Perak FM 104.1MHz yang dipancar dari Bukit Larut sebenarnya boleh didengari di Pulau Pinang dan sebahagian besar negeri Kedah (Kulim, Bandar Baharu, Sungai Petani, Kota Kuala Muda).
Hari ini saya bersinggah ke negeri Perlis untuk menjalankan aktiviti radio DXing, saya melawat negeri Perlis pada kali pertama.
Di negeri Perlis, saya mencuba untuk menerima siaran Perak FM 104.1MHz dari Bukit Larut dengan tiga kawasan iaitu Kangar, Arau dan Padang Besar.
Siaran Perak FM 104.1MHz tidak dapat diterima di Kangar dan Padang Besar sebenarnya, tetapi saya boleh menerima isyarat Perak FM 104.1MHz yang lemah di Arau.
Rakaman video isyarat Perak FM 104.1MHz dirakam di luar Masjid Negeri Arau Perlis selepas saya bersarapan di sebuah warung dengan Roti Canai dan Teh Tarik.
Di Arau, Perlis, kawasan ini menerima siaran radio dari Thailand (Satun, Yala dan Songkhla), Kedah (Gunung Jerai), Langkawi (Gunung Raya) dan Perlis (Padang Pauh).
Perak FM 104.1MHz menjadi stesen radio yang paling jauh diterima di Arau, Perlis dengan jarak sejauh 184km. Selain itu, Arau ialah kawasan yang saya hanya menerima siaran radio Perak FM 104.1MHz di negeri Perlis.
Tiada gangguan frekuensi oleh Smart Radio FM 104.0MHz yang dipancar dari Hat Yai, Thailand semasa saya menerima siaran Perak FM 104.1MHz di Perlis hari ini.
RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz boleh didengari di seluruh negeri Perlis dan sebahagian kawasan negeri Kedah (Jitra, Alor Setar, Changlun, Pendang), manakala siaran radio ini boleh diterima di sebahagian kecil Pulau Pinang dengan isyarat yang lemah seperti Kepala Batas dan Bertam.
Di negeri Perak, pada tahun 2022, kawan saya menerima siaran Perlis FM di Taiping, tetapi isyarat tersebut bersifat troposfera sahaja.
Saya tidak pernah berjaya menangkap isyarat Perlis FM 102.9MHz di negeri Perak sebelum ini, walaupun saya pernah mencuba di Tanjung Piandang, Parit Buntar dan Kuala Kurau.
Pada 24hb November 2024, saya bercuti di Pulau Pinang, sebelum saya sampai ke Butterworth, saya bersinggah ke Pekan Selama di negeri Perak untuk merakam video isyarat IKIM FM 89.0MHz dan 102.7MHz. Pada masa yang sama, saya mencuba frekuensi FM 102.9MHz dimana frekuensi tersebut mungkin ialah isyarat lemah radio Perak FM yang dipancar dari Lawin, tetapi saya menerima siaran Perlis FM yang lemah di Selama, Perak.
Di Pekan Selama, Perak, siaran RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz diterima secara lemah, tetapi terdapat kawasan di Selama mempunyai gangguan frekuensi dengan Perak FM pada frekuensi FM 102.9MHz.
Selepas saya merakam video isyarat Perlis FM 102.9MHz di Selama, Perak, saya bersinggah ke Family Mart di stesen minyak Caltex untuk bersarapan yang least. Di kawasan berhampiran dengan stesen minyak Caltex Selama, isyarat Perlis FM 102.9MHz bercampur-baur dengan Perak FM.
Semasa DJ Perlis FM menemu bual dengan si cilik dengan melalui Program Cumi-Cumi pada setiap hari Ahad pukul 11.30 pagi, saya terdengar muzik secara tiba-tiba apabila saya mencari tempat letak kereta. Selepas itu, saya cuba mendengar siaran Perak FM pada 104.1MHz, rupanya sama lagu dengan apa yang dimainkan pada 102.9MHz. Oleh itu, Perlis FM 102.9MHz diganggu oleh Perak FM 102.9MHz di Selama, Perak.
Selama ialah kawasan pertama saya yang menerima isyarat radio Perlis FM 102.9MHz di negeri Perak dalam sejarah aktiviti radio DXing saya.
* Frekuensi: FM 102.9MHz
* Kuasa: 2kW
* Tempat pemancar: RTM Padang Pauh, Kangar, Perlis
* Tempat penerima: Pekan Selama, Perak
* Jarak penerimaan: 151km
Selain itu, Perlis FM 102.9MHz ialah stesen radio kedua yang paling jauh diterima di Selama selepas stesen radio Thailand yang dipancar dari Yala (Khao Pok Yo).
