(UPDATE) Indonesia radio station FM 102.0MHz which I tuned in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia on 19th May 2024 was Radio Permata FM from Rokan Hilir, Riau Province

On 19th May 2024, I paid a visit to Port Dickson and Lukut in Negeri Sembilan for radio DXpedition activity. In Port Dickson, I managed to receive two Singapore FM radio stations (Kiss 92FM and One FM 91.3), then I captured an unknown radio station FM 102.0MHz which spoke Indonesian language.

I traced database via Asiawaves.net by looking FM 102.0MHz within Riau and North Sumatra Province, Indonesia, so I judged that FM 102.0MHz was Radio RBS FM from Pematangsiantar.

On previous article from May 2024, I reported the frequency FM 102.0MHz was Radio RBS from Pematangsiantar, but the information was not correct.

In fact, FM 102.0MHz is also used by Radio Permata in Rokan Hilir Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia.

Recently Kisah Alkisah who is from Sabah also tuning Radio Permata in Teluk Kemang, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. 

By referring his video, actually FM 102.0MHz that I tuned in Port Dickson, Malaysia on 19th May 2024 was Radio Permata from Rokan Hilir, Riau Province, Indonesia.

In conclusion, the signal of Indonesia radio station on the frequency FM 102.0MHz in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan ,Malaysia is Radio Permata from Rokan Hilir, Riau Province with 177km distance.

Hence, Singapore Kiss 92FM and One FM 91.3 are the furthest radio stations tuned in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia with 255km distance.

The important of Bukit Penara transmitter of Raaga FM 99.3MHz in Penang

 

In most of Penang areas, from Georgetown and Seberang Perai, the Tamil commercial radio station Raaga can be tuned loud and clearly on two frequencies such as FM 99.3MHz from Bukit Penara and FM 102.4MHz from Gunung Jerai, meanwhile FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut is tuned moderately and FM 101.9MHz from Gunung Raya is weak.

 

Although Raaga can be tuned loudly and clearly in Georgetown and Seberang Perai on the frequency FM 102.4MHz from Gunung Jerai, but there is another clear frequency on FM 99.3MHz from Bukit Penara. So, it is a duplication because Raaga has two clear frequencies in Penang.

 

However, both Raaga frequencies 102.4 and 99.3 have different roles in Penang. Although FM 102.4MHz from Gunung Jerai transmitter covers Georgetown and Seberang Perai clearly, but FM 99.3MHz from Bukit Penara acts as auxiliary transmitter to cover blindspot coverage of FM 102.4MHz Gunung Jerai transmitter in Penang Island, notably Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar.

 

I was used to suggest Astro Audio (formerly known as Astro Radio and AMP Radio Networks) to abolish FM 99.3MHz Bukit Penara transmitter because I found it was duplicate as Raaga can be tuned in Penang via FM 102.4MHz from Gunung Jerai, but my suggestion was wrong because I needed to consider the coverage of Southwest Penang Island.

 

If Raaga abolishes Bukit Penara transmission (FM 99.3MHz), it will give listening impact to Indian listeners who are tuning Raaga in Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar because FM 102.4MHz from Gunung Jerai cannot be received there, meanwhile FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut is weak in Balik Pulau (potentially zero signal too like Gunung Jerai transmitter 102.4MHz).

 

Indian people in Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar have been comfortable of listening to Raaga via FM 99.3MHz from Bukit Penara for more than 2 decades, even the frequency was already used in Bukit Penara for Penang since 1995 under the era of Time Highway Radio (THR) which was an English radio station (with 3 hour Malay program from 3am to 6am). The Indian listeners would be angry if FM 99.3MHz from Bukit Penara is ceased broadcast because they cannot tune Raaga on FM 102.4MHz from Gunung Jerai in Balik Pulau, even FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut is weak there.

 

Outside Penang, Raaga FM 99.3MHz also can cover Pengkalan Hulu in Perak where 102.4MHz has interference with MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz from Thailand. When I was in Pengkalan Hulu, I detected the interference noise from MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz while tuning Raaga FM 102.4MHz, but I got a moderate signal when I switched to FM 99.3MHz there.

 

So, Raaga FM 99.3MHz targets Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar in Penang, as well as Pengkalan Hulu in Perak.

 

In conclusion, although Raaga can be tuned clearly in most of Penang areas via FM 102.4MHz from Gunung Jerai, but FM 99.3MHz from Bukit Penara is still important in Penang as it needs to cover Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar where 102.4MHz has no signal there. 

Radio stations in Balik Pulau, Penang

Unlike most of Penang areas from Georgetown to Bayan Lepas and Seberang Perai, radio stations' availability is limited in Balik Pulau due to terrain.

In Balik Pulau, Gunung Jerai and Bukit Larut transmitted radio stations are very weak because the terrain blocks the signal, so the listeners can only receive the radio stations from Bukit Penara and Bukit Genting transmitters.

 

Hence, here are the available radio stations in Balik Pulau, Penang.

