Raaga shall become 24 hours full fledged Tamil radio station on FM frequencies in Malaysia

Raaga (formerly known as THR Raaga) is Tamil radio station in Malaysia, operated by Astro Radio. Initially THR Raaga is just Tamil programs of Time Highway Radio before acquired by Astro Radio, but due to higher demand of Indian listeners, Raaga broadcast hours were increased more than 50%. Until today, Raaga broadcasts 24 hours in Tamil languages, but available only mobile apps and Astro DVR, meanwhile Raaga only broadcasts 20 hours in Tamil language on FM radio frequencies (99.3, 99.7, 101.9, 101.5, 102.4, 102.1, 97.9, 103.7), the rest of 4 hours are relaying from Gegar (Malay east coast radio station).

I noticed this issue since July 2013 after I got replied from Astro Radio regarding my suggestion to expand Raaga in Kuantan. Then, I highlighted again that why does Raaga FM frequencies broadcast Gegar programs from 2am till 6am daily. Astro replied to me that because of their broadcasting license content restriction. Previously, they stated that MCMC (Malaysia Communication Multimedia Commission) instructed THR FM license shall broadcast 60% Malay programs, otherwise license would be revoked.

During a phone call with Astro Radio PIC, I suggested to make THR Raaga as 24 hours Tamil radio station on FM frequencies by halting THR Gegar programs in west coast, Astro Radio said that my suggestion would not comply with MCMC broadcast license conditions, even MCMC can revoke the license of THR FM.

Now, it is May 2018, we have changed our government by voting during 14th general election. Pakatan Harapan becomes Malaysia government, Barisan Nasional and PAS became opposition parties in Malaysia, YB Gobind Singh Deo becomes Minister of Communications and Multimedia of Malaysia.

As we already get new Malaysia government, so media will be more freedom, no longer heavily restricted by former administration with racial controls. In my opinion, it is the time to make Raaga as 24 hours Tamil radio station on FM radio frequencies, tally with the same content on Astro DVR and mobile app. Raaga shall stop relaying Gegar programs from 2am till 6am on Raaga FM radio frequency as Gegar is for east coast only. It is ok if Astro Radio does not plan to expand Raaga to Kuantan due to commercial driven concerns of Tamil radio market in east coast.

My intention to highlight this is to dedicate to Indian community. What I see is I felt there was discrimination on Indian community for a commercial Tamil radio station in the past, especially I don's satisfy with Raaga only 20 hours programs on FM frequencies, plus Astro has Era, Sinar, Gegar, even newly Zayan in Malay language. In addition, since Astro carries CASP (Content Applications Service Provider) broadcast license, why didn't Astro make Raaga as 24 hours Tamil radio station?

Besides Minnal FM is Tamil radio station under RTM, Raaga is another choice for Indian community. Under new government, I think Minnal FM programmings shall be overhauled to serve Indian listeners better to make RTM relevant. I realized that RTM was irrelevant under former Prime Minister Najib Razak, it lost many listeners and viewers. So, Malaysia media was dominated by commercial companies such as Astro, Media Prima and Star Radio Group due to RTM became irrelevant public media. It is better if all RTM programmings are needed to be overhauled completely in order to serve public better.

Update: Kuantan can receive Raaga on FM frequencies via 99.3MHz from Ulu Kali or 99.7MHz Gunung Ledang partially. Seriously, FM 99.3MHz and FM 99.7MHz are the biggest contribution to Raaga listeners in Pahang.

Pekan can receive Raaga on 99.7MHz.

RTM Mutiara FM suspends 90.9MHz Bukit Genting transmitter?

RTM Penang state radio station Mutiara FM has 3 frequencies, FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara is the main one, but FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai and FM 90.9MHz Bukit Genting are repeaters.

Last Sunday, I had published a blog post regarding my suggestion to add Hokkien and Mandarin programs on Mutiara FM by dividing two stations. Here is one of feedback from a user:

Thanks to Adrian Chan from Penang for the comment by giving the information. Appreciate on it.

