THR Raaga FM can be tuned in East Pahang on 99.3 and 99.7 (with videos)

Here is the radio reception videos of Malaysia Tamil radio station Raaga in Pekan, Pahang. Due to license condition of Raaga (under Time Highway Radio THR license), Raaga is unavailable in Kuantan for the radio frequency, but Raaga can be tuned on distant frequency from distant transmitters in East Pahang.

THR Raaga in Pekan, Pahang (FM 99.7MHz Gunung Ledang versus FM 99.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali):


     

THR Raaga FM 99.3MHz in Kuantan, Pahang:


     

Among all three videos, THR Raaga FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali has better reception and coverage than FM 99.7MHz Gunung Ledang in East Pahang. 

Raaga can still alive on 99.3 and 99.7 in East Pahang without having Kuantan frequency. This never disappoints its listeners yet in the region.

FM 102.0MHz Pedas unknown radio transmission "TEST" update: Latest answer from MCMC

BY PHILIP YONG
philipyong0110@gmail.com

Few weeks ago, I highlighted again unknown FM transmission 102.0MHz where I spotted in Pedas, Linggi and Lubuk Cina, one of video showed RDS information with "TEST" and sent few videos to MCMC.

This is the reply from MCMC that I received, I would like to thank to MCMC for the answer on my email, I'm very appreciate of MCMC for giving better answer:

Malay language email content:

Berikut dimajukan maklumbalas daripada jabatan dalaman MCMC. Namun tidak dapat mengesan sebarang pancaran radio FM pada frekuensi tersebut. Selain dari penggunaan pemancar radio FM, frekuensi ini juga boleh digunakan oleh orang awam untuk aplikasi berikut secara penguntukan kelas.

1.       Short Range Device (Jadual 2)

2.       Mikrofon tanpa wayar (Jadual 14)

Disyaki radio FM milik En Philip mungkin telah terkesan pancaran dari aplikasi yang dinyatakan di atas.

 

English translations: Following developed feedback from MCMC internal department. However MCMC cannot detect any transmission on FM radio on that frequency (FM 102.0MHz). Other than FM radio transmission purposes, the frequency can be used by public for the following application as class assignment.

1. Short Range Device (Schedule 2)

2. Wireless microphone (Schedule 14)

Suspect my radio receiver may already detect transmission from the application that stated above. 

In my opinion, I may think somebody installs a short range device in Pedas without antenna system, and comes with DEVA Broadcast Smart Gen 6.0 RDS encoder. Somehow the coverage of FM 102.0MHz is about 20km range.

There is possibility that the public uses the frequency FM 102.0MHz on short range device in Pedas Linggi for non-broadcast purposes, but under MCMC licensed class assignment.

Anyway, I would like to thank to MCMC again for providing replies regarding unknown transmission FM 102.0MHz.

Coverage simulation anaylsis: Can Lojing receive Kelantan FM if transmitted from Gunung Brinchang?

Kelantan FM is RTM state radio station for Kelantan state. As today, Kelantan FM already reaches 85% of coverage areas in Kelantan with 6 frequencies below:

- 102.9MHz Wakaf Che Yeh for Kota Bharu

- 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar for Central Kelantan (Machang)

- 90.0MHz Bukit Tangki Air for Jeli

- 107.1MHz Bukit Bintang for East Kelantan 

- 92.0MHz Bukit Chupak for Gua Musang

- 88.1MHz Felda Paloh for Paloh

One district in Kelantan where is not covered by Kelantan FM with existing transmitters, namely Lojing. 

Lojing is the most difficult Kelantan location for installing a gap filler FM transmitter for Kelantan FM because it is an ultra remote location where fully covered by high mountains and terrains. This causes radio signal cannot be received in Lojing regardless any transmitter sites. For your information, Lojing is located in southwest Kelantan, a location between Gua Musang and Cameron Highlands. When you travel from Gua Musang to Cameron Highlands, you will pass through Lojing.

Kelantan FM is not receivable in Lojing with 6 existing frequencies. So, by adding transmitter in Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands to cover Lojing, is Kelantan FM receivable in Lojing?