In the past, the frequency FM 94.0MHz was dominated by a Satun based Thailand radio station, 94PFM We Love Satun in Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia, but 94PFM ceased broadcast since January 2022 when the radio station founder passed away.
Since 2022, FM 94.0MHz is an empty frequency in Satun, Thailand, but in Langkawi, FM 94.0MHz became another overspilled Thailand radio station from Hat Yai, namely 94FM Club.
94FM Club is a hot contemporary Thailand radio station in Hat Yai which is also available in Perlis and part of North Kedah, Malaysia, the transmitter site is located at Khlong Kien Road, in Tambon Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, Thailand with 0.5kW transmitter power.
In Langkawi Island, 94FM Club Hat Yai would have adjacent channel interference with RTM Mutiara FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai transmitter occassionally, subject to the receiving location as Langkawi Island locations are varied.
Here are the compilation videos of tuning 94FM Club in Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia by Sarawut DXpedition from 2021-2024.
The radio reception videos of 94FM Club Hat Yai above are still clear in various locations of Langkawi Island, I may think the receiving locations' height are high enough to tune this Thai hot contemporary radio station clearly.
Here are the compilation videos of tuning Mutiara FM 93.9MHz from Gunung Jerai in Langkawi Island, Kedah, recorded by Sarawut DXpedition adn Rafiq Variety, from 2021 until 2024 with using various radio receivers.
Here are the compilation videos of tuning Perak FM 104.1MHz from Bukit Larut in Langkawi Island, Kedah, recorded by Sarawut DXpedition, from 2021 until 2023 with using various radio receivers.
Here are the compilation videos of tuning Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh in Langkawi Island, Kedah, recorded by Philip DXpedition Malaysia and Sarawut DXpedition, from 2018 until 2023 with using various radio receivers.
Some of radio reception videos of Perlis FM 102.9MHz in Langkawi has adjacent channel interference with Thailand's TP4 FM 103.0MHz from Trang Province.
In Langkawi, the nearest transmitter to tune Traxx FM is 98.7MHz from Gunung Jerai. On 9th November 2024, Sarawut DXer detected Traxx FM 90.3MHz radio signal from Kuala Lumpur Tower in Langkawi.
The radio reception of Traxx FM 90.3MHz in Langkawi was tropospheric propagation, it had overlapped Kool 101 FM 90.2MHz Bukit Penara coverage in Langkawi.
* Frequency: FM 90.3MHz
* Power: 1kW
* Transmission site: Kuala Lumpur Tower
* Receiving site: Langkawi, Kedah (Gunung Raya top peak)
* Distance: 412km
* MONO signal
The main coverage of RTM Traxx FM 90.3MHz Kuala Lumpur Tower transmitter is Klang Valley, especially Kuala Lumpur City areas, it is an alternative frequency of FM 100.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter. When Traxx FM 100.1MHz is less clear in some Kuala Lumpur areas due to high rise buildings, 90.3MHz takes place to cover the blindspot coverage of 100.1MHz.
The radio receiver was NXP TEF6686 (DSP).
By not including Sporadic E radio stations, Traxx FM 90.3MHz is the furthest radio station tuned in Langkawi under tropospheric propagation category.
Although it is less possible of me to receive Kuching radio stations in Simanggang, Sarawak, but I choose to list down some potential Kuching radio stations which I can do DXing in Simanggang, Sarawak by either 2025 or 2026, list excludes RTM Gunung Serapi radio stations (not include Wai FM Iban and Bidayuh), also Cats FM 99.3MHz, but include Serian radio stations for Wai FM.
* Kupi-Kupi FM Sarawak 92.5MHz (Bukit Djin)
* MY FM 96.9MHz (Bukit Djin)
* Eight FM 98.3MHz (Bukit Djin)
* Bernama Radio FM 100.9MHz (Bukit Antu)
* Wai FM Iban FM 101.3MHz (Gunung Serapi) and FM 106.9MHz (Gunung Ampungan)
* Sinar FM 102.1MHz (Bukit Djin)
* Tea FM 102.7MHz (Bukit Antu)
* Kool 101 FM 104.3MHz (Bukit Djin)
* Wai FM Bidayuh FM 106.1MHz (Gunung Serapi) and 101.7MHz (Gunung Ampungan)
Less potential Kuching radio stations which are less possible for DXing in Simanggang due to interference with radio stations from Off Spaoh (Betong) and Bukit Temudok (Simanggang).