Actually I already noticed the interference issue between Mutiara FM 90.9MHz (Bukit Genting) and Mix FM 91.0MHz (Gunung Jerai) since 2013, I was used to be in Penang during December 2013. From Teluk Bahang to Balik Pulau, while listening to Mix FM 91.0MHz from Gunung Jerai, I started to hear interference noise from Mutiara FM 90.9MHz Bukit Genting when entered Balik Pulau, then Mix FM 91.0MHz signal directly went down. When came to Balik Pulau, I had to switch to FM 91.3MHz from Bukit Larut to continue listening to Mix FM, but signal was not clear.

Between 90.9 and 91.0, Mix FM is using FM 91.0MHz in Gunung Jerai earlier than Mutiara FM 90.9MHz Bukit Genting. Mix FM was launched in 1997 by Astro Radio, FM 91.0MHz Gunung Jerai is already there from 1997 until today, but Mutiara FM 90.9MHz was launched only since September 2003. So, interference happened since 2003.

Here are the example of interference between FM 90.9MHz and FM 91.0MHz.


I had highlighted this issue since 2013 to RTM, but RTM claimed that Balik Pulau areas could not receive Gunung Jerai signal, I partially agreed with the statement after I did Gunung Jerai coverage analysis via Nautel RF toolkit. Then 2015, I had highlighted it to MCMC person when had private discussion, from the explanation, it was difficult that RTM to change Mutiara FM Bukit Genting frequency as RTM is using 6 + 1 transmission system, means 6 transmitters share with 1 standby antenna.

Now, according to Adrian Chan comment, Mutiara FM suspends Bukit Genting transmitter 90.9MHz, he claimed that Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar can receive Mix FM 91.0MHz clearly. I suspect that these areas people realized about interference issue. In my opinion, it is better that Mutiara FM permanently terminates from using FM 90.9MHz in Bukit Genting, so interference with Mix FM is solved, but if Mutiara FM wants to keep Bukit Genting coverage, Mutiara FM must change frequency.

==My suggestion of Mutiara FM Bukit Genting frequency migration==
Frequency: FM 100.7MHz
Power: 0.1kW

==RF analysis of Mutiara FM Bukit Genting 100.7MHz==

100.5MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Jerai
100.7MHz: Mutiara FM Bukit Genting
<200kHz, OK>

100.7MHz: Mutiara FM Bukit Genting
100.9MHz: Sinar FM Gunung Raya
<200kHz, OK>

100.7MHz: Mutiara FM Bukit Genting
101.0MHz: 988 FM Bukit Larut
<300kHz, OK>

100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Kledang
100.7MHz: Mutiara FM Bukit Genting
<100kHz, OK>

After Mutiara FM changes Bukit Genting frequency to FM 100.7MHz, I strongly believe that listeners can receive Mutiara FM on 100.7MHz clearly in Balik Pulau and southwest Penang Island, even reception will be better than FM 90.9MHz as FM 100.7MHz has no more controversial interference.

Another RTM station, Nasional FM shall change its Bukit Genting frequency to 94.1MHz to solve interference issue with Mutiara FM.

==RTM Bkt Genting frequency migration proposal==
* Mutiara FM: 90.9>>100.7
* Nasional FM: 93.9>>94.1
* Radio Klasik: 101.7>>97.7 (101.7 shall be proposed to be taken over by new radio station)

Radio Free Sarawak shall return broadcasting

Radio Free Sarawak is independent radio station who operated by founder Clare Rewcastle Brown and former Cats FM presenter Peter John Jaban. This station was launched since November 2010, but I started to listen to this radio station in 2011 for Sarawak information where were not available on mainstream media which were controlled by Barisan Nasional government.

In those past years, Radio Free Sarawak openly criticized Sarawak BN state government for corruption scandals and destruction of Sarawak rainforests. In addition, it also covered the news of Sarawak people, especially rural areas. Radio Free Sarawak also highlighted the discrimination of the state people, Baram Dam issue was the biggest one.

Initial transmission via SW 15325kHz from Romania.

Radio Free Sarawak programs are available of its podcast, download is available on its website. Moreover, people could listen to this radio station via shortwave SW 15420kHz, broadcasts in Malay, Iban and English.

==Transmission details==
Frequency: SW 15420kHz
Transmitter site: Palau Island.

Once upon a time, Radio Free Sarawak SW 15420kHz was jammed by BN government due to the radio station criticized Taib Mahmud (former Sarawak chief minister) and BN governement. From my experience, Radio Free Sarawak changed the shortwave frequency to prevent being jammed.

