RTM Sabah FM (Radio 3 Sabah) and Sabah VFM (Blue Network) could be tuned in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei via Layang-Layang transmitted frequencies FM 97.5MHz and 93.5MHz respectively in 1980s and 1990s

Back to 1980s and 1990s, Sabah radio stations (RTM Sabah FM and VFM) could be tuned clearly in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, compare with current days.

Sabah FM and Sabah VFM were receivable in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei via Layang-Layang (Mount Kinabalu) transmitter with the respective frequencies 97.5MHz and 93.5MHz, both radio stations operated at 10kW transmitter power.

After mid-1990s, Sabah FM and VFM changed their frequencies and reduced the transmission power for Layang-Layang transmission site.

Sabah FM (Radio 3 Sabah)

* Frequency: 97.5MHz>>104.5MHz

* Transmission power: 10kW>>1kW

Sabah VFM (RTM Blue Network Sabah)

* Frequency: 93.5MHz>>107.1MHz

* Transmission power: 10kW>>1kW

During the 1980s, RTM Sabah FM and Sabah VFM in Kota Kinabalu, Beaufort, Sipitang, Tenom, Keningau, Kota Belud, Kudat, Ranau, Kundasang and Tambunan were covered by Layang-Layang transmitter where located near Mount Kinabalu before launching local transmitters.

A 10kW transmitter power in Layang-Layang transmission tower for FM broadcast could cover most of Sabah divisions, even Labuan, Brunei, Limbang and Lawas, meanwhile 1kW power can only cover Interior Division (Ranau, Kundasang, Tambunan etc), and small part of West Coast Division.

Kota Kinabalu was formerly covered by Layang-Layang transmitter before mid-1990s, but currently RTM Sabah radio stations in Kota Kinabalu is covered by local transmitter from Lawa Mandau where is within the vicinity of Bukit Karatong and Bukit Kokol. Due to reduction of transmitter power of RTM Layang-Layang radio stations, so the radio reception of Sabah VFM 107.1 and Sabah FM 104.5 are not so clear in Kota Kinabalu.

As today, Sabah radio stations are no longer receivable in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei via Layang-Layang transmitter as the transmission power was already reduced from 10kW to 1kW, but Sabah VFM can be likely tuned in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei via FM 102.9MHz from Bukit Tampalagus which covers mainly Sipitang, Beaufort, Labuan, Lawas and Menumbok, meanwhile Sabah FM is more difficult to be tuned in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei due to the interference of RTM Nasional FM 98.1MHz from Bukit Mas which covers Limbang and Brunei.

==Sabah FM and Sabah VFM tuning frequencies in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei between 1980s and 2024==

1. Sabah FM

* 1980s: FM 97.5MHz Layang-Layang 10kW

* 2024: FM 97.9MHz Bukit Tampalagus 1kW (interference of RTM Nasional FM 98.1MHz Bukit Mas transmitter can be detected)

2. Sabah VFM

* 1980s: FM 93.5MHz Layang-Layang 10kW

* 2024: FM 102.9MHz Bukit Tampalagus 1kW

RTM Sabah radio frequencies (AM, FM, and SW) list from 1989 WRTH Handbook:

List of English radio stations in Brunei.

Here is a list of English radio stations in Brunei: 

