中文版"BFM 89.9"商業電台City Plus FM即將誕生

目前馬來西亞有六家中文電台, Astro旗下My FM和Melody FM, 首要媒體的One FM, 星報集團的988, 和國營電台的愛FM. 今年底會有一家新的中文電台要誕生, 它是City Plus FM. 這個電台有甚麼特徵呢?

City Plus FM會是中文版的BFM 89.9, 這個電台會鎖定中小型企業, 青年企業家, 還有成熟聽眾. 它的不同之處有:

- City Plus FM的節目大部分是談國際動態, 國內時事動態, 財經頭條, 企業訪問與談話. 與BFM 89.9是差不多一樣, 只是後者是以英語廣播.

目前City Plus FM在古晉試播FM 92.5MHz (Bukit Antu), 但是2016年10月28日, City Plus在森美蘭州Gunung Telapak Burok試播頻道, 頻率為FM 106.0MHz. 這個電台可以在森美蘭地區 (芙蓉), 巴生谷南部, 馬六甲部分地區, 彭亨大部分西部地區, 和柔佛部分的北部地區可以收聽的到.

City Plus的森美蘭頻道是FM106.0MHz, 這個頻率曾經給我很深刻的印象. 回到2009年6月前, 這個頻率曾經是988的姐妹台, Red FM (前名為"Red 104.9")的芙蓉頻道. 自從2009年6月後, Red FM已經不再森美蘭廣播了, 就關閉了森美蘭頻道106.0MHz, 當時的Red FM在森美蘭州還可以通過巴生谷頻道104.9MHz或柔佛北部頻道98.9MHz收聽, 那時候的Red FM關閉森美蘭頻道可能他們覺得森美蘭州的商業價值對此電台很低.

七年四個月後的今天, FM 106.0MHz捲土重來, 但不是Red FM使用, 而是City Plus FM. (Red FM已經在2015年12月31日結束廣播, 現在被Astro收購)

看到這個電台的誕生, 我表示歡迎. 本身認為馬來西亞還是需要鎖定成熟和年紀較大聽眾的電台, 因為馬來西亞已經有很多年輕聽眾的電台.

除了古晉之外, 這個電台106.0可以在以下地區收聽的到:

- 森美蘭: 芙蓉, 庇勞 (Kuala Pilah), 知知港, 瓜拉格拉旺, 馬口 (Bahau), 金馬士 (Gemas), 波德申 (Port Dickson), 林茂(Rembau), 利民濟 (Gemencheh), 柔河 (Johol), 冷宜 (Dangi), Felda Palong, 新邦榴槤, 葫蘆頂, 汝來Nilai, 寧宜Linggi.
- 馬六甲*
- 柔佛: 昔加末 (Segamat), 麻坡 (Muar), 東甲 (Tangkak), 和巴株巴轄 (Batu Pahat)部分地區
- 吉隆坡
- 雪蘭莪: 巴生, 沙亞南, 蒲種, PJ, Subang, 加影 Kajang, 雪邦 Sepang, 沙登, 焦賴, 萬津Banting, 瓜拉冷岳, 瓜拉雪蘭莪, PJ, Subang
- 彭亨: 淡馬魯, 百樂鎮, 直涼, 珍奴 Chenor, 文德甲Mentakab, 聯增Lanchang

森美蘭淡邊, 森美蘭雙溪鐳 (東北部森美蘭-彭亨邊界), 森美蘭新邦葫蘆頂, 彭亨金馬揚收線很差.

前天, City Plus已經在森美蘭, 馬六甲, 柔佛部分地區, 彭亨部分地區, 巴生谷南部廣播, 下一步我建議他們來彭亨東部的關丹廣播..

==City Plus關丹頻道建議==

頻率: 102.2MHz
功率: 2kW
發射站: Bukit Pelindung
覆蓋範圍: 關丹, 彭亨東部和登嘉樓部分地區

中文電台在關丹的商業價值比英語和淡米爾語電台高...我曾經建議102.2給其他電台如THR Raaga與Best FM, 但是3年前Astro向我說他們無法把THR Raaga放在關丹因為執照問題, 反而後者Best FM則沒有做出任何回應...

北馬方面, 建議頻率要很慬真, 何況霹靂, 檳城都是暫時列為"敏感地區"因為大部分的頻率被我曾經建議給其他電台. 如果我把那些曾經建議的頻率建議在City Plus, 恐怕會受到其他的電台爭議, 甚至會面臨起訴...

如果Bernama Radio 93.9MHz到現在還沒或不打算在Gunung Ulu Kali發射, 那我可以建議City Plus FM在怡保Gn Kledang設有93.9, 太平Bukit Larut則93.2MHz. 另外霹靂南部和雪蘭莪頻道, 我只能建議FM 106.2MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.

檳城方面, 因為RTM Radio Klasik的檳城西南部頻率101.7頻譜太大, 所以我建議City Plus向RTM 購買檳城101.7, 反而Radio Klasik Bkt Genting頻率可以換去97.7MHz.

以下都是我所對City Plus FM頻率做出的建議:

- 關丹: 102.2MHz Bukit Pelindung
- 檳城與吉打部分地區: 101.7MHz Bukit Penara
- 太平: 93.2MHz Bukit Larut
- 怡保: 93.9MHz Gunung Kledang (除非Bernama Radio已經把93.9放在Gunung Ulu Kali發射)
- 霹靂南部/雪蘭莪: 106.2MHz Gunung Ulu Kali
- 馬六甲/柔佛: (未表態)

Kool FM Melaka and Johor frequency proposals

On 5th and 6th October 2016, Kool FM already reach Kota Bharu on FM 88.6MHz in Peringat, then Alor Setar on FM 107.3MHz in Alor Setar Tower after they launched 3rd transmitter in Bukit Besar for Kuala Terengganu on FM 93.6MHz on 13th July 2016.