* Hot FM 94.3MHz Gunung Serapi (100kHz with Sarawak FM 94.4MHz Off Spaoh)
* Hitz FM 95.3MHz Bukit Djin (100kHz with Traxx FM 95.2MHz Off Spaoh)
* Era FM 96.1MHz Bukit Djin (100kHz with Ai FM 96.0MHz Off Spaoh)
* Mix FM 97.7MHz Bukit Djin (100kHz with Red FM 97.8MHz Off Spaoh)
* Lite FM 100.1MHz Bukit Djin (200kHz with Sarawak FM 100.1MHz Bukit Temudok)
It is impossible to receive Melody FM 103.7MHz from Bukit Djin in Simanggang due to Traxx FM 103.8MHz Bukit Temudok transmission.
In Miri and Labuan, there are several radio stations using same frequencies with Brunei, causing co-channel interference.
==Miri vs. Brunei==
90.7MHz: RTM Red FM Bukit Lambir (Miri)
90.7MHz: Kristal FM Brunei Bukit Subok (Bandar Seri Begawan)
93.3MHz: Cats FM Bukit Lambir (Miri)
93.3MHz: RTB Nur Islam Brunei Bukit Subok (Bandar Seri Begawan)
Co-channel interference occurs in Tutong, but affected radio stations have alternative frequencies in co-channel interference areas by following below:
1. Cats FM: 88.7MHz Bukit Mas (Limbang)
2. Red FM: 104.1MHz Bukit Mas (Limbang)
3. Kristal FM: 98.7MHz Andulau
4. RTB Nur Islam FM: 94.9MHz Andulau
==Labuan vs. Brunei==
92.3MHz: RTM Ai FM Bukit Timbalai (Labuan)
92.3MHz: RTB Nasional FM Brunei Bukit Subok (Bandar Seri Begawan)
93.3MHz: RTM Sabah VFM Bukit Timbalai (Labuan)
93.3MHz: RTB Nur Islam FM Brunei Bukit Subok (Bandar Seri Begawan)
Bukit Timbalai doesn't overspill signal to Brunei, so RTB Nasional FM 92.3MHz and Nur Islam FM 93.3MHz are not interfered in Brunei, meanwhile Ai FM and Sabah VFM are having co-channel interference in Labuan Island, but Ai FM and Sabah VFM have alternative frequencies in Labuan when both are interfering with Brunei radio stations due to same frequencies.
When I searched Brunei radio stations reception in Sarawak on YouTube, the the search showed the recommended videos which I'm interested about, then I spotted there was a radio reception video of RTM Traxx FM 90.7MHz tuned in Tacloban, Philippines which published by HiRadSpek23 on 10th June 2023.
The FM 90.7MHz was Traxx FM signal from Lawa Mandau, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah actually, but the signal tuned in Tacloban, Philippines was Sporadic E propagation.
The transmitter power of Traxx FM 90.7MHz in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (Lawa Mandau) is 1kW.
The signal was clear for a while, then it went weak and had co-channel interference with other radio station, the receiving distance was 1123km from Lawa Mandau to Tacloban.
Alongside Traxx FM 90.7MHz, HiRadSpek23 also tuned few radio stations from Sarawak (Malaysia) and Brunei in Tacloban, Philippines which were also Sporadic E propagation.
1. Cats FM 88.7MHz Limbang, Sarawak, Malaysia (Tx: Bukit Mas)
Distance: 1312km
2. Kristal FM 90.7MHz Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei (Tx: Bukit Subok)
5 years ago, I went to Lawas, Sarawak for Cats FM transmitter system commissioning project as a junior broadcast engineer which is now a former career to me. When I was staying at a hotel in Lawas, Sarawak, I managed to tune Sabah VFM 102.9MHz, the signal was still clear there.
While Sabah VFM can be tuned via 102.9MHz clearly in Lawas, Sarawak, but I'm very curious whether it can be tuned in Limbang on same frequency or not like what I listened to Lawas, Sarawak. As today, I don't have opportunity to travel to Limbang yet due to the schedule plan, so I have two different method to identify the coverage availability such as plotting simulated coverage map and ask Limbang community, despite I have not obtained the video as better and stronger evidence.
Method 1: Plotting coverage map by using Nautel RF Toolkit
I plotted the coverage map of Sabah VFM 102.9MHz Bukit Tampalagus transmitter on Nautel RF Toolkit by entering its estimated radio transmission system parameters, but the simulated coverage map is not fully accurate because of the transmitter site measurement is not exactly correct.