 

==Bukit Penara==

* Fly FM 89.9MHz

* Kool FM 90.2MHz

* 988 FM 94.5MHz

* Raaga FM 99.3MHz

* GoXUAN FM 107.6MHz

 

==Bukit Genting==

* RTM Radio Klasik FM 101.7MHz

* RTM Nasional FM 93.9MHz

* RTM Mutiara FM 90.9MHz

* RTM Traxx FM 88.5MHz

* RTM Ai FM 92.1MHz

* RTM Minnal FM 98.9MHz

* IKIMfm 102.7MHz 

Total 12 FM radio stations are clearly available in Balik Pulau, Penang. 

No signal to tune any radio stations from Langkawi, Baling and Thailand in Balik Pulau.

 

When I was in Balik Pulau, Penang on 26th November 2024, I tested RTM Kedah FM 97.5MHz and Lite FM 104.4MHz from Gunung Jerai, then Mix FM 91.3MHz and Lite FM 89.3MHz from Bukit Larut. They were weak if I used non-car radio receivers.

 

Kedah FM 97.5MHz was almost zero signal in Balik Pulau when I tuned it by using TECSUN PL-380 with modified telescopic antenna. 

Lite FM 104.4MHz/89.3MHz and Mix FM 91.3MHz are moderately clear in Balik Pulau by using car radio without plugging DVR dashcam or any accessories via 12V phone charger port.

Balik Pulau, Penang is under the coverage of Bukit Genting (for RTM and IKIMfm) and Bukit Penara (for commercial radio stations) transmitters.

Radio Diva Nusantara FM 101.1MHz from Rokan Hilir, Riau Province, Indonesia tuned in Salak Tinggi, Selangor, Malaysia

Here are the radio reception videos of tuning Indonesia's Radio Diva Nusantara FM 101.1MHz from Rokan Hilir, Riau Province in Salak Tinggi, Selangor Malaysia by Kisah Alkisah. 

Weak and strong signal inconsistently in Salak Tinggi, but it has same radio reception as what I tuned in Morib, Tanjung Sepat and Jenjarom, Selangor.

* Frequency: FM 101.1MHz

* Power: 1.6kW

* Transmitter site: Bagansiapiapi, Rokan Hilir Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia 

* Receiving site: Salak Tinggi, Selangor, Malaysia 

* Distance: 125km

Hot FM 90.1MHz, Mix FM 99.1MHz, RTM Minnal FM 101.1MHz and Johor FM 101.9MHz (adjust to 102.0MHz) from Gunung Pulai transmitter are the furthest radio stations tuned in Salak Tinggi, Selangor, but tropospheric propagation

In Salak Tinggi, Selangor, the radio listeners tune their favorite radio stations mostly from Gunung Telapak Buruk transmitter, meanwhile radio stations from Kuala Lumpur Tower, Gunung Ledang, Gunung Ulu Kali and Bukit Sungai Besi can be received moderately and weakly, but several Gunung Pulai transmitted radio stations can be detected in Salak Tinggi, Selangor.

 

Kisah Alkisah published few Gunung Pulai transmitted radio stations in Salak Tinggi, Selangor on YouTube, but tropospheric propagation.

 

 

 

1. Hot FM 90.1MHz

 

 

2. Mix FM 99.1MHz

 

 

3. RTM Minnal FM 101.1MHz

  

 

4. RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz (adjusted adjacently to 102.0MHz)

 

 

RTM Minnal FM 101.1MHz was the strongest Gunung Pulai radio station in Salak Tinggi, Selangor, meanwhile the rest stations are super weak. RTM Johor FM was only detected in Salak Tinggi by tuning the frequency from 101.9MHz to 102.0MHz because 101.9MHz is fully overlapped by local radio station MY FM 101.8MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

Hot FM 90.1MHz, Mix FM 99.1MHz, RTM Minnal FM 101.1MHz and RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz (adjusted to 102.0MHz) are the furthest radio stations in Salak Tinggi, Selangor with 241km distance.

 

In Salak Tinggi, Selangor,

1. Hot FM is tuned on 99.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk

2. Mix FM is tuned on 94.2MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk

3. RTM Minnal FM is tuned on 90.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk

4. RTM Johor FM is tuned on RTM Klik (online streaming), meanwhile its North Johor frequency FM 105.3MHz from Gunung Ledang is overlapped and interfered by Suria FM 105.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali. 

Fly FM 95.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter is interfered by RTM Negeri FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Tampin in Salak Tinggi, Selangor, but Fly FM is tuned on 98.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk there.

It is very normal when Fly FM 95.8MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali) and Negeri FM 95.7MHz (Bukit Tampin) are interfering each other in Seremban, Rantau, Linggi and part of Northwest Melaka because these areas are not their intended coverage, but it is likely abnormal when the interference between Fly FM 95.8MHz and Negeri FM 95.7MHz happens in Sepang and Salak Tinggi where are located in Selangor because Fly FM 95.8MHz also covers Sepang.

 

RTM Negeri FM 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin transmitter mainly covers Rembau and Kota where 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk and 107.7MHz Gunung Ledang transmitters are not clear, it acts as gap filler between the coverage of 92.6MHz and 107.7MHz in Rembau District, Negeri Sembilan.