For next, Kool FM will go to Perak (Ipoh and Taiping), N. Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Kuantan and East Malaysia.

It becomes a topic of Kool FM if they reach Johor.

Currently Johor Bahru frequency spectrum are full, there is no occupied frequency available. FM 89.3MHz and FM 96.3MHz are belonged to Singapore, meanwhile FM 107.9MHz is occupied by airport in Johor Bahru, Singapore and Indonesia. So, FM 107.9MHz currently cannot be used for broadcasting in Gunung Pulai as it can cause serious flight incident. In my opinion, Kool FM may use Gunung Ledang to cover whole Johor areas including Johor Bahru, but frequencies are limited.

Empty frequencies of Gunung Ledang: FM 87.5MHz, FM 91.5MHz, FM 100.8MHz, FM 100.9MHz, FM 103.9MHz

Above these frequencies, only FM 87.5MHz and FM 100.8MHz are suitable for Kool FM.

MCMC currently never allocate FM 87.5MHz for broadcasting station yet.

Kool FM is possible to use FM 100.8MHz in Gunung Ledang for Melaka and Johor. On May 2016, I had proposed FM 100.9MHz for Kool FM Gunung Ledang, but at last I don't think Kool FM will use FM 100.9MHz, instead possibly FM 100.8MHz as Johor Bahru cannot receive Kool FM from Gunung Ledang and it is interfered heavily by Minnal FM 101.1MHz from Gunung Pulai.

If Kool FM Gunung Ledang frequency for Melaka and Johor is assigned on FM 100.8MHz, there may have problem too. Because MY FM 100.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok already has 200kHz separation with Ai FM 100.4MHz Gunung Ledang, so the spectrum of My FM 100.6MHz may be stiffer when Kool FM use FM 100.8MHz in Gunung Ledang.

In this situation, I think it should be ok if Kool FM Gunung Ledang transmitter use directional antenna, only direct to south (Johor) like Johor FM 105.3MHz. Gunung Ledang can transmit to Negeri Sembilan areas like Rembau, Tampin, Gemas, Jempol, Gemencheh, Port Dickson, Linggi, Johol, Batu Kikir and Simpang Pertang. For this issue, to avoid interference to My FM 100.6MHz in Negeri Sembilan, Kool FM 100.8MHz Gunung Ledang is not allowed to direct covering Negeri Sembilan, only Johor and part of Melaka can be covered.

Tampin Negeri Sembilan normally receive radio from Gunung Ledang as there is no signal if use Gunung Telapak Burok frequency. Because of Kool FM 100.8MHz Gunung Ledang use directional antenna, so reception in Tampin and Melaka will not be clear like other radio station.

For Negeri Sembilan, I propose FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Burok for Kool FM. For your information, Gunung Telapak Burok radio still can received in some Melaka areas, but signal is not clear at all. The FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Burok for Kool FM that I proposed has 200kHz with Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang which covers Melaka. The reception issue of Kool FM in Melaka may not be solved perfectly, although launching of Gunung Telapak Burok as Kool FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Burok is interfered by Melaka FM 102.3MHz in Melaka.

So, what's the solution?

Between Gunung Telapak Burok and Gunung Ledang, there has another radio transmitter site where located in nearby Negeri Sembilan-Melaka border, it is called as Tampin Hill (Bukit Tampin).

Currently there is no any commercial radio stations have any transmitter in Bukit Tampin as Tampin and Melaka can receive from Gunung Ledang clearly, only RTM Negeri FM has Bukit Tampin transmitter on FM 95.7MHz (0.1kW).

If Kool FM 100.8MHz Gunung Ledang is not clear in Melaka as use directional antenna pattern to prevent interference to MY FM 100.6MHz in Negeri Sembilan, Kool FM can launch one more transmitter in Bukit Tampin for Melaka. Talk about the available frequencies in Bukit Tampin, here are them:

FM 94.5MHz, FM 95.3MHz, FM 100.0MHz, FM 101.1MHz, FM 103.0MHz, FM 104.0MHz, FM 104.9MHz, FM 105.7MHz.

Above these frequencies, only FM 101.1MHz is the most suitable ones. Meanwhile for other frequencies, I don't think they can solve reception problem of Kool FM in Melaka as they can led co-channel interference with Gunung Ulu Kali stations in Melaka. 

Melaka still can receive Gunung Ulu Kali radio signal with moderate reception, even my favorite BFM 89.9 also can be received in Melaka town clearly.

Let's analyze Kool FM Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Johor frequencies

==RF Analysis of Kool FM N.Sembilan frequency== (based on my proposal)

101.8MHz: My FM Gunung Ulu Kali 

102.1MHz: Kool FM Gunung Telapak Burok

Status: 300kHz, OK

102.1MHz: Kool FM Gunung Telapak Burok 

102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang 

Status: 200kHz, OK, but may not solve reception problem in Melaka

101.9MHz: Johor FM Gunung Pulai

102.1MHz: Kool FM Gunung Telapak Burok

Status: 200kHz, OK

==RF analysis of Kool FM Johor/Melaka frequency== (main)

100.4MHz: Ai FM Gunung Ledang

100.6MHz: My FM Gunung Telapak Burok

100.8MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang

Result: MY FM 100.6MHz is interfered heavily in Negeri Sembilan (Port Dickson, Rembau, Bahau, Jempol, Kuala Pilah)

Remedy: Kool FM 100.8MHz use directional antenna, only allowed to transmit to south

100.6MHz: My FM Gunung Telapak Burok

100.8MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang (Johor only)

Result after directional antenna by Kool FM: 200kHz, OK

100.8MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang (Johor only)

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai 

Status: 300kHz, GOOD.