I still remembered that Radio Free Sarawak launched its sister radio station during 13rd Malaysia general election in April 2013, named as Radio Free Malaysia, broadcasted in Malay via mediumwave MW 1359kHz from Taiwan.

After Taib Mahmud was stepped down, then late Adenan Satem became Sarawak chief minister, although Radio Free Sarawak was still active, but sounded silence after that.

Came to 7th May 2016, Radio Free Sarawak went to final programs during state election voting day.

Then, BN still won the majority during 2016 Sarawak state election. Radio Free Sarawak went off air.


Malaysia 14th general election was held on 9th May 2018, it is the most thrilling election ever, Pakatan Harapan won simple majority seats, now Pakatan Harapan is all new Malaysia government, leaded by Tun Dr Mahathir. Talk about general election aftermath, Sarawak Report founder Clare Rewcastle Brown came to Malaysia, the immigration of Malaysia lifted the ban. She was recently interviewed on business radio station BFM 89.9 Breakfast Grille on last Monday.

After Radio Free Sarawak went hiatus for almost 2 years, I think Radio Free Sarawak can be relaunched as Sarawak independent news and talk radio station in Iban and Sarawakians languages to target Sarawakians community. Besides that, regarding its transmission, I think it is better to continue using shortwave transmission because shortwave can reach more rural areas in Sarawak.

Mediumwave transmission is not effective as its coverage is limited if broadcasts during daytime, but it can travel further during nighttime unless Radio Free Sarawak broadcasts only at night. Same as FM radio, MW needs also more transmitters to cover whole Sarawak, so the transmission costs will be higher.

Therefore, shortwave broadcast will be better. Formerly Radio Free Sarawak studio was broadcasted from London, United Kingdom, then its frequency was transmitted from Palau Island. Since Clare Rewcastle Brown is back to Malaysia, I think she can relaunch Radio Free Sarawak by locating studio in Malaysia, then putting shortwave transmitter in Mersing Johor if aiming to Sarawak state listeners.

My suggestion of Langkawi FM branding

Langkawi FM is a radio station operated by RTM, launching since 1993. Its frequencies are FM 104.8MHz Gunung Raya where cover Langkawi, Perlis, Satun Thailand and parts of Kedah; FM 87.5MHz in Kuah to target under the sea.

This radio station is mainly for Langkawi listeners and tourists, broadcast in Malay and English.

In my opinion, Langkawi FM shall be rebranded as tourism radio station in Malay and English to target local and international tourists with playing music from around the world.

What I dislike is Langkawi FM 104.8MHz simply relay the Kedah FM programs where 105.7MHz already exists from 7pm onwards. Kedah FM is Malay language radio station, but it already has Gunung Raya Langkawi frequency on FM 105.7MHz.

To target more listeners, Langkawi FM can play world music such as Latin (Spanish/Portuguese), Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, Thai, Vietnamese, French, German, Hindi etc.

Langkawi FM can rebranded as 24 hours tourism radio station in Malaysia in Malay and English with playing world music. What I suggest the program after 7pm is each hour plays international music, each languages per hour (depends on majority). Example:

7pm-8pm: Thai/Vietnamese
8pm-9pm: Japanese
9pm-10pm: Latin
10pm-11pm: French
11pm-12am: Korean
12am-6am: Various language of world music including English

At the same time, I think Langkawi FM shall stop airing ceramah agama as Kedah FM already did it. For those Langkawi listeners who want to listen to ceramah agama, they can switch to Kedah FM 105.7MHz.

988推出檳城本土分台, 並附上福建話和華語檳城廣播, 大家覺得如何?

 

自從馬來西亞政權交替, 希望聯盟執政馬來西亞, 結束國陣61年執政. 希望聯盟政府執政馬來西亞, 相信馬來西亞國營媒體RTM會改革. 昨天發表建議Mutiara FM檳城分台推出福建話和華語廣播電台 (95.7全面以華語/福建話廣播, 馬來語廣播保留在93.9), 現在我就談關於988.

988目前以粵語和華語廣播, 並覆蓋西馬半島 (除了吉蘭丹和登嘉樓). 在檳城, 988其實有兩個頻道, 94.5和96.1. 雖然988 96.1是鎖定吉打和玻璃市, 其頻道也可以在檳城收到很清楚. 在我看法, 我認為988在檳城靠兩個頻道帶來的商業效應不大, 其實988檳城頻道94.5可以本土化.

