For the time being, Malaysia Communications & Multimedia Commission (MCMC) does not allow new frequency application for FM radio broadcast, this applies the entire Malaysia, from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak.
Regarding the frequencies traffic condition in Sabah and Sarawak for FM radio broadcast, it is not peak as Peninsular Malaysia.
In my opinion, as radio broadcast in Sabah and Sarawak are mostly relayed from Peninsular Malaysia. Under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Sabah and Sarawak should be given the autonomy to manage and regulate the frequencies spectrum for FM radio, even TV.
This means MCMC Sabah and Sarawak branches are given autonomy to regulate and handle the states' FM radio spectrum, meanwhile MCMC headquarter from Cyberjaya (Peninsular Malaysia) becomes auxiliary.
Why? This is because radio is still an important medium, and it is essential in Sabah and Sarawak as people are listening to radio via frequencies transmission over internet platform. In addition, by giving autonomy to MCMC Sabah and MCMC Sarawak for frequency regulation and planning, this can encourage new radio players in Borneo states.
Autonomy given to Sabah and Sarawak for frequency regulation will benefit to Sabah and Sarawak radio broadcast license holders because they can direct to local branches of MCMC without "flying" to the headquarter in Cyberjaya.
In Sabah and Sarawak, there are plenty of vacant FM frequencies, MCMC should allow new frequencies application if a radio station wants to expand the coverage to the target area, subject to the frequency availability and technical criteria set up by MCMC.
In conclusion, MCMC should partially allow the new frequency application of FM radio broadcast for those non-peak coverage.
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