==RF analysis of Kool FM Melaka frequency==

100.8MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang (Johor only)

101.1MHz: Kool FM Bukit Tampin (Melaka only)

Status: 300kHz, OK

101.1MHz: Kool FM Bukit Tampin (Melaka only)

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai 

Status: 0kHz, OK. Kool FM and Minnal FM can be received on 100.8MHz and 103.3MHz from Gunung Ledang in interference areas

100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali 

101.1MHz: Kool FM Bukit Tampin

Status: 200kHz, OK

==Parameter of Kool FM Melaka frequency==

Frequency: FM 101.1MHz

Power: 1kW

Transmitting location: Bukit Tampin, Negeri Sembilan

With Bukit Tampin frequency, Kool FM can be received clearly in Melaka via Bukit Tampin, meanwhile Jasin and Asahan can receive Kool FM via Gunung Ledang on FM 100.8MHz when FM 101.1MHz Bukit Tampin becomes weak.

==Coverage for Kool FM southern region== (my proposals)

Seremban: FM 102.1MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok

Melaka: FM 101.1MHz from Bukit Tampin

Johor: FM 100.8MHz from Gunung Ledang

- FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Burok covers:

1. Negeri Sembilan: Seremban, Jelebu, Kuala Pilah, Port Dickson, Johol*, Rembau*, Bahau, Jempol, Rompin, Gemas, Gemencheh*

2. Pahang: Kemayan, Keratong, Teriang, Bera

3. Selangor: Bangi, Kajang, Semenyih, Beranang, Sepang, Serdang, Balakong

*alternative frequency

- FM 100.8MHz Gunung Ledang covers:

1. Johor: Muar, Batu Pahat, Segamat, Kluang, Pontian, Kota Tinggi, Kulaijaya, Ledang and parts of Johor Bahru

2. Melaka: Asahan, Jasin 

- FM 101.1MHz Bukit Tampin covers:

1. Melaka: ALL (Melaka City, Alor Gajah, Batu Berendam, Ayer Keroh, Masjid Tanah etc)

2. Negeri Sembilan: Tampin, Rembau, Johol, Gemencheh, Pulau Sebang

About usage of directional antenna for Kool FM Gunung Ledang frequency FM 100.8MHz, I believe that Kool FM 100.8MHz will not be received in Negeri Sembilan and some Melaka areas. In addition, the reception of Kool FM 100.8MHz Gunung Ledang will be interfered by My FM 100.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok in Port Dickson, Kuala Pilah, Rembau, Jempol, Jelebu, Johol, Dangi, FELDA Kepis, Gemencheh, Kota, Linggi and Pedas, even the reception will be interfered by Selangor FM 100.9MHz too.

Selangor FM 100.9MHz still can be received in most of Negeri Sembilan areas if Kool FM 100.8MHz is launched in Gunung Ledang because Kool FM 100.8MHz is for Johor only. In addition, Port Dickson can receive Selangor FM 100.9MHz clearly without interference from Kool FM, same as Suria FM 105.3MHz still can get in Port Dickson clearly with very less interference from Johor FM.

==Kool FM southern region frequencies line-up==

- Negeri Sembilan: FM 102.1MHz 

- Melaka: FM 101.1MHz

- Johor: FM 100.8MHz

List of empty FM frequencies which are not suitable to be used in Gunung Telapak Burok

Here are the empty FM frequencies list which are prohibited to be transmitted from Gunung Telapak Burok of Negeri Sembilan:

- 88.3MHz
- 89.1MHz
- 90.1MHz
- 90.9MHz
- 91.3MHz
- 99.1MHz
- 99.5MHz
- 99.9MHz
- 101.1MHz
- 105.5MHz

1. FM 88.3MHz
- Interference with 88.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali and 88.5MHz KL Tower each other in Kuala Lumpur and South Selangor
- Interference with 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang and 88.5MHz Gunung Ledang in Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and North Johor

2. FM 90.1MHz
- Interference with 89.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali and 90.3MHz KL Tower each other in Kuala Lumpur and South Selangor
- Interference with 90.3MHz Gunung Ledang in Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and North Johor

3. FM 90.9MHz
- Interference with 90.7MHz UPM each other in South Selangor (Serdang, Putrajaya, Kajang, Balakong, Puchong)

4. FM 91.3MHz
- Interference with 91.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali each other in Kuala Lumpur and South Selangor

5. FM 99.1MHz
- Interference with 99.3MHz each other in Kuala Lumpur and South Selangor
- Interference with 99.1MHz Gunung Pulai in Central Johor

6. FM 99.9MHz
- Interference with 99.7MHz Gunung Ledang each other in Negeri Sembilan ,Melaka and North Johor
- Interference with 99.9MHz Gunung Pulai in Central Johor

7. FM 101.1MHz
- Interference with 101.3MHz Bukit Sungai Besi and 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali each other in Klang Valley
- Interference with 101.1MHz Gunung Pulai in Central Johor
- Interference with 101.1MHz Bukit Pelindung in East Pahang

8. FM 105.5MHz
- Interference with 105.3MHz and 105.7MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali each other in Klang Valley and Negeri Sembilan

Among these eight frequencies, the interference level is high, but these eight frequencies can be allowed to be transmitted in Bukit Gan, Seremban.

==Maximum power of these eight frequencies in Bukit Gan==
- 88.3MHz: 0.25kW
- 90.1MHz: 0.5kW
- 90.9MHz: 1kW
- 91.3MHz: 0.75kW
- 99.1MHz: 1kW
- 99.9MHz:  1kW
- 101.1MHz: 0.25kW
- 105.5MHz: 0.25kW

Gunung Telapak Burok covers all Negeri Sembilan areas (except Tampin), and parts of Melaka/Johor/Selangor/Pahang, but Bukit Gan covers only Seremban and surrounding areas.