988可以推出檳城本土分台94.5, 鎖定檳城華人和口操福建話的聽眾, 並以檳城福建話和華語廣播, 節目以檳城內容為先, 以福建話報導新聞和播放福建歌曲.

如果988推出檳城本土分台94.5, 我相信988在檳城的廣告收入或許會增加, 反而也吸引檳城聽眾收聽988檳城本土電台. 除此之外, 988把檳城頻道94.5本土化不會影響在收聽988總台的節目. 那些在檳城要收聽988總台的節目 (吉隆坡98.8的節目)可以通過96.1或101.0收聽, 反而檳城華人要收聽988的福建話節目和檳城本土節目, 可以調去94.5.

從早上6點到凌晨12點, 18個小時的檳城福建話和華語本土廣播, 應該不是問題, 剩下的轉播總台.

現在的988台標是紅色. 如果988推出檳城本土分台, 那麼988 94.5的台標會是檳城州旗的顏色, 那是淺藍, 白色和黃色, 表示988淺藍, 白色和黃色台標會是鎖定檳城的電台.
除了檳城之外, 988檳城本土分台94.5可以在霹靂北部和吉打部分地區收聽得到.

==988檳城節目內容==
* FM 96.1MHz Gunung Jerai: 跟總台98.8同步廣播
* FM 94.5MHz Bukit Penara: 檳城本土內容, 以檳城福建話和華語廣播
* FM 101.0MHz Bukit Larut: 跟總台98.8同步廣播

我希望星報集團可以把988檳城頻道變成988分台.

My suggestion of 988 to launch Penang Hokkien programs by launching sub station

988 FM is a Chinese radio station in Malaysia where broadcasts in Cantonese and Mandarin for Peninsular Malaysia (except Kelantan and Terengganu).

Previously I had think about Hokkien programs on Chinese radio station by suggesting RTM Mutiara FM to split one more station by broadcasting in Hokkien and Mandarin for Penang Chinese together with current Malay service.

In Penang, 988FM has two frequencies where can be received loudly and clearly. FM 96.1MHz from Gunung Jerai mainly covers Kedah and Perlis, but Penang is still able to receive 96.1 clearly, meanwhile FM 94.5MHz from Bukit Penara is for Penang. In terms of commercial driven, it is not good if 988FM main station handle two frequencies in Penang, perhaps it is not so effectiveness of advertising in Penang by relying 94.5 and 96.1.

In my opinion, Star Radio Group can launch 988 FM sub radio station in Penang by launching localized programs in Penang Hokkien and Mandarin to target Penang Chinese. Since 988 FM 96.1MHz can cover Penang clearly, so I think 988 FM can launch sub station on FM 94.5MHz in Penang.

Without ceasing 988 FM main station in Penang, for Penang Chinese listeners who wants to listen to 988 main programs, they can tune to FM 96.1MHz, but for people who would like to listen to 988 Penang programs, they can tune to FM 94.5MHz. This mean 988 FM 96.1MHz and FM 94.5MHz has different programs.

If 988FM launches Hokkien programs and Mandarin local programs on FM 94.5MHz, actually this can attract Hokkien speaking listeners. In addition, I may think 988 FM 94.5MHz local programs will concentrate on Penang content. 18 hours of Penang local programs from 6am till 12am, then 12am-6am will relay from main programs. The 988 local studio can be launched in Star Media Group Penang branch subject available.

60% Hokkien, 40% Mandarin. I don't think 988 can make local sub station as 100% Hokkien station. In terms of music, 988 FM 94.5MHz can play more Hokkien songs from the past until today. Moreover, 988 FM 94.5MHz can airs state news, local news, and international headlines in Hokkien language, meanwhile Mandarin news can relay from main station without making localization, unless 988 launches Penang news in Mandarin and Hokkien.

988 current logo is in red colour, but for Penang sub station, 988 Penang logo can be in light blue, white and yellow colour to represent the sub station logo is for Penang.

"9" in light blue, second "8" in white, and third "8" in yellow.