 

As Negeri FM 95.7MHz transmitter system in Bukit Tampin was renewed last year, the coverage becomes better in Rembau District and part of Seremban, so it can overspill its signal to Seremban by overlapping Fly FM 95.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali signal.

 

In Salak Tinggi, Selangor, Fly FM 95.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter has interference from RTM Negeri FM 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin transmitter, both are interfering each other.

 

 

The interference between Fly FM 95.8MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali) and Negeri FM 95.7MHz (Bukit Tampin) in Salak Tinggi, Selangor doesn't affect their listeners at all because Salak Tinggi is covered by Gunung Telapak Buruk transmitter.

 

For Negeri FM, the listeners have already tuned on 92.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk in Salak Tinggi, meanwhile Fly FM in Salak Tinggi is tuned on 98.6MHz which is also transmitted from Gunung Telapak Buruk. 

 

In Salak Tinggi, Sungai Pelek and Sepang,

1. Fly FM is tuned on 98.6MHz

2. Negeri FM is tuned on 92.6MHz 

Malaysia radio stations Hot FM 88.2MHz and IKIM FM 89.0MHz from Gunung Jerai tuned in Hanoi, Vietnam via Sporadic E propagation

It is very common when Malaysia radio stations can be tuned in Thailand areas such as Sadao, Satun, Hatyai, Dannok and Betong because Gunung Jerai transmitter can reach its signal to Thailand, but two Malaysia radio stations from Gunung Jerai, notably Hot FM 88.2MHz and IKIM FM 89.0MHz were tuned in Vietnam two weeks ago.

 

 

The Vietnamese radio DXer, known as TheWaves Vietnam published the radio reception videos of Hot FM 88.2MHz and IKIM FM 89.0MHz in Hanoi, Vietnam on YouTube.

 

 

 

Malaysia radio stations Hot FM 88.2MHz and IKIM FM 89.0MHz from Gunung Jerai transmitter were tuned in Hanoi, Vietnam on 7th July 2026 1859 hours (Malaysia time), both were Sporadic E propagation.

 

Hot FM 88.2MHz was slightly clearer than IKIM FM 89.0MHz in Hanoi, Vietnam, but IKIM FM 89.0MHz has co-channel interference with Thailand Parliament Radio Station FM 89.0MHz from Khao Pok Yo transmitter and other Thailand radio station from another province. 

 

It is 1787km distance from Gunung Jerai to Hanoi, Vietnam.

 

Congratulations to TheWaves Vietnam for capturing Malaysia FM radio stations in Hanoi, Vietnam. 

 

* Stations & Frequencies: Hot FM 88.2MHz and IKIM FM 89.0MHz (MALAYSIA)

* Transmitter power: 2kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Jerai, Kedah, Malaysia

* Receiving site: Hanoi, Vietnam

* Distance: 1787km

* Receiving date/time: 7th July 2026 1859 hours (UTC+8 Malaysia time)/1759 hours (UTC+7 Vietnam time) 

KBS World Radio tuned in Malaysia via shortwave frequencies

Annyeonghaseyo 안녕하세요

Besides online streaming, KBS World Radio is available in Malaysia by tuning to shortwave radio on SW 9570kHz and 9770kHz. To listen to KBS World Radio, you must have a shortwave radio receiver.

Here is the schedule of KBS World Radio (Malaysia time UTC+8)

==SW 9570kHz==
1. Korean: 1600-1900 hours
2. Indonesian: 2000-2100 hours
3. English: 2100-2200 hours
4. Indonesian: 2200-2300 hours

==SW 9770kHz==
1. English: 1600-1830 hours
2. Vietnamese: 1830-1930 hours
3. Chinese: 1930-2030 hours

 

==SW 9640kHz==

1. Vietnamese: 2330-0000 hours

 

==SW15160kHz==

1. Korean: 1700-1800 hours

 

KBS World Radio SW 9570kHz, 9640kHz, 15160kHz and 9770kHz transmit at 100kW power from Gimje, South Korea.


KBS World Radio consists South Korea news, K-POP music, Korean language learning etc.

RTM Langkawi FM will abolish its transponder frequency 87.5MHz from RTM Kuah when it will start to broadcast from the all-new RTM Langkawi Broadcasting Complex building

RTM Langkawi FM was launched in 1993. As today, it broadcasts with 2 frequencies such as 104.8MHz from Gunung Raya and 87.5MHz from RTM Kuah.

By reading its history, Langkawi FM broadcasted on 87.5MHz first from RTM Kuah in 1993 before launching Gunung Raya transmitter.

Although it is a duplication, but both frequencies have their own roles actually. The frequency FM 87.5MHz acts as the transponder which is responsible to send the feed signal from the studio to Gunung Raya, meanwhile 104.8MHz Gunung Raya is responsible to receive studio feed signal from 87.5MHz and cover entire Langkawi Island.

Without the transponder frequency 87.5MHz from RTM Kuah, Langkawi FM 104.8MHz is not able to broadcast from Gunung Raya because it cannot receive studio feed from RTM Kuah where is the current broadcasting house. Previously, Langkawi FM suffers electric supply shortage at RTM Kuah, Langkawi FM 104.8MHz suffers interruption because 87.5MHz from Kuah is not able to send feed to Gunung Raya due to electric supply shortage.