The usage of FM 101.1MHz in Negeri Sembilan

FM 101.1MHz is an empty frequency in Negeri Sembilan, but it is distant signal from Gunung Pulai and Bukit Pelindung in Southern and Eastern Negeri Sembilan.

Minnal FM 101.1MHz Gunung Pulai in Negeri Sembilan:
- Bahau
- Gemas
- Tampin
- Bandar Seri Jempol
- Rompin
- Gemencheh
- Bukit Rokan
- Rembau
- Kota

My FM 101.1MHz Bukit Pelindung in Negeri Sembilan:
- Bahau
- Kepis
- Dangi
- FELDA Palong

It's vacant frequency in Seremban currently. Normally radio stations in Negeri Sembilan (Seremban) are transmitted from Gunung Telapak Burok.

Gunung Telapak Burok can cover all Negeri Sembilan areas (except Tampin), parts of Selangor, Melaka, Johor and Pahang.

For usage of FM 101.1MHz in Gunung Telapak Burok, here is the RF analysis:

- FM 100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali
- FM 101.1MHz: Gunung Telapak Burok
- FM 101.3MHz: Kool FM Bkt Sg Besi

FM 101.1MHz: Gunung Telapak Burok
FM 101.1MHz: MY FM Bkt Pelindung & Minnal FM Gunung Pulai

According to the spectrum status above, FM 101.1MHz is not suitable to be located in Gunung Telapak Burok because of:

- Interference to 100.9 and 101.3 in Southern Selangor areas like Kajang, Semenyih, Bangi, Serdang, Balakong. Selangor FM 100.9MHz has only 1 frequency to cover Selangor. If 101.1MHz is used in Gunung Telapak Burok, listeners in affected areas are unable to tune to alternative frequency of Selangor FM. In addition, Kool FM 101.3 is also affected.
- Interference to 101.1 Gunung Pulai in Johor such as Kluang, and Batu Pahat. The minimum frequency separation between Gunung Pulai and Gunung Telapak Burok is 100kHz. The transmission of Gunung Telapak Burok can transmit to North East Johor. Moreover, because Minnal FM 101.1MHz Gunung Pulai can transmit partially to Tampin, Rembau, and Bandar Seri Jempol, 101.1MHz Gunung Telapak Burok will be interfered by Minnal FM 101.1MHz from Gn Pulai in Rembau and Tampin, even Melaka. I had tested to listen to Red FM on 104.9MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali and Lite FM on 104.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok in Rembau and Tampin respectively, I received interference signal from Gunung Pulai. I also heard the interference of Era FM 104.5MHz from Gunung Pulai in Tampin when listen to Lite FM on 104.6MHz.
- Interference to 101.1 Bukit Pelindung in East Pahang because there is nothing hill block between Bukit Pelindung and Gunung Telapak Burok.

In conclusion, FM 101.1MHz is not suitable to be used in Gunung Telapak Burok, but it is suitable to be used in Bukit Gan, Seremban.

Tamil radio station market in Malaysia

Currently Malaysia Tamil language radio stations are Minnal FM and THR Raaga.

Back to the pre 2000s generation of Malaysia, there is only one Tamil radio station, known as Radio6 or Red Network (Rangkaian Merah in 1960s), now becomes Minnal FM.

Minnal FM is owned by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), which is under Ministry of Information of Malaysia government.

Minnal FM was monopolizing Tamil radio station market in Malaysia for five decades, from 1950s till 1990s, but when came to 2001 there is a new Tamil radio programme on Time Highway Radio, known as THR Raaga. It ended the monopoly of Minnal FM in Malaysia, and THR Raaga is currently monopolizing Tamil radio market since 2001.

Basically THR Raaga was not a radio station, instead it was just a radio programme of Time Highway Radio until acquired by Astro in 2005. After THR was acquired by Astro, THR Raaga became full fledged Tamil radio station in Malaysia, meanwhile the simulcast relay from THR Gegar on THR Raaga frequencies was deceased phase by phase.

Compared to other language stations, English was the earliest to end the monopoly of RTM, there was Time Highway Radio, ended the monopoly of Radio 4 (Traxx FM) in 1994, following by Chinese commercial radio station, Redi FM 988, ended the monopoly of Radio 5 (Ai FM) in 1996. Then, Malay commercial radio, Era FM, ended the monopoly of Radio1, Radio Muzik and RTM state stations in 1997.

In terms of music taste, THR Raaga mainly plays latest and some older Tamil songs, which targets all age of Indians, same as Minnal FM, but RTM Minnal FM plays older Tamil songs more than latest, which targets majority older Indians.

Minnal FM does not only play music, it also carry some talks, including Islamic talks in Tamil.

I'm Chinese, I also have Indian friends too. During high school era, most of my Indians told me that they were listening to THR Raaga, rather than Minnal FM. Then I also shared to them too, stated that most of my Chinese friends preferred listening to My FM, One FM and 988, rather than Ai FM.

In Malaysia, most of Malaysians are listening to commercial radio, rather than government radio (RTM) because there has many factors.

Although I don't really understand every single words of Tamil language, but I was used to try to listen to Tamil radio station in Malaysia, mostly Minnal and THR Raaga. In term of taste, I felt that THR Raaga is nicer. Minnal FM is ok too, but the name "government radio" makes me feel "meh".

Religion talk (mainly Islamic) normally broadcasted on Malay radio stations mostly among all RTM stations (never include IKIM FM, despite IKIM is semi commercial radio), Ai FM and Traxx FM never usually air religion talk at all, just very minor slot of religion talk on the air. Back to 2013, I went to a barber shop to have hair cut, the barber shop owner was listening to Minnal FM, I heard Minnal FM aired religion talk on 11am, I believed that Minnal FM also had another targeted audience too. Minnal FM did not only target Tamil speaking listeners, also including Indian Muslims in Malaysia, so there was a establishment of religion talk, in cooperated with Jakim on Minnal FM resulted.