For the coverage, 988 Penang local station FM 94.5MHz is not only available in Penang, it is available in North Perak and parts of Kedah.

==988 Penang program==
* FM 96.1MHz Gunung Jerai: Main program as Klang Valley 98.8
* FM 94.5MHz Bukit Penara: Penang local program in Hokkien and Mandarin
* FM 101.0MHz Bukit Larut: Main program as Klang Valley 98.8

After 988 FM 94.5MHz is localized in Penang, we can call 988 local sub station as "988 Pinang" or "988 Pearl" or "Hokkien 988".

I wish Star Radio Group can consider to launch 988 Penang local station on FM 94.5MHz.

My opinion if RTM Mutiara FM launches Hokkien and Mandarin services.

In Malaysia, most of Chinese radio stations are broadcasting in Mandarin and Cantonese such as 988, My FM, Melody FM and One FM, meanwhile City Plus FM, goXUAN, Tea FM and Ai FM are fully broadcasting in Mandarin.

My FM also launches Hakka programme in Sabah where Hakka is the majority Chinese ancient, the response is quite good.

988, MY FM, Melody FM and one FM have Cantonse programs, meanwhile MY FM Sabah has Hakka programs. How about Hokkien programs on Chinese radio station, perhaps Hokkien is majority Chinese ancient in Malaysia?

Actually One FM and Melody FM were used to launch Hokkien programs before. First, one FM launched Hokkien "Happy Dedication" on Sunday 4pm on December 2011, but axed on April 2012 due to termination of DJ Lim Ching Miau for taking part Bersih 3.0 Rally. Then, Melody FM also had Hokkien program on weekdays from 4pm till 8pm, but the program was heavily restricted for Northern Malaysia only via FM 106.5MHz. Although it received positive feedback from Penang people, but it also received criticism, especially from the listeners who were listening to Phoebe evening show all the time because Phoebe show was axed on FM 106.5MHz after launching Hokkien programs. So, this forced Phoebe's listeners in Penang/Kedah to continue listen to her show via online or Taiping frequency FM 104.9MHz. At last, Melody FM's Hokkien program was axed, may be caused by low commercial driven. Since November 2014, Melody FM Hokkien slot was switched back to normal slot as nationwide.

The most majority demography of Hokkien Chinese is in Penang and Kedah, following by west Selangor, Tampin Negeri Sembilan and Northern Johor. RTM has full-fledged Mandarin radio service Ai FM to cover nationwide.

Chinese is considered majority race in Penang, especially Penang Island (except Balik Pulau) and Seberang Perai (except North Sbg Perai). Penang Chinese is majority Hokkien, but Hakka and Cantonese are minority ancient.

Due to failure of Hokkien programs on existing Chinese radio station, in my opinion, it is better to launch Hokkien programs on state/regional radio station, rather than nationwide radio station because state/regional radio station has its own good direction to target their listeners.

Now, I talk about a RTM Penang radio station, that's Mutiara FM. This radio station currently broadcasts in Malay language, 18 hours broadcasting are from RTM Penang studio, rest of 6 hours relay Nasional FM. To me, due to Chinese (Hokkien) is majority race in Penang, I think Mutiara FM shall be repositioned by launching Hokkien language service, alongside with current Malay service, but there are two hypothesis:

- 1st suggestion. Mutiara FM can launch Hokkien and Mandarin service at 50% (45% Hokkien and 5% Mandarin), but Malay service remains from 12pm till 9pm. So, Mutiara FM becomes trilingual radio station in Penang
* To me, the suggestion above is not logic and effective as Malaysian listeners don't really like to listen multi-language radio station. Formerly Time Highway Radio launched Chinese programs with Tamil, Malay and English, but short lived ever and axed down, left only Malay and Tamil

- 2nd suggestion, currently Mutiara FM operates with 3 frequencies. FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara for northeast Penang Island, Seberang Perai and North Perak areas, FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai for Batu Feringghi, Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang, and FM 90.9MHz Bukit Genting for Balik Pulau.

* Mutiara FM can split into two programs by dividing into their freqeuncies.

FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara coverage are Chinese majority areas, Mutiara FM can launch Hokkien and Mandarin service on FM 95.7MHz to target Penang Chinese. So, the radio station can provide Penang information, local entertainment and news in Mandarin and Hokkien, even Teochew and Hakka can be considered.

