很好.

Why don't Malaysia Tamil radio stations (Raaga & Minnal FM) have tuning frequencies in Sabah and Sarawak?

 

I know several people are feeling curious that why Raaga and Minnal FM don't broadcast in Sabah and Sarawak. Honestly these two Malaysia Tamil radio stations never have tuning frequencies in Sabah and Sarawak until today like other languages radio stations.

 

This is because of demographics and commercial value issue.

 

1. In Sabah and Sarawak, the Indians are the smallest community actually, compare to Chinese, Kadazan-Dusun, Bidayuh, and Iban. 

2. Indians in Sarawak are less than 10000 people, meanwhile in Sabah, the Indians there are about 18000 people, they are usually coming from Peninsular Malaysia who studying and working in Sarawak. I don't see any permanent Indian residents in Sabah and Sarawak so far.

 

I remembered a Malaysia Indian NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) HINDRAF demanded RTM and Astro to expand coverage of Raaga and Minnal FM to East Malaysia which was 10 years ago, but in my opinion, I don't think it works.

 

==Raaga==

1. Raaga is the Peninsular Malaysia's and ASEAN No.1 Tamil radio station, it broadcasts in West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, meanwhile it does not have east coast frequencies like RTM Minnal FM because Time Highway Radio put its east coast frequencies as Gegar which is East Coast Malay radio station to compete against Molek FM and Manis FM. Raaga is a commercial radio station operated by Astro Radio, formerly known as THR Raaga (Raaga was a Tamil radio slot of Time Highway Radio before 2005). 

 

2. As this radio station is running commercial business, I don't think Astro Radio will invest Raaga in East Malaysia by launching frequencies in the major cities such as Kuching and Kota Kinabalu because the coverage expansion to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu for Raaga does not help to gain commercial revenue on this radio station. In addition, the radio audience measurement or radio listenership rating survey by Gfk does not count East Malaysia listeners. If Gfk's Radio Audience Measurement (RAM) survey in Malaysia includes Sabah and Sarawak, then Raaga broadcasts in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, the listenership rating performance will show no much difference. Hence, it is pointless to launch Raaga in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching via FM radio transmission because these two cities are having very less Indians, compare to Peninsular Malaysia. It is very sufficient that Raaga earns 80% advertising revenue from Indian market in Peninsular Malaysia.

 

==Minnal FM==

1. Unlike Raaga, Minnal FM is the oldest Malaysia's Tamil radio station operated by RTM (Radio Televisyen Malaysia) running government services to Indian community in Peninsular Malaysia. Formerly known as Radio 6 (Tamil), but Minnal FM never reaches coverage in Sabah and Sarawak too.

2. Same reason actually, Indians are very less in Sabah and Sarawak. Hence, RTM does not launch Minnal FM Sabah and Sarawak frequencies.

 

Currently there are no any demand from Indian listeners to launch these Tamil radio stations in East Malaysia because the technology is getting advanced nowadays.

 

If RTM is interesting to expand Minnal FM coverage to Sabah and Sarawak as part of government services, I think Kuching and Kota Kinabalu are the only locations because they are the largest cities in the Borneo state. Then, RTM launches Wai FM Iban in Kuala Lumpur via FM radio frequency transmission, but it is definitely impossible because of demographic issue.

 

As today's technology is getting advanced, Indian listeners in Sabah and Sarawak can tune alternatively via digital platform by following below:

1. Raaga: SYOK app, Raaga YouTube LIVE & Astro/NJOI (Channel 859)

2. Minnal FM: RTMKlik app, MYTV (Channel 703) & Astro NJOI (Channel 873)

 

In conclusion, I don't think it is necessary to launch Minnal FM and Raaga in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching through FM radio frequency transmission due to low number of Indian community in East Malaysia, unless there are huge demand.