Now talk to the competition of Tamil radio stations in Malaysia. After THR Raaga launched in 2001, the popularity of Raaga grew rapidly, but most obvious since 2005. In addition, THR Raaga listenership went more stable and higher since 2009. In terms of coverage, Minnal FM is wider than THR Raaga because the station is funded by government, even Minnal FM is available in Terengganu and Kelantan, meanwhile THR Raaga does not go to any East Coast region.

Imagine if THR Raaga has frequency in Kuantan, together with Malay East Coast station THR Gegar, I think Minnal FM will feel threatened in Kuantan and some Terengganu areas and the competition gets stiffer.

Look at Media Prima, and Star Radio Group, these two giant media airs few stations in Malay, Chinese and English, but currently Media Prima and Star Radio Group haven't operated any Tamil radio yet, even Media Prima does not have any Tamil TV station too. Star also closed down its English radio (Red and Capital) since 31st December 2015, then Media Prima 8TV and NTV7 English programmes got decreased heavily since 2016.

Astro has two different music genre stations in three languages:

- Malay
1. Era (hot contemporary)
2. Sinar (classic)
3. THR Gegar (mix format, but for East Coast)

- English
1. Hitz (Hot contemporary, Top40)
2. Mix (90s, 2000s and adult mainstream contemporary)
3. Lite (classic hits and easy listening)

- Chinese
1. My (hot contemporary)
2. Melody (classic)

- Tamil
1. Raaga (hot adult contemporary 80%; classic 20%)

Look at this list, Astro still lacks of Tamil retro station, but Astro has Osai on Astro satellite radio. On September 2016, Astro acquired Red and Capital.

If Red FM is rebranded to Osai FM, and the Tamil retro station is launched by Astro, the competition of Tamil radio market will be stiffer than current.

Minnal FM is not only threatened  by THR Raaga, but it will be threatened again by Osai FM.

Talk about Tamil radio stations in South East Asia, currently there have Raaga, and Minnal from Malaysia as well as Oli from Singapore. Based on the popularity, THR Raaga is currently the most famous Tamil radio in South East Asia.

THR Raaga is also popular in Singapore.

Osai FM can become 4th Tamil radio station in South East Asia and join the battle of radio war.

Singapore is one of battle war place for Tamil radio stations.  The war can be liked this:

Raaga+Osai (from Astro) vs. Minnal (RTM) vs. Oli (Singapore)

Oli FM 96.8MHz only covers Singapore, Batam and Johor (Central and South), meanwhile Minnal covers whole Peninsular Malaysia and Raaga covers West Coast only.

The Astro classic radio station is grouped like below:
- English: Lite FM (since 1997)
- Malay: Sinar FM (since 2004)
- Chinese: Melody FM (since 2012)
- Tamil: Osai FM (to be 2017??)

For Malaysia domestic Tamil radio market, currently Minnal FM monopolizes East Coast Tamil radio market, meanwhile THR Raaga is unable reach East Coast (Kuantan) due to license condition. After Red FM is rebranded to Osai FM, I believe that Red FM Kuantan frequency 91.6MHz will air Osai FM, so Osai FM will end the monopoly of Minnal FM in Kuantan and the battle begins. This East Coast Tamil radio battle can spread until Sotuh Terengganu as Bukit Pelindung can cover there too. To be fair, Astro THR Raaga should reach Kuantan by modifying its license, so the battle among three Tamil radio stations in Kuantan can be started.

Note: This blog post is not fully truth, it is just a speculation, based on my opinion. For most accurate news of rebranding Red FM, please wait the news from Astro.

Possibilities of Capital FM rebranding after acquired by Astro

On 9th September 2016, Astro acquired loss making Capital FM and Red FM with RM42 Billions.

Capital FM Sdn Bhd holds Content Application Service Provider (CASP) license which can be allowed to broadcast Red FM and Capital FM.

Astro will rebrand these two radio stations to target new audience.

Previously I had speculated and predicted Red FM will be rebranded to a Tamil retro radio station, known as Osai FM (which currently only airing on Astro CH866), because there also may demand of Tamil listeners who want the classic music station like Malay station Sinar FM and Chinese station Melody FM.

Now, we will talk about the future of Capital FM.

Astro currently broadcasts nine FM radio stations, mainly Era, My, Sinar, THR Raaga, THR Gegar, Melody, Hitz, Mix, and Lite. In addition, Astro also owns Classic Rock, Bayu, Kenyalang, Opus, Jazz, Gold, India Beat and Osai.

Rumors state that Capital FM will be rebranded to a talk radio station like Astro Talk Radio FM 101.8MHz in 1997-98.

Let's analyze the Astro satellite stations which may be possible broadcasted on Capital FM frequency.

1. Opus
- In my opinion, I don't think Astro will rebrand Capital FM to Opus FM as less listeners will listen to classic opera music. Actually classic opera music station has no market in Malaysia, perhaps not all listeners love to listen to classic opera music.

2. Jazz
- Same answer with Opus. Jazz FM plays jazz music, less Malaysian people listen to jazz music on FM station. In addition, its sister station Lite FM also plays jazz music, alongside with easy listening music.

3. India Beat
- India Beat actually plays Northern Indian music. Malaysia Indians speaking language is Tamil, and some of them are speaking in Malayalam rather than Hindi. India Beat plays Hindi, Punjabi and Bengali music. Tamil language is origin from South India. In my opinion, I don't think Astro will rebrand Capital FM to India Beat perhaps Northern India music station market in Malaysia is very small, it is considered as minority market.

4. Bayu and Kenlayang
- Both are East Malaysia music stations. Never think Astro will launch in Klang Valley, instead they can launch in Sabah and Sarawak.