1. RTB Pilihan FM 

* FM 95.9MHz: Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara & Tutong

* FM 96.9MHz: Seria & Kuala Belait

- Broadcast hours: 6am to 9am, 12pm to 4pm, then 8pm to 12am

2. RTM Traxx FM

* FM 102.3MHz: Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara & Tutong

* FM 88.9MHz/104.5MHz: Seria & Kuala Belait

- Broadcast hours: 24 hours daily

3. RTM Red FM 

* FM 104.1MHz: Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara & Tutong

* FM 90.7MHz/106.3MHz: Seria & Kuala Belait

- Broadcast hours: 10am to 4pm, then 9pm to 12am

4. RTM Sabah VFM

* FM 102.9MHz: Bandar Seri Begawan & Muara

- English broadcast hours: 12pm to 3pm everyday

5. Hitz FM

* FM 105.8MHz: Kuala Belait & Seria

6. BFBS Radio Brunei

* FM 101.7MHz: Seria & Kuala Belait

7. RTB Pelangi FM (part time)

* FM 91.4MHz: Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara & Tutong

* FM 91.0MHz: Seria & Kuala Belait

8. Kristal FM (part time)

* FM 90.7MHz: Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara & Tutong

* FM 98.7MHz: Seria & Kuala Belait

(Preliminary Analysis) Is Sabah VFM receivable in Long Lama and Marudi, Sarawak via 102.9MHz from Bukit Tampalagus?

6 months ago, I went to Bintulu and Miri, Sarawak during Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday. Back then, I had visited Sebauh, Bintulu, Tatau, Batu Niah, Bekenu and Miri.

When I was in Bekenu, I had captured Sabah VFM 102.9MHz signal from Bukit Tampalagus which covers Sipitang, Labuan, Lawas and part of Brunei. 

Bekenu is a small town, located between Miri and Batu Niah. In Bekenu, Sabah VFM 102.9MHz (Bukit Tampalagus) signal that I caught was very mild, meanwhile I received nothing signal in Miri town on that frequency, however I'm getting interested of tuning Sabah VFM in Long Lama and Marudi.

Based on the radio reception video of Sabah VFM 102.9MHz in Bekenu, I may not think that I can receive Sabah VFM in Long Lama and Marudi where are more deeper than Miri, Batu Niah and Bekenu. This is because there are many terrains (mountains) in between Bukit Tampalagus and Long Lama, as well as Marudi.

The height of Bukit Tampalagus is approximately 280m above the sea, meanwhile the height of the mountains between Bukit Tampalagus and Long Lama are more than 500m above sea level, so it is impossible to DX Sabah VFM 102.9MHz in Long Lama and Marudi.

In addition, I also used the simulated RF coverage map to inspect the coverage availablity of Sabah VFM 102.9MHz Bukit Tampalagus transmitter with the required minimum field strength 54dBµV/m, no coverage of this radio station in Long Lama and Marudi, the coverage of Sabah VFM is only available in Sipitang, Lawas, Labuan, part of Limbang and Brunei.

So, the possibility of Sabah VFM 102.9MHz coverage availability in Long Lama and Marudi is very low. Inversely if I can receive the signal in these 2 locations, but there are no potential listeners because Long Lama and Marudi have no Sabahan speakers.

(UPDATE) No signal of Sabah VFM 102.9MHz in Marudi, Sarawak, video is provided by My Marudian Channel. Thanks to My Marudian Channel for the video.

 

By watching the short video of tuning Sabah VFM 102.9MHz in Marudi which filmed by My Marudian Channel, it is definitely impossible to tune this radio station in Long Lama, somewhat it is already very weak in Bekenu and coastal areas of Miri town.

汶萊中文電台廣播列表 (List of Chinese radio stations in Brunei)

以下是汶萊可接收的中文電台:

1. 汶廣中文台 RTB Pilihan FM 

* FM 95.9MHz: 斯里巴加灣市、摩拉、都東

* FM 96.9MHz: 詩里亞、馬來奕縣

- 中文廣播時間: 每天早上9時至早上11時, 下午4時至傍晚7時

2. 馬來西亞國營電台 RTM 愛FM (Ai FM)

* FM 103.3MHz: 斯里巴加灣市、摩拉、都東

* FM 89.9MHz/105.3MHz: 詩里亞、馬來奕縣

- 中文廣播時間: 每天24小時 (包含方言新聞)