==Kelantan FM suggested parameter for Lojing==

* Frequency: FM 105.9MHz

* Power: 1kW

* Transmission site: Gunung Brinchang,  Cameron Highlands, Pahang

* Target location: Lojing, Kelantan

* Antenna direction: Northeast with directional antenna

==RF analysis==

105.9MHz: Kelantan FM Gunung Brinchang

106.1MHz: Ai FM Bukit Larut

<200kHz, OK>

105.7MHz: Lite FM Gunung Ulu Kali

105.9MHz: Kelantan FM Gunung Brinchang

<200kHz, OK>

According the coverage simulation map of Kelantan FM 105.9MHz from Gunung Brinchang for Lojing, only areas located nearby Pahang border will receive Kelantan FM. The coverage simulation map above is based on 10m receiving antenna. Overall, Lojing is still unable to receive Kelantan FM 105.9MHz from Gunung Brinchang. If RTM Kelantan FM installs transmitter in Gunung Brinchang, the listeners in Lojing still cannot receive Kelantan FM clearly. In addition, technically Kelantan FM is totally nothing signal from Gunung Brinchang in Lojing if use cheaper radio receiver unit where the receiver with shorter receiver antenna height.

In conclusion, Lojing cannot receive Kelantan FM if it has Gunung Brinchang transmitter. So, in order to cover Lojing clearly, RTM or transmission tower provider company shall do a site survey to find out suitable sites to cover Lojing, Kelantan. Unfortunately, currently there is no suitable transmitting location to cover Lojing, regardless any cellular tower within Lojing or not.

==Findings==

- Result: No signal in Lojing Highlands from Gunung Brinchang

- Further recommendation: Need to find suitable transmission site within Lojing Highlands to cover Lojing, Kelantan.

Adakah Lojing boleh menerima Kelantan FM jika memasang pemancar di Gunung Brinchang?

RTM Kelantan FM ialah sebuah stesen radio negeri khas untuk Kelantan. Mengenai liputannya, Kelantan FM telah meliputi 85% kawasan di negeri tersebut dengan 6 frekuensi, iaitu:

- 102.9MHz dari Wakaf Che Yeh untuk Kota Bharu

- 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar untuk Kelantan Tengah (Machang)

- 90.0MHz dari Bukit Tangki Air untuk Jeli

- 107.1MHz dari Bukit Bintang untuk Kelantan Timur

- 92.0MHz dari Bukit Chupak untuk Gua Musang 

- 88.1MHz dari FELDA Paloh untuk Paloh

Terdapat satu kawasan atau daerah di negeri Kelantan tidak dapat menerima siaran Kelantan FM, iaitu jajahan Lojing.

Kawasan Lojing ialah tempat yang amat sukar untuk memasang satu pemancar radio FM bagi Kelantan FM. Hal ini kerana Lojing ialah kawasan yang bertopografi dimana Lojing ialah tempat yang terlindung oleh banjaran tinggi yang menyebabkan isyarat siaran radio tidak dapat diterima situ. Untuk makluman, Lojing terletak di barat daya Kelantan, juga kawasan antara Gua Musang dan Tanah Tinggi Cameron. Biasanya anda akan melalui Lojing dulu apabila pergi Gua Musang dari Cameron Highlands.

Kelantan FM tidak dapat diterima di Lojing dengan 6 frekuensi yang sedia ada. Oleh itu, adakah menambah 1 pemancar di Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands untuk meliputi Lojing, Kelantan boleh menyelesaikan masalah tersebut?

==Cadangan parameter Kelantan FM untuk Lojing==

* Frekuensi: FM 105.9MHz

* Kuasa: 1kW

* Tempat pemancar: Gunung Brinchang,  Cameron Highlands, Pahang

* Kawasan sasaran: Lojing, Kelantan

* Arah antenna: Timur laut dengan directional antenna

==RF analisa==

105.9MHz: Kelantan FM Gunung Brinchang

106.1MHz: Ai FM Bukit Larut

<200kHz, OK>

105.7MHz: Lite FM Gunung Ulu Kali

105.9MHz: Kelantan FM Gunung Brinchang

<200kHz, OK>

Liputan Kelantan FM di Lojing dari Gunung Brinchang

Liputan Kelantan FM Gunung Brinchang di Kelantan Barat Daya

Berdasarkan pada peta liputan Kelantan FM yang dipancar dari Gunung Brinchang di Lojing, hanya kawasan yang berdekatan dengan sempadan Pahang baru boleh menerima siaran Kelantan FM. Peta liputan Kelantan FM 105.9MHz Gunung Brinchang berdasarkan ketinggian antenna penerima radio sebanyak 10m. Secara keseluruhan, Lojing masih tidak dapat menerima Kelantan FM 105.9MHz dari Gunung Brinchang. Jika pemancar Kelantan FM 105.9MHz dipasang di Gunung Brinchang, pendengar Kelantan FM tidak akan menerima siaran tersebut dengan jelas di Lojing. Kalau menggunakan penerima radio yang murah dengan ketinggian antenna rendah, Kelantan FM tidak dapat diterima di Lojing secara teknikal.