5. Osai
- I had mentioned previously regarding rebranding of Red FM. Briefly say that Osai FM is a Malaysia Tamil retro radio station which plays Tamil music from the 1970s till 1990s.

6. Classic Rock
- A rock station by Astro. In 1997, Classic Rock was aired on 103.3MHz (Klang Valley), then slots are taken over by Era FM due to high demand of Malay listeners. Sounds like BFM 89.9, because BFM 89.9 plays classic rock music, together with business and headlines talk. To me, there is also a chance of launching Classic Rock on Capital FM frequency, but they also may have possibility to take over Mix FM slot if Mix FM face loss making due to low listenership.

7. Gold (formerly Golden Oldies and Nostalgia)
- Gold FM plays the English songs from the 1950s till 1970s like Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, The Beatles, Bee Gees, James Brown etc. Light & Easy played English oldies before it renamed to Lite FM in 2006. Lite FM dropped the 1960s and 1970s songs as they want to concentrate on younger listeners, so Lite FM plays the songs beginning from the 1980s. After Lite FM is no longer playing 1960s and 1970s, but those 1960s and 1970s are played on Astro satellite only station Gold FM. In my opinion, the rebranding of Capital FM to Gold also could be the possible as Malaysia currently has no more oldies station which play the songs from 1960s and 1970s.

Other than these eight radio stations, I don't think Astro will return its defunct station XFM (Xfresh) as this station had been making loss heavily after 2010. In term of marketing, most of Malay listeners are listening to Era, Sinar, Gegar, Hot FM, Suria FM, Best 104 and Kool FM. XFM target audience is Malay teenagers and it plays Malaysia indie music like Pop Shuvit, Meet Uncle Hussein, Hujan, Poetic Ammo, Point Blanc.

According all the analysis made on six stations, India Beat, Jazz and Opus won't be aired on FM terrestrial radio by taking over Capital FM. Meanwhile Classic Rock and Gold, hmmm...Gold may result higher possibility than Classic Rock, but mostly Astro may return broadcasting of their long time defunct Talk Radio back to FM station.

Talk about the history of Astro early radio station, Talk Radio. It was launched in 1997, together with Hitz, Mix, Lite and Classic Rock, but it was ceased broadcasting in 1998 after taken over by My FM.

==Talk Radio==
88.9MHz: Klang Valley (Gn Ulu Kali)
107.6MHz: Penang (Bkt Penara)
103.3MHz: Johor Bahru (Metropolis Tower)
xx.xMHz: Ipoh (Gn Kledang)
xxx.xMHz: Seremban (Bkt Gan)
xx.xMHz: Malacca and Johor (Gn Ledang)

If Astro returns Talk Radio, in my opinion, I don't think Astro will expand the coverage to Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, Perlis/Langkawi as there have no commercial value. English radio market is not so big in these states.

In terms of commercial value, Gold and Classic Rock may result higher.

Analisa liputan THR Gegar Bukit Senggora FM 100.7MHz

Pada masa kini, kawasan Pahang Tengah dan Barat seperti Maran, Jengka, Temerloh, Bera belum menerima siaran THR Gegar. Terdapat satu tempat pemancar radio terletak di Pahang Tengah, iaitu Bukit Senggora, Maran.

Untuk meliputi kawasan Temerloh, Bera dan sebahagian Pahang Barat dari Bukit Senggora dengan field strength sekurang 54dBuV/m (STEREO) dan 48dBuV/m (MONO).

==Parameter THR Gegar untuk Pahang Tengah dan sebahagian Pahang Barat==

Frekuensi: 100.7MHz

Tempat pemancar: Bukit Senggora 

Kuasa diuji dengan: 3.5kW, 5kW

Ketinggian: 215m

Antenna gain: 6.4dBi

 

Berdasarkan pada peta liputan di atas, THR Gegar Bukit Senggora FM 100.7MHz pada kuasa 5kW lebih luas daripada 2kW dan 3.5kW. THR Gegar Bukit Senggora FM 100.7MHz boleh memancar sehingga kawasan Karak dan Lanchang pada 5kW, tetapi penerimaannya lemah, manakala Temerloh dan Mentakab boleh menerima siaran THR Gegar dalam STEREO.

Secara asasnya, Bukit Senggora tiada nilai komersil kepada pihak penyiaran swasta, tetapi liputannya lebih luas daripada Bukit Istana, Bukit Botak dan Bukit Sulai. THR Gegar mungkin ada nilai komersil di Pahang Tengah dan Barat (Bukit Senggora), berbanding dengan Era dan Sinar.

Sinar FM dan Era FM boleh diterima di Maran, Jengka, Temerloh pada 96.7MHz dan 103.3MHz dari Gn Ulu Kali masing-masing.

Secara keseuluruhnnya, Bukit Senggora adalah tempat sesuai untuk meliputi Pahang Tengah dan Barat, tetapi kuasa 5kW diperlukan.

Red FM becomes Tamil radio station? Capital FM becomes talk radio station?

On 9th September 2016, Astro acquired Red FM and Capital FM with RM42Million

Previously I had mentioned that Red FM and Capital FM may rebrand to a Tamil retro station, Osai FM.

Now I don't think Red FM and Capital FM will be rebranded together into one station because I hear that Capital FM will become talk radio station.

For my prediction, I strongly believe that Red FM English broadcast will not be continued after joining Astro, it will become Tamil radio station Osai FM.