3. 馬來西亞國營電台 RTM Red FM 

* FM 104.1MHz: 斯里巴加灣市、摩拉、都東

* FM 90.7MHz/106.3MHz: 詩里亞、馬來奕縣

- 中文廣播時間: 每天早上6時至10時, 下午4時至晚上9時

4. 馬來西亞國營電台 RTM 沙巴 VFM (Sabah VFM) - 有聲茶館

* FM 102.9MHz: 斯里巴加灣市部分地區、摩拉

- 中文廣播時間: 每天早上9時至中午12時 (包含客家語新聞)

5. MY FM

* FM 103.2MHz: 詩里亞、馬來奕縣

- 中文廣播時間: 每天24小時 (包含粵語廣播)

6. Melody FM

* FM 102.4MHz: 詩里亞、馬來奕縣

- 中文廣播時間: 每天24小時 (包含粵語廣播)

* 斯里巴加灣市= Bandar Seri Begawan

* 摩拉= Muara

* 都東= Tutong

* 詩里亞=  Tutong

* 馬來奕縣= Belait

RTM Limbang FM 104.9MHz, Sabah VFM 102.9MHz & Bintulu FM 97.5MHz tuned in Miri, Sarawak (by Shafik 1995 DXers)

1. Limbang FM 104.9MHz Bukit Mas (115km)

2. Sabah VFM 102.9MHz Bukit Tampalagus (196km)

3. Bintulu FM 97.5MHz Bukit Setiam (205km)

RTM Sabah VFM 102.9MHz from Bukit Tampalagus received in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia by Shafik 1995 DXers

In Sarawak, Sabah VFM can be tuned in Lawas, Sundar and part of Limbang, but someone received this radio station signal in Miri, Sarawak.

Throwback November 2021, a radio DXer named Shafik 1995 DXers recorded Sabah VFM 102.9MHz in Miri, Sarawak.

Based on his video, I don't think he tuned Sabah VFM 102.9MHz in Miri town, but either Piasau or Lutong because the tuning distance that he described was 196km from Bukit Tampalagus.

Same as my radio reception video of Sabah VFM 102.9MHz in Bekenu, the radio station was airing Kadazan language program.

Sabah VFM 102.9MHz from Bukit Tampalagus is the 2nd furthest radio station tuned in Miri after Bintulu FM 97.5MHz from Bukit Setiam.

When I was in Miri on 11th April 2024 during second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, I could not receive any signal of RTM Sabah VFM 102.9MHz in Miri city center, but I tuned it in Bekenu where is 48km from Miri with super weak signal. 

What Shafik 1995 DXers did tune Sabah VFM 102.9MHz in Miri could be likely tropospheric propagation, otherwise a normal weak radio reception tuned in coastal area of Miri.

Traxx FM or Sabah FM? Wrong RDS information of FM 102.9MHz in South Johor.

When I was in Johor on 29th September 2024, during my way back home to Balakong in Selangor, I tuned Traxx FM on 102.9MHz (Gunung Pulai) in Sedenak and Simpang Renggam, Johor. Then I saw different RDS text information.

 

The PS (Program Service) is correct as:

TRAXX FM

EXPERI

ENCE

THE

EXCITE

MENT

 

But wrong radio text, written as "radio malaysia sabah fm". 

Traxx FM or Sabah FM?

 

Both radio stations are using same frequency, but different locations. Traxx FM is using FM 102.9MHz in Gunung Pulai for South Johor, meanwhile FM 102.9MHz in Sabah is used by Sabah VFM for Sipitang, Labuan and Lawas, transmitted from Bukit Tampalagus.

 

On other side, I also suspect RTM Traxx FM 102.9MHz Gunung Pulai transmitter may use Sabah VFM old RDS encoder by transferring the encoder from Bukit Tampalagus to Gunung Pulai without editing the radio text.

 

Actually I was listening to Traxx FM on 102.9MHz in Johor, not Sabah VFM. Around 11.51 am, Sabah VFM was airing Chinese program, meanwhile Traxx FM was airing Sunday Breakfast Show with Albert Ng in English which plays the oldies from 1950s till 1980s.

 

RTM can fix Traxx FM's Gunung Pulai transmitter 102.9MHz RDS text information properly.