- Penemuan: Tiada signal di Lojing dari Gunung Brinchang
- Cadangan seterusnya: Menggunakan tapak pemancar yang sesuai di Tanah Tinggi Lojing untuk meliputi Lojing, Kelantan

Kesimpulannya, Lojing tidak boleh menerima siaran Kelantan FM jika stesen radio tersebut memasang pemancar di Gunung Brinchang. Oleh kerana itu, kemungkinan besar RTM atau pembina menara pemancaran perlu mencari kawasan yang sesuai untuk meliputi Lojing. Malangnya, setakat ini tiada tempat pemancar yang sesuai digunakan untuk meliputi Lojing, tidak kira menara selular di jajahan Lojing atau tidak.

Liputan Gunung Brinchang sebenarnya

Announcement: Raaga FM is available in Pekan, Pahang on FM 99.7MHz

Although Raaga is not available in Kuantan from Bukit Pelindung, but Raaga must be tuned via Syok mobile app and Astro DVR CH859. Somehow Kuantan can receive Raaga on FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, but the reception may not be good, meanwhile Gambang definitely can receive Raaga on 99.3MHz.

THR Raaga is available in Pekan, Pahang by tuning to FM 99.7MHz from Gunung Ledang. The adjacent distance from Gunung Ledang to Pekan is about 153km. Although it is very far to receive Raaga in Pekan on FM 99.7MHz from Gunung Ledang, Johor, but it is receivable because there is no much terrain between Pekan and Gunung Ledang.

THR Raaga frequency in Pekan, Pahang is FM 99.7MHz, another frequency FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali (Klang Valley) also can be tuned in Pekan. You may try it! If there is any feedback, please leave comment on this post.

Raaga. Aahaa.... Sirantha Isai!

List of broadcast transmission sites where are available only FM radio service after analogue TV switch off (ASO) in Peninsular Malaysia

Malaysia is on the way to perform ASO (analogue switch off) from 30th September 2019, all terrestrial television will be converted digitally via DVB-T2 and DVB-S2 (for blind spot areas).

Since Q4 2018, MYTV launches Asiasat-9 DTH satellite transmission to fill the blind spot areas, so this indicates MYTV will not install more DTT transmitters after DTH.

After analogue television service is switched off, here are the transmission sites where only remain as FM radio service in Peninsular Malaysia:

1. Gunung Telapak Burok (Seremban, Jelebu, Kuala Pilah of Negeri Sembilan)**
2. Bukit Palong (Baling, Kedah)
3. Bukit Istana (Jerantut, Pahang)^
4. Gunung Brinchang (Cameron Highlands, Pahang)
5. Changkat Rembian (Tapah, Perak)*
6. Felda Terolak Timur, Perak
7. Kampung Ulu Slim, Perak 
8. Bukit Chupak (Gua Musang, Kelantan)
9. Bukit Botak (Damak, Pahang)
10. Bukit Penara (Penang)**
11. Bukit Genting (Balik Pulau, Penang)*
12. Bukit Dedap (Sik, Kedah)
13. Padang Pauh (Perlis)
14. Felda Cerul, Terengganu
15. Felda Tenang (Hulu Besut, Terengganu)
16. Gerik, Perak
17. Bukit Ladang Teh (Lenggong, Perak)
18. Sungai Siput (U), Perak
19. Hulu Keruak, Terengganu
20. Bukit Tangki Air (Jeli, Kelantan)
21. Peringat, Kelantan (Media Prima transmission site for Kota Bharu)**
22. RTM Wakaf Che Yeh (Kota Bharu, but receives from Telipot)
23. Batu 18, Hulu Langat, Selangor
24. Felda Paloh, Gua Musang, Kelantan
25. Bukit Botak (Damak, Kelantan)

*Astro also operates Era FM 102.0MHz in Changkat Rembian, then IKIM FM operates 102.7MHz in Bukit Genting.

**Main broadcast transmission sites technically. Except Gunung Telapak Burok and Bukit Penara, most of the sites listed above are gap filler sites.

^TV3 was used to have analogue TV service in Bukit Istana since 1991.

FM 102.0MHz unknown radio station spotted in Linggi (Negeri Sembilan) and Lubuk China (Melaka)

On 5th June 2019, it was Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival in Malaysia. I had spotted FM 102.0MHz unknown radio station signal in Pedas Linggi rest station, Negeri Sembilan which the station transmits in silent mode. At the same time, I had spotted its RDS information and radio text of FM 102.0MHz on my Samsung Galaxy V Plus smartphone radio receiver.