==OSAI FM==

- 104.9MHz: Klang Valley and South Perak (Gunung Ulu Kali)
- 106.0MHz: Negeri Sembilan (Gunung Telapak Burok; return broadcasting after closed transmission in June 2009)
- 98.9MHz: Melaka and North Johor (Gn Ledang)
- 92.8MHz: Johor Bahru and Singapore (Gn Pulai)
- 106.4MHz: Ipoh (Gn Kledang)
- 98.1MHz: Kedah, Perlis, Penang and North Perak (Gn Jerai)
- 91.6MHz: Kuantan (Bkt Pelindung)
- 99.3MHz: Taiping (Bukit Larut; take over from THR Raaga Bkt Penara; THR Raaga can be received in Penang via 102.4MHz)

PS: Minnal FM will face stiff competition from THR Raaga and Osai FM

For Osai FM Negeri Sembilan frequency, Astro can reuse Red FM old frequency FM 106.0MHz which was ceased in June 2009, perhaps Seremban and Central Negeri Sembilan areas can't get 104.9MHz and 98.9MHz clearly. FM 98.9MHz is interfered by 988 FM 98.8MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in most of Negeri Sembilan areas until some Melaka areas.

For Taiping and North Perak, I never think that Astro will reuse former controversial Red FM Bukit Larut frequency FM 98.2MHz. Astro can take over THR Raaga Penang frequency 99.3MHz by moving site to Bukit Larut for Osai FM Taiping frequency, perhaps THR Raaga 99.3MHz in Penang is quite "pointless" because Penang already has strategic frequency from Gunung Jerai Kedah, that's FM 102.4MHz.

Regarding to the future of Capital FM, rumors said that Capital FM will be rebranded to talk radio station, which focus on news and business like BFM 89.9.

For frequency coverage, currently Capital FM has only 88.9 for Klang Valley and 107.6 for Penang, I don't think Astro will expand this station to nationwide like Hitz, Mix and Lite because of market.

This talk radio language could be in English or Malay. If this talk radio is in Malay, Astro could expand to nationwide, but what if in English, Astro may not go nationwide.

The talk radio station would only target Klang Valley, Penang, Ipoh, Melaka, Johor and Seremban, but I don't think Astro will not have any plan to expand this talk radio station to East Malaysia and East Coast temporarily.

==Talk radio station==

88.9Mhz: Klang Valley (Gn Ulu Kali)
107.6MHz: Penang (Bkt Penara)
xxx.xMHz: Ipoh (Gn Kledang)
xxx.xMHz: Melaka, Johor (Gn Ledang)
xxx.xMHz: Seremban (Bukit Gan)
103.3MHz: Johor Bahru (Metropolis Tower)

封鎖朝鮮FM電台的建議 Suggestion of jamming North Korea FM signal parameter

以下是可以在韓國境內可以接收的朝鮮電台 (朝鮮平壤中央廣播電台):

- FM 92.5MHz (開城)
- FM 103.7MHz (海洲)
- FM 97.8MHz (海洲)
- FM 102.3MHz (海洲)
- FM 95.1MHz (元山)

為了防止韓國人民收聽具滿邪惡共產主義的朝鮮電台, 韓國通訊部在各地的發射站安裝jammer來封鎖朝鮮電台.. Jammer的作用是干擾一個電台

1. FM 103.7MHz
目前我看到的是朝鮮海洲電台103.7MHz被韓國封鎖 , 但是jammer是靜音的.. 發射地區是在南山 (Namsan)... 103.7MHz的jammer靜音是避免干擾首爾電台的SBS Love FM 103.5MHz.. 如果無線電干擾器是放出聲音在103.7MHz, SBS Love FM 103.5MHz也會自己遭殃.

在韓國江原道的春川, TBN FM也使用103.7MHz, 主要覆蓋江原道的整個省, 但是功率不大, 只是3kW. 基本上如果要在京畿道內干擾朝鮮電台, 韓國政府必須增加TBN FM 103.7MHz的發射功率至10kW. 

首爾方面, FM 103.9MHz也可以在冠岳山增設電台, 功率為10kW, 來封鎖朝鮮電台..

2. FM 92.5MHz
韓國政府在韓國首爾南山安裝電台干擾器 (jammer)來完全封鎖朝鮮電台92.5MHz, 所以在首爾的你, 如果把收音機的電台頻率調去92.5MHz, 肯定會聽到鳴聲 (beep).. 開城離開首爾的距離是不到100公里

3. FM 97.8MHz
韓國政府目前沒有在這個頻率安裝任何的干擾器, 因為KBS Cool FM已經在京畿道有了97.7MHz, 功率為0.2kW

4. FM 102.3MHz
韓國政府在首爾冠岳山可以增設新電台102.3MHz, 功率為5kW.

5. FM 95.1MHz
韓國政府可以在江源道增設FM 94.9MHz來封鎖來自元州的朝鮮電台, 功率為10kW. 其實韓國首爾冠岳山已經有了FM 95.1MHz, TBN FM.

==Suggested parameter for jamming North Korea FM signal in South Korea== (feat with antenna pattern)

1. FM 103.9MHz
Power: 10kW
Transmitting location: Gwanaksan, Seoul, South Korea

2. FM 103.5MHz (SBS Love FM)
Power: 15kW
Transmitting location: Gwanaksan, Seoul, North Korea

3. FM 102.3MHz
Power: 5kW
Transmitting location: Gwanaksan

4. FM 94.9MHz
Power: 10kW
Transmitting location: Neuratjae (Chuncheon)

International FM DXing: North Korea FM radio jamming in South Korea

In Seoul, and Korea Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), there has some North Korea FM radio can be received there, transmitted from Kaesong and Hanju of North Korea.

Currently South Korea is jamming North Korea FM radio signal in South Korea territories.

- 92.5MHz: KCBS Pyongyang FM Pangsong from Kaesong is jammed by South Korea with beep signal.
- 97.8MHz: KCBS Pyongyang FM Pangsong from Kaesong is jammed by South Korea Jayu FM Bangsong from Cheorwon of Gangwon province FM 97.7MHz
- 103.7MHz: KCBS Pyongyang FM  Chosun Jungang Pangsong from Haeju is jammed by South Korea Military Jammer from Namsan, Seoul
- 102.3MHz KCBS Pyongyang FM  Chosun Jungang Pangsong from Kaesong


North Korea FM 103.7MHz is also jammed by SBS Love FM 103.5MHz from Seoul in Korean DMZ and Seoul metropolitan area, FM 103.5MHz by SBS Love FM is occupied with 10kW power.