RTM Wai FM Bidayuh/Kayan 106.1MHz & 101.7MHz coverage list (with simulated map)

1. FM 106.1MHz Gunung Serapi (1kW)

* Kuching

* Kota Samarahan

* Bau

* Lundu

* Sematan

* Bau

* Asajaya

* Serikin

* Belawai (Sarikei Division) 

* Sarikei- weak signal

2. FM 101.7MHz Gunung Ampungan (0.5kW)

* Serian

* Simunjan

* Sebuyau

* Siburan 

* Tebedu

* Lingga (Sri Aman Division)

* Pantu (Sri Aman Division)

* Lachau (Sri Aman Division)

* Pusa (Betong Division)

* Saratok (Betong Division)

* Roban (Betong Division)

* Kabong (Betong Division)

* Spaoh (Betong Division)

* Betong- weak signal

* Simanggang (Sri Aman Division)- weak signal

* Engkilili (Sri Aman Division)- weak signal

Green shaded region: 54dBuV/m and above (STEREO and clear radio signal)

 

Yellow shaded region: 30-53dBuV/m (MONO and weak radio signal) 

 

Although Wai FM Bidayuh/Kayan targets Kuching, Kota Samarahan and Serian Divisions only, but it can be tuned via 106.1 and 101.7 in part of Sri Aman Division, Betong Division and Sarikei Division where Bidayuh people are very less there. 

List of FM radio frequencies where Malaysia radio stations don't use (by numbers)

* 93.4MHz

* 99.6MHz

* 103.1MHz

* 103.4MHz

* 103.9MHz

* 104.2MHz

* 105.2MHz

* 105.5MHz

* 105.6MHz

* 108.0MHz (cannot be used due to airband transmission)

Bemban ialah kawasan #1 saya di Daerah Jasin, Melaka untuk menerima siaran Pahang FM 107.5MHz dan Selangor FM 100.9MHz yang dipancar dari Gunung Ulu Kali

Pada 29hb September 2024, saya pergi ke Pontian dan Pekan Nanas, Johor untuk aktiviti radio DXing.

Semasa perjalanan pulang dari Pontian ke Balakong (Selangor), saya berhenti di Hentian Sebelah Kampung Bemban, Melaka untuk berehat seketika. Pada masa yang sama, saya cuba menerima siaran Selangor FM 100.9MHz dan Pahang FM 107.5MHz di Bemban, Melaka.

Isyarat sangat lemah bagi kedua-dua stesen radio tersebut, tetapi Pahang FM 107.5MHz mempunyai gangguan frekuensi daripada Melody FM 107.3MHz dan Negeri FM 107.7MHz yang dipancar dari Gunung Ledang, manakala Selangor FM 100.9MHz tiada mempunyai gangguan frekuensi seperti Pahang FM 107.5MHz apabila saya mendengar di Bemban, Melaka.

Jarak penerimaan siaran Pahang FM 107.5MHz dan Selangor FM 100.9MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali ke Bemban ialah 144km.

Sebelum ini, saya tidak pernah membuat rakaman video siaran Pahang FM dan Selangor FM di kawasan Daerah Jasin, Melaka kerana saya tahu bahawa kedua-dua stesen radio tidak dapat diterima di Jasin, Merlimau, Bemban, Asahan dan Sungai Rambai, tetapi saya boleh menerima siaran radio Pahang FM dan Selangor FM di Bemban, Melaka. Oleh itu, Bemban ialah kawasan pertama saya untuk menerima siaran Selangor FM 100.9MHz dan Pahang FM 107.5MHz di Daerah Jasin, Melaka. Selain itu, Bemban juga ialah kawasan Melaka terbaru dimana saya menerima siaran Selangor FM 100.9MHz dan Pahang FM 107.5MHz selepas Bandar Hilir dan Tanjung Kling.