Without reducing broadcasting hours of Mutiara FM original Malay service, FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai transmitter can remain 100% Malay program. I think if Mutiara FM Malay service wants to cover whole Penang (except Balik Pulau) by using Gunung Jerai transmitter FM 93.9MHz, RTM shall increase transmission power of FM 93.9MHz at least 1kW to cover Georgetown and Seberang Perai, BUT Nasional FM 93.9MHz which cause co-channel interference shall change its frequency to FM 94.1MHz. Meanwhile Balik Pulau 90.9 remains Malay programs, if want to avoid being clashed by Mix FM 91.0MHz from Gunung Jerai, Mutiara FM Malay service Balik Pulau frequency shall be changed to FM 100.7MHz.

With this suggestion, Mutiara FM has two radio station. First is Malay (93.9MHz, 90.9MHz), and second is Mandarin and Hokkien (95.7MHz).

For Hokkien and Mandarin service, I don't think it is necessary to launch another transmitter yet as Balik Pulau is Hakka Chinese area, FM 95.7MHz can be received there partially. For Batu Feringghi where cannot get FM 95.7MHz, I may think Mutiara FM Hokkien-Mandarin service can launch low power repeater in TM Batu Feringghi with same frequency.

When Mutiara FM launches Hokkien-Mandarin service, Penang Chinese has another choice, the radio station will be more localized. In addition, this may increase listenership of Mutiara FM if the programming is good enough. RTM Penang building needs to create another studio for Mutiara FM Mandarin-Hokkien service.

Penang Chinese can tune to FM 95.7MHz to listen Hokkien programs and Penang Mandarin service, can hear Hokkien songs on radio.

18 hours of Penang local programs in Hokkien (55%), Mandarin (45%) on FM 95.7MHz, rest of hours from 0000-0600 either automation from RTM Pulau Pinang Mutiara FM Hokkien studio, or relay from Ai FM.

That's the best suggested Hokkien radio program names.
- "Lu Ho? Penang"
- "Tsin Zhuu Shinn Bun"
- "Ho Kang Tau @ Mutiara FM 95.7"
- "Lu chiak bao beh" (food program)
- Hokkien Ho Gua @ Mutiara FM
- Jalan-jalan @ Tsin Zhuu 

I wish RTM Mutiara FM will be repositioned by launching Hokkien-Mandarin services (by splitting into two service with different frequency).

如果RTM檳城Mutiara FM重新定位並增設福建話廣播, 大家覺得如何?

上個部落格文章提及馬來西亞中文電台少了福建話節目, 這次我就想要發表我個人看法.

福建人是馬來西亞華人最多的籍貫, 談到地區方面, 福建人在檳城是占大多數. 其他福建華人多的地區包括雪蘭莪沿海地區, 霹靂太平, 吉蘭丹, 柔佛北部, 馬六甲, 森美蘭淡邊, 瓜拉登嘉樓和砂拉越古晉.

RTM除了有愛FM為華語電台之外, 沙巴東馬Sabah VFM也有華語節目, 然後砂拉越Red FM也有華語節目, 但是其他中文電台是以華語和廣東話為主, MY FM在沙巴都有客家語節目.

福建電台節目何時翻身?
 
RTM在檳城也有分台, 叫Mutiara FM, 這家電台目前是全天候以馬來語為廣播媒介語. 在我的看法, 由於檳城福建話華人占大多數, 然後華人是檳城人口占大多數的族群, 我認為Mutiara FM可以推出福建話和華語節目時段, 節目內容並專注在檳城. 這裡有兩個假設:

1. Mutiara FM並把福建節目增設在早上6點至中午12點, 然後晚上9點到12點繼續廣播, 反而馬來語節目保留, 從中午12點至9點, 變成雙語節目.

0600-1000: 福建節目
1000-1200: 福建/華語節目
1200-2100: 馬來節目
2100-0000: 福建節目

其實Mutiara FM雙語電台的作法未必是好事, 因為馬來西亞聽眾不是很喜歡收聽雙語或多語言性電台. 之前Time Highway Radio增設中文時段就是一個列子

2. 目前Mutiara FM在檳城廣播三個頻率. FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara覆蓋全檳城 (除了Batu Feringghi), FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai覆蓋檳城北部和Batu Feringghi, FM 90.9MHz Bukit Genting覆蓋浮羅山背.