Langkawi FM will start to broadcast at all-new broadcasting building within 2027 when RTM Langkawi Broadcasting Complex building was just completely built in end of 2025.

When Langkawi FM starts to broadcast at all-new RTM Langkawi Broadcasting Complex building in the near future, the transponder frequency FM 87.5MHz from RTM Kuah will be abolished because Langkawi FM will start to use studio-transmitter-link (STL) at RTM Langkawi Broadcasting Complex building (Kompleks Penyiaran RTM Langkawi) to send studio feed to Gunung Raya via microwave signal.

Hence, RTM Langkawi FM will only broadcast with 1 frequency on 104.8MHz from Gunung Raya transmitter after abolishing the transmission of 87.5MHz.

RTM Langkawi FM bakal memansuhkan pemancar Kuah FM 87.5MHz apabila bangunan baru RTM Langkawi ditubuhkan.

RTM Langkawi FM dilancarkan pada tahun 1993. Sehingga kini, ia bersiaran dengan 2 frekuensi, iaitu 104.8MHz dari Gunung Raya dan 87.5MHz dari RTM Kuah.

Dengan membaca sejarah stesen radio ini, Langkawi FM asal bersiaran pada frekuensi FM 87.5MHz di RTM Kuah sebelum pemancar Gunung Raya 104.8MHz dilancarkan.

Kedua-dua frekuensi mempunyai peranan masing-masing. Frekuensi FM 87.5MHz dari RTM Kuah memainkan peranan sebagai transponder untuk menghantar isyarat konti ke pemancar Gunung Raya, manakala FM 104.8MHz dari Gunung Raya meliputi seluruh Pulau Langkawi.

Tanpa pemancar FM 87.5MHz dari RTM Kuah, Langkawi FM 104.8MHz tidak dapat bersiaran kerana tidak dapat menerima isyarat konti dari RTM Kuah. Sebelum ini, Bangunan RTM Kuah mengalami gangguan bekalan elektrik, siaran Langkawi FM 104.8MHz terganggu akibat 87.5MHz tidak dapat menghantar isyarat konti ke Gunung Raya.

Langkawi FM bakal bersiaran di bangunan baru dalam tahun 2027 setelah Bangunan Kompleks Penyiaran RTM Langkawi baru ditubuhkan pada akhir tahun 2025.

Apabila RTM Langkawi FM mula bersiaran di Bangunan Kompleks Penyiaran RTM Langkawi pada masa depan, frekuensi transponder FM 87.5MHz akan dimansuhkan kerana RTM Langkawi FM bakal menggunakan sistem STL (studio-transmitter-link) di Kompleks Penyiaran RTM Langkawi untuk menghantar isyarat dari konti ke pemancar Gunung Raya dengan isyarat gelombang mikro.

Sekiranya RTM Langkawi FM memansuhkan frekuensi 87.5MHz akibat stesen ini bersiaran di Kompleks Penyiaran RTM Langkawi yang baru dengan teknologi penyiaran yang lebih canggih, RTM Langkawi FM hanya bersiaran pada 1 frekuensi sahaja, iaitu FM 104.8MHz dari pemancar Gunung Raya.

RTM Labuan FM boleh memansuhkan pemancar RTM Labuan dengan menggantikan kepada sistem STL (studio-transmitter-link) dan menambah kuasa pemancar Bukit Timbalai ke 0.25kW atau 0.5kW kerana Bukit Timbalai boleh meliputi seluruh Labuan.

 

 

RTM Labuan FM kini bersiaran dengan 2 frekuensi iaitu 89.4MHz dari Bukit Timbalai dan 103.7MHz dari RTM Labuan untuk meliputi seluruh Pulau Labuan, manakala kuasa pemancar kedua-dua frekuensi ialah 0.1kW.

 

Membaca sejarahnya, RTM Labuan FM dilancarkan pada tahun 1986 sebagai Radio 3 Labuan, ia bersiaran pada frekuensi 102.9MHz dari pemancar RTM Labuan sehingga tahun 1994. Pada tahun 1994, RTM Labuan FM menukar frekuensi dari 102.9MHz ke 103.7MHz. Pada tahun 2000, RTM Labuan FM menambah frekuensi 89.4MHz apabila tempat pemancar Bukit Timbalai diwujudkan.

 

Pada pandangan saya, pemancaran Labuan FM dengan 2 frekuensi ialah penduaan (duplication) kerana kedua-dua frekuensi boleh didengari dengan jelas di seluruh Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan, tetapi kedua-dua frekuensi mempunyai peranan masing-masing.

 

Frekuensi FM 103.7MHz dari RTM Labuan memainkan peranan sebagai transponder dengan menghantar isyarat konti ke pemancar Bukit Timbalai, manakala 89.4MHz di Bukit Timbalai menerima isyarat konti dari RTM Labuan dan memancar ke seluruh Labuan.