Eight FM在柔佛州北干那那 (Pekan Nanas) 和笨珍 (Pontian) 收聽狀況

2024年9月29日，我有一日遊在柔佛南部的北干那那和笨珍，在柔佛這兩個地區的一日遊主要活動是探測電台訊號和檢測收線狀況。

2011年11月份，首要媒體Eight FM (當時是One FM)在新山設有收聽頻道，頻率是FM 105.3MHz。跟其他電台不一樣，105.3的發射站是在新山市中心的TM Taman Sentosa，所以覆蓋範圍只限新山地區。

雖然Eight FM在新山有收聽頻道105.3，這不代表古來，北干那那和笨珍可以通過105.3收到Eight FM。

我在笨珍和北干那那測試Eight FM的頻率，我嘗試調去105.3收聽，結果105.3是馬來電台Johor FM，所以我轉去88.1收聽，但88.1的線路在笨珍和北干那那其實挺不錯。

在笨珍和北干那那，聽眾還是需要通過88.1收聽Eight FM，因為105.3在這兩個地區已經變成RTM Johor FM 馬來電台。RTM Johor FM 105.3MHz在笨珍和北干那那的線路並不是很理想。

RTM Johor FM 105.3是從Gunung Ledang發射，主要服務地區是柔佛北部的麻坡，東甲，昔加末和峇著巴轄北部，反而其柔佛南部頻率101.9負責覆蓋中南部地區的居鑾，峇株巴轄南部，古來，笨珍，新山和哥打丁宜，92.1負責覆蓋東部的豐盛港。

由於Eight FM在JB新山跟RTM Johor FM使用一樣的頻率(105.3), 所以Eight FM 105.3在古來和士乃地區跟Johor FM產生同頻率干擾。如果Eight FM新山頻率的發射站是在蒲萊山(Gunung Pulai), Eight FM的傳輸可以導致Johor FM在中部和一部分的柔佛北部地區受到嚴重的同頻率干擾，所以為何Eight FM 105.3以小火發射器在新山市中心TM Taman Sentosa發射站來覆蓋新山地區。

其實Eight FM 88.1在柔佛州北干那那和笨珍還是很清楚的，我覺得它的線路並不差。

雖然從Gunung Ledang(金山)發射的Eight FM 88.1主要覆蓋馬六甲，森美蘭東南部，和柔佛中北部，但88.1在柔佛南部還是很清楚。

各位Eight FM的聽眾，由於新山頻道105.3的覆蓋範圍只限新山地區，若你們不知道在笨珍收聽頻率，請把收音機頻率調去88.1。

Eight FM在柔佛州笨珍縣的Pontian, Ayer Baloi和Benut是收88.1，但Kukup和丹絨比艾則用訊號比較弱的新山頻率105.3。

RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz/107.2MHz tuned in Pontian, Johor, Malaysia

Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Batam PRO-1 can be tuned in Pontian, Johor, Malaysia on two frequencies.

FM 105.1MHz is transmitted from TVRI Batam tower in Sekupang, Batam Island, Indonesia, meanwhile FM 107.2MHz is a repeater from Karimun Island.

In Pontian town, RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz is still clear, but interference with Ai FM 104.9MHz from Gunung Pulai, meanwhile FM 107.2MHz from Karimun is still clear too.

Melody FM 107.3MHz from Gunung Ledang is null by RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 107.2MHz Karimun repeater in Pontian, but Melody FM is tuned on 98.4MHz from Gunung Pulai in Pontian.

1. FM 105.1MHz Batam Island (74km)

2. FM 107.2MHz Karimun Island (52km)

By conducting overall radio signal inspection, RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 107.2MHz is clearer than FM 105.1MHz in Pontian, Johor, Malaysia.

Alongside RRI Batam PRO-1, I also recorded the signal of Radio Azam FM 103.5MHz from Karimun Island in Pontian, Johor, but Radio Azam FM 103.5MHz is very weak there and having adjacent channel interference noise of Raaga FM 103.7MHz Gunung Pulai transmitter.