==FM 102.0MHz Pedas Linggi information==
- RDS PS: TEST
- Radio Text: SmartGen 6.0 - Dynamic RDS/RBDS Encoder - WWW.DEVABROADCAST.COM
- Station condition: Signal on, but no audio output from audio processor


I had spotted FM 102.0MHz transmission was equipped with DEVA Broadcast SmartGen 6.0 - Dynamic RDS/RBDS Encoder. Videos were recorded as evidence for further investigation. After I recorded the particular radio station signal, I sent these videos to Malaysia Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to verify that where did FM 102.0MHz come from. Sadly I was told by MCMC that "No transmission on FM 102.0MHz in Negeri Sembilan", this meant that I was not success to find out the findings of this frequency.

Besides Rembau and Pedas, somebody sent me few videos of FM 102.0MHz silent radio station where they spotted in Lubuk China and Linggi personally, so I decided to help them to upload to YouTube as evidence.

Compare to Tampin, FM 102.0MHz was clearer in Pedas and Linggi than Tampin and Kota. So, FM 102.0MHz is not from Bukit Tampin as I mentioned previously on June blog, but I already guessed it may be from Pedas. On previous blog post of June 2019, I had mentioned FM 102.0MHz could belong to RTM where I might suspect RTM Negeri FM would add gap filler transmitter in Pedas on 102.0MHz because Negeri FM reception is not good in Pedas on 92.6, 95.7 and 107.7, so I might think Negeri FM 102.0MHz will be better in Pedas. Suspecting something did not mean to conclude, therefore I tried to ask RTM engineer for FM 102.0MHz transmission. I was told that FM 102.0MHz was not belonged to RTM yet in Negeri Sembilan, the engineers told me that Negeri FM frequency in Pedas is either 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok or 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin.

The videos that I received shows that FM 102.0MHz reception is quite stable and clear in Linggi and Lubuk Cina. In addition, one of video also shows that FM 102.0MHz RDS text "TEST" appeared on his Proton Saga radio receiver when he drove from Seremban to Johor.

 Since FM 102.0MHz unknown transmission in Negeri Sembilan is considered as "unresolved case" which has no exact findings, I don't decide to conclude this blog post.

Few questions are issued where I think about FM 102.0MHz:

Question 1: If RTM confirms that FM 102.0MHz is belonged to RTM in Pedas, Negeri Sembilan, it is possible Negeri FM to use the frequency, but will RTM close down Negeri FM Bukit Tampin FM 95.7MHz as Tampin can receive 107.7MHz Gunung Ledang clearly? Then 102.0MHz substitutes 95.7MHz for Rembau area?

Question 2: If RTM claims that FM 102.0MHz is not belonged to RTM in Pedas, Negeri Sembilan, who else broadcasts on the frequency FM 102.0MHz within Negeri Sembilan? 

Question 2: If there is no apparatus assignment list of FM 102.0MHz on regulator official website, could be FM 102.0MHz classified as "unlicensed apparatus" aka "unlicensed broadcast", as FM frequency from 87.5-108MHz is licensed band by MCMC?

Question 3: If a broadcaster operates FM 102.0MHz in Pedas, Negeri Sembilan without MCMC knowledge, is it against the law for not applying apparatus assignment?

Question 4: The frequency FM 102.0MHz has been on transmission in Pedas, Negeri Sembilan for more than 2 years, would it breach MCMC apparatus assignment regulations?

Question 5: What is the purpose of FM 102.0MHz testing in Pedas, Negeri Sembilan for more than 2 years?

CityPlus FM 106.0MHz Klang Valley and Seremban transmission is inspired by Australia radio station

Malaysia's first Chinese business radio station CityPlus FM was launched on 2nd May 2017. Its transmission for Klang Valley is from Gunung Telapak Burok, Negeri Sembilan on FM 106.0MHz.

Why does the station choose Gunung Telapak Burok, not Gunung Ulu Kali, Bukit Sungai Besi or Kuala Lumpur Tower? This is because:

1. Gunung Ulu Kali, Bukit Sungai Besi and Kuala Lumpur Tower have no more available frequency. Therefore, Gunung Telapak Burok which covers Negeri Sembilan is the final choice, and it is receivable in Southern Klang Valley. The frequency is still available in Gunung Telapak Burok, so CityPlus FM uses Gunung Telapak Burok to cover Klang Valley and Negeri Sembilan, also can be received in part of Melaka/Johor, as well as Central Pahang.