 

Untuk menggabungkan 2 frekuensi Labuan FM kepada 1 frekuensi, frekuensi 103.7MHz dari RTM Labuan boleh dimansuhkan dan diganti dengan sistem STL (studio-transmitter-link) bagi menyambung isyarat konti dari RTM Labuan ke Bukit Timbalai dengan isyarat gelombang mikro, manakala frekuensi Bukit Timbalai boleh ditukar dari 89.4MHz ke 103.7MHz dan kuasa pemancar boleh ditambah ke 0.25kW atau 0.5kW supaya Labuan FM boleh meliputi seluruh Labuan dengan 1 frekuensi dengan jelas.

 

==Cadangan frekuensi Labuan FM==

* Bukit Timbalai: Frekuensi ditukar dari 89.4MHz ke 103.7MHz dan kuasa pemancar ditambah dari 0.1kW ke 0.25kW

* RTM Labuan: Frekuensi dimansuhkan dan digantikan oleh sistem STL (studio-link-transmitter) untuk menghantar isyarat konti ke Bukit Timbalai dengan gelombang mikro

 

Cadangan penggabungan frekuensi Labuan FM mempunyai hadnya kerana ia melibatkan penggantian alat pemancar dengan kos mahal akibat penukaran frekuensi dan pengubahan kuasa pemancar. Untuk makluman, RTM menggunakan sistem pemancar 6+1 di Bukit Timbalai dimana 6 buah stesen radio berkongsi dengan 1 antenna pemancar, tetapi cadangan ini mempunyai kebaikkannya kerana RTM Labuan FM boleh menjimatkan kos pemancaran di Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan dengan bersiaran dengan 1 frekuensi untuk jangka masa panjang.

 

Cadangan ini juga diudarakan kepada pihak RTM Labuan pada masa yang sama. 

 

 

RTM Labuan FM can abolish the transmission of 103.7MHz RTM Labuan and replace with studio-transmitter-link and increase the transmitter power in Bukit Timbalai to 0.25kW or 0.5kW to cover whole Labuan Island.

As today, RTM Labuan FM currently broadcasts with 2 frequencies, notably 103.7MHz from RTM Labuan and 89.4MHz from Bukit Timbalai to cover entire Labuan Island, both frequencies are using 0.1kW transmitter power.

Look at its history, RTM Labuan FM was launched in 1986, it operated on the frequency 102.9MHz at RTM Labuan until 1994 before changing to 103.7MHz. In the year of 2000, RTM Labuan FM launched 89.4MHz when Bukit Timbalai transmitter was established.

In my opinion, it is a duplicate transmission of Labuan FM in Labuan Island because both 103.7MHz and 89.4MHz can be tuned clearly elsewhere in Labuan. 

103.7MHz from RTM Labuan acts as transponder to send studio feed to Bukit Timbalai transmitter, meanwhile 89.4MHz Bukit Timbalai receives the feed from RTM Labuan and transmit the signal to entire island.

To integrate both frequencies into 1 frequency, RTM Labuan FM 103.7MHz can move to Bukit Timbalai transmitter and increase the transmitter power from 0.1kW to 0.25kW or 0.5kW, so RTM Labuan FM can cover whole island with 1 frequency only, but RTM Labuan FM has to install studio-transmitter-link (STL) system, so it can send studio feed to Bukit Timbalai via STL microwave signal, same as Melaka FM 102.3MHz, sending studio signal from RTM Melaka to Gunung Ledang via STL system.

If RTM Labuan FM 103.7MHz moves to Bukit Timbalai, so 89.4MHz can be abolished permanently in Labuan because it is already sufficient to cover entire Labuan Island via Bukit Timbalai transmitter.

==RTM Labuan frequency transmission (SUGGESTION)==

* Bukit Timbalai: Frequency changed from 89.4MHz to 103.7MHz and increase the transmitter power from 0.1kW to 0.25kW or 0.5kW

* RTM Labuan: Abolish the frequency transmission and replace it with microwave based studio-transmitter-link to send studio feeds to Bukit Timbalai.

==Result after suggestion==

* 103.7MHz takes place in Bukit Timbalai to cover Labuan, meanwhile the frequency transmission of 89.4MHz is abolished.

* RTM Labuan transmitter is no longer in operation on FM radio transmission as transponder, replaced by STL system to send studio feed to Bukit Timbalai.

==Limitations==

1. RTM radio stations in Bukit Timbalai are using 6+1 transmitter system where 6 radio transmitters share with 1 transmitting antenna. If RTM Labuan FM changes its frequency from 89.4MHz to 103.4MHz and increase the transmitter power from 0.1kW to 0.5kW, RTM has to remove the entire 6+1 radio transmitter system, then it may change the feeder cables and calibrate the signal. Even if RTM does this for Labuan FM, but it has affected other radio stations because they are using 1 transmitter antenna. So, it is another cost to do so.

2. If RTM Labuan FM 89.4MHz increases the transmitter power to 0.5kW in Bukit Timbalai without changing frequency, RTM still has to remove the entire system as Labuan FM 89.4MHz and other 5 radio stations are sharing 1 antenna.