因為Bukit Penara和Gunung Jerai的覆蓋範圍相識, 所以Mutiara FM可以分成兩家電台. 第一是馬來語廣播, 第二是華語和福建話廣播.

FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara可以改為華語和福建話廣播, 其餘的FM 93.9MHz和FM 90.9MHz保留為馬來語廣播, 但是如果Mutiara FM為了把FM 93.9MHz馬來語廣播覆蓋全檳城, 那跟這家電台有干擾的Nasional FM 93.9MHz必須立刻停止廣播並換頻率至FM 94.1MHz.

==Mutiara FM馬來語廣播==
* FM 93.9MHz: Gunung Jerai
* FM 90.9MHz: Bukit Genting

==Mutiara FM華語和福建話廣播==
* FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara (華語和福建話, 各占50%)

FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara的覆蓋範圍占大多數的族群是華人, 並口操福建話的.

談到Mutiara FM的華語和福建話廣播, 內容必須是專注在檳城. 如果一旦成立, RTM中文方言新聞部人員就開始忙碌, 以福建話報導新聞. Mutiara FM華語和福建話廣播也可能會有福建話地方新聞.

"珍珠福建新聞"... 聽起來名字好聽.... 18個小時的福建和華語廣播, 從半夜12點到6點就跑automation或轉播愛FM的時段.

檳城華人扭開FM 95.7MHz, 就聽到這些東西. "你正在收聽Mutiara FM 95.7 珍珠電台"

如果Mutiara FM分出中文電台, 那麼檳城人多出一個選擇.

馬來西亞中文電台方言節目, 少了福建話節目?

在馬來西亞中文廣播界, 我們所聽見的中文電台節目媒介語除了華語之外, 廣東話是馬來西亞廣播電台目前最大的中文方言.

馬來西亞福建籍貫華人是最多, 第二是廣東人, 接下來客家, 潮州, 海南和福州. 馬來西亞福州和海南華人佔少數籍貫. 在學校, 尤其是華小, 學校都有列出規則是大家必須遵守, 在華小, 獨中和國民型中文學校是配合講華語運動之下而禁止說方言的, 所以全部師生們都是用華語溝通. 除了馬來西亞, 台灣學校也禁止說客家語和閩南語 (台語). 一旦被發現到在校內說方言, 就會面對懲罰.

在馬來學生占多數的國中, 他們是沒有禁止說方言的.

馬來西亞華人雖然福建籍貫最多, 但是廣播電台方言節目廣東話最多, 為甚麼呢? 其實有幾個原因的:

1. 在商業角度方面, 廣東話是馬來西亞華人的商業語言. 在任何的行業, 談及生意, 老闆和客戶都是說廣東話 (粵語)的, 所以廣東話也受到廣告商的青睞.

2. 香港文化巨大的影響下, 廣東話成為馬來西亞最常用的中文方言, 尤其是中馬和霹靂這一帶. 香港文化覆蓋了生活, 粵語電視劇, 和粵語歌曲

這裡就是馬來西亞中文電台節目的比列:

- MY FM: 華語和廣東話, 各占50% (除了沙巴MY FM)
- 988: 廣東話占60%, 華語占40%
- Melody FM: 華語占60%, 廣東話占40%
- one FM: 華語和廣東話, 各占50%

但是馬來西亞也有中文電台是沒有任何方言節目, 全天候都是以華語廣播, 那是愛FM (不包括方言新聞), City Plus FM, goXUAN和東馬的Tea FM

除了廣東話電台節目, 過去的馬來西亞中文電台曾經有福建話節目.

- one FM曾經在2011年12月推出福建版"快樂點", 由Miau Miau林靜苗主持, 但是在2012年4月被夭折. 節目被夭折的同時, 林靜苗也因為參與"Bersih 3.0"而被某某人打小報告, 最終Media Prima下令她停止廣播.