Eight FM radio reception in Pontian and Pekan Nanas, Johor

It has been 13 years of Media Prima launched Eight FM (formerly known as One FM until July 2021) frequency in Johor Bahru on 105.3MHz, the transmitter site is located at TM Pelangi (Taman Sentosa) in Johor Bahru. Unlike other radio stations, the transmission of Eight FM JB frequency 105.3MHz does not mean that other South Johor areas like Kulai, Pontian and Kota Tinggi can receive this radio station on 105.3MHz.

In Pontian and Pekan Nanas, Eight FM is still tuned on 88.1MHz from Gunung Ledang with moderate to clear signal, meanwhile its JB frequency 105.3MHz is Johor FM from Gunung Ledang, but weaker signal.

On 29th September 2024, I had recorded Eight FM 88.1MHz signal videos in Pontian and Pekan Nanas. In addition, I also checked the signal of FM 105.3MHz, it ends up with Johor FM.

==Eight FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang radio reception in Pontian and Pekan Nanas, Johor==

* Pekan Nanas (139km)

* Pontian (131km)

==Johor FM 105.3MHz Gunung Ledang radio reception in Pontian and Pekan Nanas, Johor (Eight FM from JB is not receivable)==

* Pekan Nanas (139km)

* Pontian (131km)

So, Eight FM frequency 105.3MHz coverage is only limited in Johor Bahru (Tampoi, Iskandar Puteri, Ulu Tiram, Masai, Pasir Gudang, Johor Jaya, Tebrau, JB City Center etc) and small part of Kota Tinggi.

Eight FM in majority areas of Pontian District is covered by 88.1MHz from Gunung Ledang. From Pontian to Batu Pahat, 88.1MHz is getting even clearer.

RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz dari Gunung Pulai diterima di Kota, Negeri Sembilan, menjadikan stesen radio yang paling jauh diterima di kawasan tersebut.

Semasa perjalanan pulang dari Pontian ke Balakong (Selangor), aku ternampak kesesakan lalu lintas teruk di kawasan Pedas Linggi, oleh itu saya memasuki Plaza Tol Simpang Ampat dan melalui Kota serta Rembau.

Apabila saya melalui kawasan Kota di Daerah Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, RTM Johor FM 105.3MHz yang dipancar dari Gunung Ledang menjadi siaran Suria FM dari Gunung Ulu Kali, oleh itu saya cuba menala frekuensi kepada 101.9MHz yang dipancar dari Gunung Pulai.

Di Kota, Negeri Sembilan, saya boleh menerima siaran Johor FM 101.9MHz dari Gunung Pulai, tetapi gangguan frekuensi teruk dengan MY FM 101.8MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali dikesan.

Pada masa yang sama, kawasan Kota pun mempunyai kesesakan lalu lintas ringan akibat lampu isyarat di kawasan berhampiri dengan Sekolah Kebangsaan Kota, oleh itu saya mengambil kesempatan untuk merakam video isyarat Johor FM 101.9MHz di Kota, Negeri Sembilan.

Dengan mengira jarak penerimaan siaran radio Johor FM 101.9MHz di Kota, Negeri Sembilan, jaraknya ialah 184km.

RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz yang dipancar dari Gunung Pulai ialah stesen radio yang paling jauh didengari di Kota, Negeri Sembilan.

Secara keseluruhannya, RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz dan 105.3MHz mempunyai gangguan frekuensi teruk di Kota dan Rembau, Negeri Sembilan. Isyarat Johor FM 105.3MHz dari Gunung Ledang adalah sederhana dan stabil di kawasan Tampin, Gemas dan Gemencheh tanpa gangguan frekuensi dengan Suria FM seperti apa saya mendengar di kawasan negeri Melaka.

* Frekuensi: FM 101.9MHz

* Kuasa pemancar: 5kW

* Tempat pemancar: Gunung Pulai, Johor

* Tempat penerima radio: Kota, Negeri Sembilan 

* Jarak: 184km