==Benefit==

* RTM Labuan FM can save the transmission fees and frequency license costs by abolishing one of its frequency for long term as Bukit Timbalai transmitter can cover entire Labuan perfectly. 

 

This suggestion is also expressed to RTM Labuan team at the same time. 

Same as Sebuyau, RTM Wai FM Bidayuh 106.1MHz Gunung Serapi transmitter is clearer than 101.7MHz Gunung Ampungan in Maludam, Sarawak

 

 

RTM Wai FM Bidayuh is still available moderately in part of Betong Division, Sarawak such as Roban, Saratok, Kabong, Pusa, and Debak via 106.1MHz Gunung Serapi transmitter, meanwhile signal is very weak in Spaoh and Betong.

 

RTM Wai FM Bidayuh is also available in Maludam, the coastal small town of Betong Division on same frequency which is 106.1MHz from Gunung Serapi.

 

On YouTube, there are 3 videos of tuning RTM Wai FM Bidayuh 106.1MHz/101.7MHz in Maludam, Sarawak.

 

 

Based on the videos above, 106.1MHz from Gunung Serapi is clearer than 101.7MHz from Gunung Ampungan in Maludam, Sarawak. The radio reception of RTM Wai FM Bidayuh 106.1MHz/101.7MHz in Maludam, Sarawak is same as Sebuyau and Simanggang.

Tuning distance of RTM Wai FM Bidayuh in Maludam, Sarawak 

* FM 106.1MHz Gunung Serapi: 90km

* FM 101.7MHz Gunung Ampungan: 73km

 

As RTM Wai FM Bidayuh 106.1MHz has better radio reception than 101.7MHz in Maludam, Sebuyau and Simanggang, so I may predict that Wai FM Bidayuh is also still tuned on 106.1MHz in Lingga (the small town in Sri Aman Division), meanwhile FM 101.7MHz is also very weak in Lingga, however I will verify the radio reception of RTM Wai FM Bidayuh in Lingga, Sarawak by recording the videos on 8th November 2026, together with Hot FM, RTM Wai FM Iban and Sibu FM.

RTM Nasional FM boleh didengari di Jepun dan Korea Selatan pada frekuensi gelombang pendek SW 15295kHz.

 

 

Beberapa bulan lepas, RTM melancarkan dua buah stesen radio pada frekuensi gelombang pendek, iaitu Nasional FM dan Sabah VFM, khususnya untuk kawasan pedalaman di Malaysia, terutamanya Sabah dan Sarawak dimana ada kawasan tidak mempunyai liputan pemancar FM.

 

Walaupun RTM Nasional FM pada SW 15295kHz meliputi kawasan pedalaman di Malaysia yang tiada liputan dari pemancar FM, tetapi stesen ini suka didengari oleh pendengar antarabangsa di luar negara, terutamanya peminat radio (DXer). 

 

Tahukah anda? RTM Nasional FM boleh diterima di Jepun dan yang terkini Korea Selatan pada frekuensi SW 15295kHz.

 

Jika kamu menonton video penerimaan siaran Nasional FM SW 15259kHz di YouTube, terdapat banyak video yang dirakam oleh pendengar di Jepun sebenarnya seperti Yokohama dan Tokyo, tetapi stesen radio ini juga boleh diterima pada frekuensi yang sama di Korea Selatan.

Ini juga kali pertama saya melihat rakaman video penerimaan siaran RTM Nasional FM 15295kHz oleh pendengar dari Korea Selatan. Menurutnya, Nasional FM SW 15295kHz diterima di Yangpyeong, sebuah kaunti Gyeonggi-Do, ia terletak sejauh 54km timur dari Seoul, ibu negara Korea Selatan. 

 

Isyarat RTM Nasional FM SW 15295kHz masih jelas didengari di Jepun dan Korea Selatan.

 

Untuk mendengar siaran RTM Nasional FM pada SW 15295kHz di negara antarabangsa, waktu siarannya ialah 0000 jam sehingga 1200 jam (UTC).

 

Di sini terdapat rakaman video RTM Nasional FM SW 15295kHz yang diterima di Jepun dan Korea Selatan oleh peminat radio.

 

==Jepun (Yokohama dan Tokyo)== 

 

 

==Korea Selatan (Yangpyeong)== 

 

 

Untuk makluman, saya akan cuba menerima isyarat siaran radio RTM Nasional FM SW 15295kHz di Seoul dan Incheon, Korea Selatan pada bulan September 2026. Nantikan perkembangan terkini di Philip DXing Log.

RTM Nasional FM is receivable in South Korea via SW 15295kHz moderately, received in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province on 16th July 2026.

 

 

Few months ago, RTM launched Nasional FM and Sabah VFM on shortwave frequencies transmission. Although their main intended coverage are the rural areas of Malaysia, especially Sabah and Sarawak, but Nasional FM and Sabah VFM become the DXer's favorite shortwave radio stations outside Malaysia.

 

On YouTube, I had seen the Japanese radio DXers tuned RTM Nasional FM SW 15295kHz in Japan such as Yokohama and Tokyo. RTM Nasional FM SW 15295kHz is still loud and clear in Japan.