From the coverage map above, there is no signal of Sabah VFM 102.9MHz if the listeners tune in Limbang town center due to terrain, meanwhile Sabah VFM 102.9MHz can be tuned from Sebukang to Pandaruan which is located behind Limbang town, but signal is varied, it can be either clear or weak. Alongside Limbang town, Sabah VFM 102.9MHz cannot be tuned in west side of Limbang district such as Batu Danau and Nanga Medamit.
Method 2: Get more information from Limbang community via social media
I approached Discover Limbang via Facebook by sending the enquiry for verification few days ago with following chats below:
Me: Hi, Discover Limbang. Commonly in Limbang, the listeners can tune Cats FM, RTM radio stations from Bukit Mas and Brunei radio stations, I would like to ask whether Sabah VFM 102.9 can be tuned in Limbang or not? Can you personally send me privately a video of tuning Sabah VFM 102.9 in Limbang (40 seconds video format)?
(Made first attempt to request sending the radio reception video of Sabah VFM 102.9MHz in Limbang, but I failed to get it yet)
Discover Limbang: Hi, Philip. Sabah VFM 102.9MHz cannot reach Limbang.
Me: Empty frequency (I meant the 102.9)
(Failed again to make 2nd attempt by requesting 30 seconds Sabah VFM 102.9MHz radio reception video in Limbang)
Discover Limbang: It can be only tuned via Astro Channel 870, not through the radio.
Me: For Sabah FM 97.9MHz (Bukit Tampalagus), feel that it has interference from Nasional FM 98.1MHz Bukit Mas transmitter.
Me: Thank you. Actually I would like to do Limbang radio DXing content(to target Sabah people who visits Limbang or has transit in Limbang before entering Miri or Brunei).Before making content, I would like to obtain more information from Limbang community(never jump to the conclusion without evidence).
Discover Limbang: Until today, Sabah radio stations cannot reach Limbang, except Astro (Sabah VFM).
==RESULTS==
By combining two methods, Sabah VFM cannot be tuned via Bukit Tampalagus transmitter on the frequency 102.9MHz in Limbang town center. In Limbang district, Sabah VFM 102.9MHz is only available in Pandaruan areas where are not far from Bangar, Brunei.
The result of Nautel RF Toolkit coverage map and answer from Discover Limbang are positively matched where both mentioned that Sabah VFM 102.9MHz cannot be tuned in Limbang, Sarawak.
By looking again the simulated coverage map, Sabah VFM 102.9MHz is only available in small part of Limbang, Sarawak, but the clear coverage of Sabah VFM 102.9MHz in Limbang is not located at the town center, instead the road near Brunei's Temburong border.
Although it is not possible to tune that radio station in Limbang due to terrains, but to make the radio reception video of Sabah VFM 102.9MHz in Limbang via on-site DXing, I need to wait until 2026 due to schedule availability plan.
In Limbang town, there has no Sabah's ethnics such as Dusun, Murut, Kadazan and Bajau, but my main target group of making Sabah VFM 102.9MHz radio signal in Limbang is transit users and Brunei people who come to Limbang, locally I can target Limbang's Chinese and Malay people if they tune Sabah VFM's Chinese and English programs via FM 102.9MHz from 9am to 3pm, alternative to Red FM 104.1MHz, Ai FM 103.3MHz and Traxx FM 102.3MHz.
Limbang is dominated by Malay, Iban, Chinese, Lun Bawang and Bisaya.
==Conclusion of Sabah VFM availabity in Sarawak==
Lawas District is the only clear coverage of Sabah VFM in Sarawak region via Bukit Tampalagus transmitter on 102.9MHz, Lawas District covers Lawas, Sundar, Trusan and Merapok.
(THROWBACK: 5 years anniversary of Sabah VFM 102.9MHz radio reception in Lawas, Sarawak)
Here are the videos of tuning Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz Gunung Pulai signal in Batu Pahat District, Johor where I conducted on 27th October 2024.
1. Parit Sulong (84km)
2. Batu Pahat (74km)
3. Senggarang (57km)
Among 3 locations above, Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz is very weak and having rough audio actually, but Rengit is the only clearest coverage of Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz in Batu Pahat District, Johor.
In Batu Pahat District, Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz Gunung Pulai signal is extremely weak in:
* Batu Pahat
* Senggarang
* Ayer Hitam
* Parit Raja
* Seri Gading
* Yong Peng
* Parit Sulong
* Parit Yaani
No signal can be tuned in Semerah and Sri Medan, Johor.