- Melody FM也曾經在2014年1月推出"歡喜和氣啦!", 週一至週五, 下午4點到8點, 但是節目只是限北馬聽眾通過FM 106.5MHz收聽. 這個節目雖然得到不錯的反應, 但也受到一些爭議. 那些爭議相信來自向來收聽"菲賣品"的聽眾, 因為"菲賣品"在北馬被夭折, 當地聽眾只是可以通過網絡或較遠的太平頻道FM 104.9MHz繼續收聽"菲賣品". Melody FM "歡喜和氣啦!" 節目的壽命也不到1年也被夭折, FM 106.5MHz的下班時段就改回"菲賣品"

設立福建話的電台節目不是很容易, 有幾個因素必須謹真的去思考.

1. 人口
2. 鎖定的地區
3. 商業價值
4. 節目內容

因為不是所有的華人也明白福建話的, 包括我自己.

要開福建話電台節目, 最好在地方性電台成立, 好過全國性電台. 原因是地方性電台成立福建話節目已經鎖定方向. 檳城華人, 福建人占最多, 所以我認為不需要通過全國性電台開設福建節目鎖定檳城人. 接下來, 我會談及一家檳城地方性電台的定向, 請留守Philip DXing Log Malaysia.

Manis FM will be rebranded? Bakal dijenamakan?

Manis FM is Malay language commercial radio station for east coast, operated since 1998. Originally it was Kelantan-based radio station, operated by Husa Network Sdn Bhd on FM 88.7MHz at Wisma Bangunan Billion office.

Later in 2003, Manis FM expanded coverage to Terengganu and East Pahang, its Kota Bharu frequency was changed to FM 90.6MHz. Manis FM competes with THR Gegar (Astro Malay East Coast radio station) in Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. In 2010, Manis FM was acquired by Terengganu state government which held by Barisan Nasional (BN).

Malaysia 14th general election was held on 9th May 2018, result was launched officially on 10th May 2018. Barisan Nasional was defeated in Terengganu state (with other states except Pahang and Sarawak), Terengganu was fallen to PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia).

Generally, after Terengganu was handover by PAS, Manis FM begins to be owned by PAS Terengganu state government today. Some of my friends in east coast informed that Manis FM is likely to be rebranded or ceased operation, but it is unofficial yet. Currently it is east coast entertainment based radio station for east coast Malay listeners, same format as THR Gegar. When PAS Terengganu state government takes over Manis FM, I may think that Manis FM can be rebranded to 24 hours Islamic radio station to target Muslim listeners in east coast.

In terms of current commercial driven and listenership share, Manis FM is defeated to popular THR Gegar. So, I may think this radio station will get much revenue, it is likely a loss-making radio station.

Malaysia has 3 Islamic related radio stations:

1. IKIM FM is the earliest one, operated by Malaysia Islamic Understandings Institute department (IKIM), launched in 2001 to target various of Muslim listeners (no target age).

2. Salam FM, operated by Islam Development Department (JAKIM, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia), broadcasting from 2300 hours to 0800 hours on RTM Asyik FM frequency.

3. Zayan, operated by Astro Radio to target contemporary modern Muslim listeners, aged 18-35 years old. 

From my view, Terengganu and Kelantan are conservative states in Malaysia, but both states have different politic phenomena. So, if Manis FM is rebranded, I may guess it will target conservative groups. Besides that, if I compare with Zayan and IKIM FM, I also guess this radio station direction will be more conservative than Zayan and IKIM FM.

Moreover, I may think Manis FM will broadcast 24 hours Islamic programmes, from Quran recite commentary to the lectures (ceramah) like Hang FM 106.0MHz in Batam, Indonesia where I can receive in Johor Bahru and Singapore.

Another possibility is the station management may decide to stop Manis FM broadcasting and sell to other buyer. If Manis FM is sold, I can suggest BFM Media to acquire this radio station and rebrand to Malay business radio station (sister to BFM 89.9), named as RPM (Radio Perdagangan Malaysia) or RBM (Radio Bisnes Malaysia), but there is some problem too, that's expansion to west coast area due to frequency limitation.

 

I don't think BFM simply relay Klang Valley programme 89.9Mhz on Manis FM frequencies, as FM 89.9MHz programmes are in English. In addition, BFM 89.9 programmes are not fit to Kelantan and 
Terengganu listeners' demand, plus listenership rating and commercial driven for English radio markets are super low in Kelantan and Terengganu. In terms of advertising, BFM 89.9 advertisers are education company, high level car automaker where has no outlet and branches there.