 

 

Recently I saw a video of someone tuning RTM Nasional FM SW 15259kHz in South Korea via YouTube. 

 

According to "psh DXer", he received RTM Nasional FM SW 15295kHz in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea on 16th July 2025. 

 

 

Yangpyeong is a county of Gyeonggi Province in South Korea, it is located 54km east from Seoul. 

 

The radio reception of RTM Nasional FM SW 15295kHz was moderately clear in Yangpyeong, South Korea as RTM Nasional FM SW 15295kHz from RTM Kajang uses non-directional antenna.

 

As RTM Nasional FM is already receivable on SW 15295kHz in South Korea, I would like to plan to catch this frequency in Seoul and Incheon next month, together with RTM Sabah VFM 11885kHz. Stay tuned on Philip DXing Log for the latest news.

 

==RTM Nasional FM shortwave radio reception in South Korea by PSH DXer==

* Frequency: SW 15295kHz

* Power: 10kW

* Transmitter site: RTM Kajang shortwave transmitter station in Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia

* Receiving site: Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea

* Distance: 4646km

* Receiving date/time: 16th July 2026 1112H (UTC) 

Happy 30th years birthday anniversary to Cats FM from Philip DXing Log with radio reception videos

 

The Sarawak's very first commercial radio station, Cats FM celebrated 30 years anniversary on 8th August 2026. (1996-2026)

 

Philip DXing Log would like to wish Happy 30 years anniversary to Cats FM.

 

In conjunction with its 30 years anniversary celebration, here are my radio reception videos of tuning Cats FM in various locations of Sarawak, Labuan and Sabah from 2019 to 2026.

 

November 2019: Cats FM 88.2MHz (Bukit Tiong/Lawas) in Sipitang and Sindumin, Sabah

 

 

April 2024: Cats FM 99.9MHz (Bukit Singgalang/Selangau) in Sebauh, Sarawak

 

 

April 2024: Cats FM 88.3MHz (Bukit Setiam/Bintulu) and 93.3MHz (Bukit Lambir/Miri) in Batu Niah, Sarawak

 

 

March 2025: Cats FM 88.7MHz (Bukit Mas/Limbang) and 88.2MHz (Bukit Tiong/Lawas) in Labuan

 

 

May 2025: Cats FM 99.9MHz (Bukit Singgalang) in Kanowit, Sarawak

 

 

August 2025: Cats FM 99.3MHz (Gunung Serapi/Kuching) in Serian, Sarawak

 

 

October 2025: Cats FM 96.7MHz (Bukit Kayu Malam/Sarikei) in Daro and Matu, Sarawak 

 

 

October 2025: Cats FM 97.9MHz (Mukah) in Sibu, Sarawak

 

 

October 2025: Cats FM 107.6MHz (Bukit Kapit) in Song, Sarawak 

 

 

November 2025: Cats FM 93.3MHz (Bukit Lambir/Miri) in Long Lama, Sarawak

 

 

April 2026: Cats FM 88.7MHz (Bukit Mas/Limbang) in Sabah (Kimanis, Menumbok, Kundasang & Tenom)   

 

 

Prior 8th November 2026, I will record the radio reception video of Cats FM 88.7MHz (Bukit Temudok) in Lubok Antu, Sarawak.

 

HAPPY 30TH YEARS ANNIVERSARY TO CATS FM! 

Is Kool FM able to expand coverage by launching frequency in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan?

 

 

On 3rd November 2025, Kool FM expanded coverage in Melaka, Johor Bahru and Ipoh by taking over the frequencies from Chinese radio station Eight FM, but as today Kool FM is still absent in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan yet.

Kool FM has no Seremban frequency currently like Hot FM and Fly FM. Although there are few ways of Kool FM to expand coverage in Seremban, but no guarantee at all. So, I'm going to analyze by following below:

Proposal 1: FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk

* As per mention earlier in May 2026, the radio transmission of Kool FM on 102.0MHz in Gunung Telapak Buruk will cause interference against RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai coverage in Central Johor. 

* In Central Johor areas such as Yong Peng (near Gunung Maung), Sri Medan, Sri Gading, Senggarang, Kluang, Ayer Hitam, Parit Raja, Rengit and part of Batu Pahat, these areas are covered by RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai, meanwhile FM 105.3MHz from Gunung Ledang transmitter is less clear. If Kool FM uses 102.0MHz in Gunung Telapak Buruk for Negeri Sembilan, RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz radio reception becomes unstable in Central Johor due to the interference as both are 100kHz frequency separation. When the interference happens, as the listeners are already comfortable of 101.9MHz in Central Johor, RTM Johor FM cannot expect all of its Central Johor listeners to tune alternatively on 105.3MHz from Gunung Ledang because it is not clear as 101.9MHz.

* RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz operates 2kW power in Gunung Pulai, meanwhile the transmitter power of Gunung Ledang (105.3MHz) is only 1kW. So, Central Johor relies on 101.9MHz than 105.3MHz. 

