It is already a year of Molek FM launched in Kuantan by taking over Eight FM's frequency FM 100.4MHz since 2nd October 2023. Until today, Eight FM is not given new Kuantan frequency yet because MCMC does not give any frequency to new radio frequency applicants.
Although Eight FM can be tuned partially in Kuantan via FM 88.1MHz from Gunung UIu Kali after letting go its 100.4MHz to Molek FM, but it needs clear frequency there.
Molek FM 100.4MHz coverage is very small, compare to its rival radio stations such as Gegar FM 88.8MHz and Manis FM 95.1MHz because Molek FM 100.4MHz operates its transmitter power at 0.25kW only, so the signal of Molek FM 100.4MHz is weaker than them.
I have conducted radio signal check of Molek FM 100.4MHz in Gambang, Sri Jaya and Sungai Lembing. Yes, it is weaker than Gegar FM 88.8MHz and Manis FM 95.1MHz.
Transmitter power of Gegar FM 88.8MHz is 1kW, meanwhile Manis FM 95.1MHz is at 2kW.
As Molek FM's Kuantan frequency 100.4MHz is same frequency with Ai FM 100.4MHz Gunung Ledang which is for Melaka, North Johor and Southwest Pahang, therefore Molek FM 100.4MHz from Bukit Pelindung is interfered by Ai FM 100.4MHz from Gunung Ledang in Gambang, Sri Jaya, Chini and Cherating.
On East Coast Expressway from Kuantan to Kuala Lumpur, Molek FM 100.4MHz starts to have co-channel interference with Ai FM 100.4MHz from Gambang toll interchange to Maran, then FM 100.4MHz becomes Ai FM completely after Maran when I drive to Temerloh.
In addition, the radio reception of Molek FM 100.4MHz in Kemaman, Terengganu is not good as Manis FM 95.1MHz and Gegar FM 88.8MHz.
Increasing transmitter power of Molek FM 100.4MHz in Bukit Pelindung from 0.25kW to 1kW or 2kW is not recommended because it will cause co-channel interference to Ai FM 100.4MHz Gunung Ledang coverage in Muadzam Shah.
To expand more coverage of Molek FM from Bukit Pelindung in order to compete against Gegar and Manis FM, I highly recommend Media Prima Audio to change Molek FM Kuantan frequency.
Yes, Eight FM has no Kuantan frequency replacement until today, but I don't put it in priority, instead I prioritize to change Molek FM Kuantan frequency.
Why? This is because Molek FM 100.4MHz apparatus assignment (AA) license is under Kool FM Radio Sdn Bhd. MCMC does not give any frequencies yet. So, Media Prima Audio is unable to relaunch Eight FM in Kuantan. If MCMC accepts new frequency application, Media Prima Audio has to get new frequency license for Eight FM in under One FM Radio Sdn Bhd. After Eight FM is awarded with new Kuantan frequency by MCMC, it is impossible to swap frequency with Molek FM again because Media Prima Audio has to make another application of AA license.
From now, I don't suggest Media Prima Audio to reapply frequency license for Eight FM in Kuantan first, instead make Molek FM Kuantan frequency change request to MCMC first with its existing apparatus assignment (AA) license.
For the frequency, I highly recommend to change from 100.4MHz to 102.2MHz for Molek FM in Kuantan in order to avoid being interfered by Ai FM from Gunung Ledang within the coverage.
==Suggestion of Molek FM Kuantan frequency change==
* Frequency: FM 102.2MHz
* Power: 1kW
* Transmitter site: Bukit Pelindung, Pahang
By increasing the transmitter power from 250W to 1kW, I believe Molek FM new Kuantan frequency 102.2MHz can reach more locations until Chenor and Muadzam Shah. Then, reception in South Terengganu will be improved.
==RF analysis==
102.2MHz: Molek FM Bukit Pelindung 1kW
102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang
<100kHz, OK>
102.2MHz: Molek FM Bukit Pelindung 1kW
102.2MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Fraser
<0kHz, OK>
102.2MHz: Molek FM Bukit Pelindung 1kW
102.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<300kHz, OK>
102.2MHz: Molek FM Bukit Pelindung 1kW
102.5MHz: Best FM Bukit Tinggi
<300kHz, OK>
Based on RF analysis above, I believe my nominated frequency FM 102.2MHz should be okay. Although Molek FM 102.2MHz is same frequency with Pahang FM 102.2MHz, but I don't think there is co-channel interference within the coverage because Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser targets Raub and Benta only where Bukit Pelindung cannot reach there. Co-channel interference between both radio stations on FM 102.2MHz in Temerloh and Chenor is considered common.
If Molek FM is approved by MCMC to change its Kuantan frequency via its existing AA license, then Media Prima Audio can only make frequency application to MCMC for Eight FM in Kuantan on same frequency 100.4MHz.
==Suggestion flow==
Make frequency change request of Molek FM Kuantan frequency to MCMC>>If MCMC approve>>Reapply Eight FM Kuantan frequency license
Howdy Philip sir, long time no talk. Since you are expert in this area, wanna check with U : If I wanna tune into media corp's (MC)free terrestrial digital radio broadcast on car stereo in JB area, what type of DAB enable radio is available in local market and its cost. Is it very very expensive? From what I know:If at home , we can use our MYTV box to tune into MC's digital broadcast at home, hence this is not much of issue. But what about in moving vehicle roaming in and around JB? I also found out that ALL, except 2 (Gold 905 & Capital radio 958) radio stations, are all on digital broadcast. Appreciate you could shed some light on this by reply to my email:sax5lek@gmail.com. Thank you sir. From Mr. Loke
ReplyDeleteFYI, Singapore has no DAB+ radio.
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