2. Back to 2017, I was used to suggest CityPlus FM to use FM 106.1MHz in Gunung Ulu Kali to cover Klang Valley clearly. Unfortunately, my suggestion would cause interference to RTM Nasional FM 106.2MHz Bukit Fraser coverage. In addition, I may believe RTM Nasional FM Bukit Fraser was assigned on 106.2MHz by MCMC within late 2016. While I did suggestion to move CityPlus FM transmission to Gunung Ulu Kali on 106.1MHz in early 2017, I definitely never realized RTM Nasional FM used 106.2MHz in Bukit Fraser. Until 31st December 2017, I only detected RTM Nasional FM 106.2MHz transmission from Bukit Fraser in Lanchang and Karak, Pahang when I traveled to Kuala Gandah Elephant Farm with my family, then I discovered RTM Nasional FM 106.2MHz was established in Bukit Fraser to cover Raub where Gunung Ulu Kali reception is poor there.

Regarding CityPlus FM 106.0MHz transmission from Gunung Telapak Burok, in my opinion, it is inspired by certain Australian radio stations. I was used to be in Brisbane for business event about 2 weeks, I also tuned to few of the radio stations there. I observed that few of Australia radio stations did not hold Brisbane area broadcast license, but they could be received in Brisbane, few of them were still clear. Australia radio station River 94.9FM transmission looks like CityPlus FM 106.0.

About River 94.9FM, this radio station is based in Ipswich, Queensland state, Australia, and transmitted from The Knobby hill, The Knobby is located in Ipswich region. Transmit at 50kW effective radiated power, it can be received in Logan, Brisbane, Caboolture, Ipswich, Toowoomba and Gold Coast.

On highway from Gold Coast to Brisbane, I could listen to River 94.9FM clearly.

River 94.9FM transmission site coverage looks like Gunung Telapak Burok in Malaysia. Let analyze the similarity:

Malaysia vs. Australia radio transmission (CityPlus FM 106.0MHz vs. River 94.9FM)

==CityPlus FM 106.0MHz vs. River 94.9FM==

1. Transmission site
- CityPlus FM 106.0MHz: Gunung Telapak Burok
- River 94.9FM: The Knobby, Ipswich, QLD, Australia

QLD= Queensland

2. Broadcast license area
-  CityPlus FM 106.0MHz: Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
-  River 94.9FM: Ipswich, Queensland, Australia

3. Coverage equivalent (Location: Malaysia = Australia)
- Kuala Klawang = Ipswich
- Melaka = Gold Coast
- Seremban = Logan City
- Muar = Tweed Heads (New South Wales)
- Pahang = Toowoomba
- Kuala Lumpur = Brisbane
- Shah Alam = Northgate/Chermside
- Kuala Selangor/Klang = Caboolture
- Rembau/Johol = Beaudesert
- Port Dickson = Redland City
- Senawang = Springwood
- Tanjung Kling/Sungai Udang = Harbour Town
- Merlimau = Currumbin

4. Similarity
- From Gunung Telapak Burok (The Knobby, Ipswich) covers Seremban (Logan City), Kuala Lumpur (Brisbane) and Melaka (Gold Coast)

With the comparison above, I observed that Malaysia CityPlus FM 106.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok transmission is highly inspired by Australia Ipswich based River 94.9FM.

CityPlus FM 92.5MHz Kuching coverage

CityPlus FM 92.5MHz is based in Kuching, Sarawak. It is transmitted from Bukit Djin and it can be received in:

- Kuching

- Bau

- Kota Samarahan

- Siburan

- Serian

- Simunjan

- Sebangan

- Serikin

- Lingga (partially)

- Sri Aman (partially)

- Kabong (partially)

- Sebuyau

CityPlus FM 92.5MHz from Kuching can be received in Sibu, Sarawak?

CityPlus FM 92.5MHz is a Chinese business radio station based in Kuching, Sarawak. It is transmitted from Bukit Djin, mainly for Kuching. It can be received in Serian, Bau, Sebangan, Simunjan, Siburan and Kota Samarahan.

Surprisingly, CityPlus FM 92.5MHz from Bukit Djin can be received in Sibu, Sarawak. On 16th September 2019, I went to Sibu for business event. After I landed Sibu airport, I went to the town by Grab Car. So, I asked permission from Grab driver for borrowing radio. Then, I tried to tune to FM 92.5MHz in Sibu.

From Sibu airport to Sibu town, it takes 20-25 minutes. While I was on my way to Sibu town, I could receive CityPlus FM 92.5MHz from Kuching at the midway between airport and town. When I reached Sibu town, CityPlus FM 92.5MHz became no signal. For your information, CityPlus FM 92.5MHz is only available in part of Sibu, but the reception is subject to the location and radio receiver quality.

Here is the video that I recorded in Sibu midway:

Distance between Sibu to Bukit Djin is about 190km.

Besides Sibu, I received a video from my friend that he received CityPlus FM 92.5MHz in Sri Aman, Sarawak.