* In North Johor, RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz has interference from MY FM 101.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter in Labis, Segamat and Batu Anam, it will be worse if Kool FM "joins the frequency war" together with MY FM 101.8MHz and Johor FM 101.9MHz by using 102.0MHz in Gunung Telapak Buruk. So, it is not advisable to use this frequency by Kool FM.

Proposal 2: FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk

* Although it is already sufficient of 200kHz frequency separation between Gunung Telapak Buruk and Gunung Ledang for most of the radio stations, but Kool FM 102.1MHz can cause interference against RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz coverage in Northwest Melaka because Melaka FM covers whole Melaka state with only 1 frequency on FM 102.3MHz from Gunung Ledang. Melaka FM's listeners would hear interference noise from Kool FM 102.1MHz when they tune it on FM 102.3MHz in Northwest Melaka areas, notably Lubok Cina, Masjid Tanah, Kuala Sungai Baru, Kem Terendak, Sungai Udang and Tanjung Kling. Melaka FM 102.3MHz needs to be protected from interference in Melaka, therefore FM 102.1MHz cannot be used in Gunung Telapak Buruk.

* Kool FM 102.1MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk can face interference from RTM Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser transmitter in Bera, Pahang. Even if there is no obvious interference, MCMC does not allow it because the minimum frequency separation between Gunung Telapak Buruk and Bukit Fraser radio transmitters is 200kHz, not 100kHz. It is already enough when Melaka FM 102.3MHz (Gunung Ledang) and Pahang FM 102.2MHz (Bukit Fraser) interferes each other in Bera District, Pahang, but the situation is worse if Kool FM "joins the frequency war" together with Pahang FM 102.2MHz and Melaka FM 102.3MHz by using 102.1MHz in Gunung Telapak Buruk. So, there is no way of using FM 102.1MHz in Gunung Telapak Buruk.

 

Proposal 3: Taking over the frequency FM 106.0MHz (Gunung Telapak Buruk) from now defunct CityPlus FM

* CityPlus FM 106.0MHz ceased its broadcast on 13th February 2026. Until today, the frequency FM 106.0MHz is dead air in Negeri Sembilan and South Klang Valley. According to the broadcast stations' apparatus assignment list via MCMC website, its frequency license holder OOGA X Sdn Bhd still holds the frequency. OOGA X doesn't surrender the frequency to MCMC after switching off CityPlus FM, but OOGA X suspends the radio broadcast of FM 106.0MHz temporarily (either for months or years). From my view, OOGA X may reuse this frequency for another radio station in the future while it is still holding the frequency license, I suspect OOGA X will launch Malay language business radio station on FM 106.0MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk as the successor of now defunct Chinese business radio station CityPlus FM. This Malay language business radio station targets Malay PMEBs in Klang Valley and Seremban. It is impossible of OOGA X to use Kupi-Kupi FM nameplate on FM 106.0MHz because Kupi-Kupi FM is a Borneo radio brand, the name does not meet Peninsular Malaysia market. 

* Frequency license of OGGA X Sdn Bhd for FM 106.0MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk is still ACTIVE on MCMC apparatus assignment list.

* Hence, Kool FM has no chance to "take over" 106.0MHz from CityPlus FM as OOGA X still holds the frequency license. 

Proposal 4: Taking over the frequency FM 88.3MHz (Bukit Gun) from Eight FM

* Eight FM broadcasts in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan on 88.3MHz, but it is transmitted from Bukit Gun where is located at Jalan Rasah in Seremban. Hence, the coverage of 88.3MHz is much smaller than Gunung Telapak Buruk.

* If Kool FM takes over 88.3MHz from Eight FM, it does not attract more Malay listeners in Negeri Sembilan like Hot FM 99.5MHz because it is transmitted from Bukit Gun, the coverage of FM 88.3MHz is limited in Seremban only, it has no signal in Rembau, Kuala Pilah, Port Dickson, Jempol and Jelebu. From Seremban to Melaka, 88.3MHz becomes weak after Senawang and the signal is slowly disappeared after RnR Senawang while heading to Melaka.

 

Among 4 proposals, neither of them is suitable for Kool FM to launch frequency in Negeri Sembilan. 

 

PROPOSAL 1 and 2 cannot be used due to interference issue.

 

PROPOSAL 3 is not suitable because OOGA X (frequency license holder of CityPlus FM) holds the frequency without surrender it to MCMC. 

 

PROPOSAL 4 is not recommended due to small coverage of Bukit Gun transmitter, commercially it does not help Kool FM in revenue in Seremban.

 

In conclusion, Kool FM is unable to add Seremban frequency in any manner, unless OOGA X surrenders the frequency license of now defunct CityPlus FM 106.0MHz to MCMC, so Media Prima Audio can only request the frequency to MCMC for Kool FM. 

 

In Negeri Sembilan, Kool FM can be only tuned weakly via distant frequencies from Kuala Lumpur and Melaka/North Johor by following below:

* FM 101.3MHz Bukit Sungai Besi: Nilai, Mantin, Lenggeng, Labu and part of Seremban/Port Dickson/Rembau 

* FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang: Tampin, Gemencheh, Gemas, Rompin, Johol and Kuala Pilah.