In my opinion, South Korea still can jam North Korea signal by adding more FM stations in South Korea. Such as:

- FM 102.1MHz and FM 102.5MHz low power transmitters within Korean DMZ areas
- FM 92.5MHz in Seoul Korea with 10kW power to jam North Korea signal
- FM 103.8MHz low power transmitters within Korean DMZ areas

Jamming North Korea FM signal is not only done by playing beep sound, it can be done by launching commercial relay station, even can increase power of existing transmitter to jam North Korea signal.

==EBS Gyoyuk Bangsong parameter==
Frequency: FM 102.3MHz
Power: 10kW (suggested power)
Transmitting location: Weonhyobong (ccg)

==MBC Munhwa Bangsong==
Frequency: FM 92.3MHz
Power: 10kW
Transmitting location: Chuncheon/Daeryongsan (gan)

With increasing power of existing South Korea radio stations, the North Korea radio stations will face heavy co-channel interference within South Korea areas. So, listeners won't be able to receive North Korea stations there.
 
 

If Astro acquires Red FM and Capital FM from Star, what will the radio station become?

There is many speculation of Astro Radio Sdn Bhd had interest to acquire Red FM and Capital FM.

Red FM and Capital FM currently play non-stop music after ceased operations since 1st January 2016.

Unofficial news stated that Astro has interest to acquire Red FM and Capital FM from The Star, but acquisition dealing costs RM20millions.

Astro currently operates few satellite only radio stations such as:

- Gold (formerly was Golden Oldies and Nostalgia)
- Jazz
- India Best
- Osai
- Kenyalang
- Bayu

Astro already has its three retro radio stations in three different languages (Chinese, Malay and English), but so far no Tamil retro radio station yet.

THR Raaga is Tamil radio station like Mix FM, My FM, Era FM and Hitz FM.

In my opinion, Astro can transform Red FM and Capital FM to Osai FM, become Malaysia first Tamil retro station if acquisition is done. In addition, imagine if Astro launch Osai FM, it can compete with Minnal FM.

Minnal FM from RTM can face stiff competition from THR Raaga and Osai FM.

==Capital FM history==

Capital FM 1.0 was from 2008 till November 2011, it was independent radio station.

Capital FM 2.0 was from December 2011 till January 2016, it was acquired by Star Radio in May 2011.

Capital FM 3.0?? Acquired by Astro, then become Osai FM?

- ISY Holdings, which is the company of Capital FM will get more stable if join Astro, but sadly to hear that Malaysia loss two English radio.

Osai FM currently broadcasts only via Astro CH866 and online.

Here is the frequencies list of Osai FM if Astro acquires Red FM and Capital FM.

- 104.9MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali for Klang Valley, West Pahang and South Perak
- 98.9MHz: Gunung Ledang for Melaka and North Johor
- 92.8MHz: Gunung Pulai for South Johor and Singapore
- 106.4MHz: Gunung Kledang for Ipoh
- 107.5MHz: Bukit Larut for Taiping (ex: 107.6MHz Bukit Penara)
- 98.1MHz: Gunung Jerai for Kedah, Perlis and Penang
- 89.1MHz: Gunung Telapak Burok for Negeri Sembilan (ex: 88.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali) 

Back to 2009, Red FM already closed down its two frequencies. There are 98.2MHz Bukit Larut for Taiping, then 106.0MHz Gn Telapak Burok for Negeri Sembilan.

In my opinion, I don't think Astro will reuse FM 106.0MHz again for Osai FM in Negeri Sembilan, despite Astro acquires Capital FM 88.9 too. If 106.0MHz is reoccupied by Osai FM, 88.9MHz is nothing again.

The suitable way is modifying Capital FM 88.9MHz parameters like this:

- Frequency: 89.1MHz
- Transmitting location: Gunung Telapak Burok
- Conclusion: 88.9MHz will be blanked in Klang Valley and South Perak, but 88.8MHz can be occupied in Gunung Kledang Ipoh.

Another site is in Taiping, Osai FM can modify Capital FM 107.6MHz parameter like below here:

- Frequency: 107.5MHz
- Transmitting location: Bukit Larut

If 107.5MHz is occupied by Osai FM in Bukit Larut, Minnal FM Bukit Dedap frequency must be changed to 107.7MHz to avoid interference.

For frequency expansion, I may not think ARSB will expand Osai FM broadcast coverage in Kelantan, Terengganu and East Malaysia as no commercial value there, like what THR Raaga did. THR Raaga doesn't reach Kelantan, Terengganu, Kuantan and East Malaysia too.

Last time Astro another Chinese radio station (not My FM), Melody did not air on FM radio. Until July 2012, Melody FM broadcasted through FM radio by taking over XFM/Xfresh FM slots, Xfresh lost its revenue due to low listeners gained. In addition, Xfresh music genre is closed to Era FM, just different things. Era FM is more to mainstream, Xfresh is more to indie music.

Will Osai FM go on FM broadcast in the future? Will this happen? We don't know yet, but we need to get official news from ARSB.

Talk about the acquisition of Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd by Media Prima, there is the formula.

==Media Prima==
Ultra FM (Klang Valley) + Pi Mai FM (Penang) = Kool FM (Malay retro station by Media Prima)

Astro acquisition on Red FM and Capital FM also can be the same way too.

==Astro Radio==
Red FM + Capital FM = Osai FM (Tamil retro station by Astro)

PS: If Astro acquire Red FM and Capital FM, I will hear Tamil old songs on FM 104.9MHz in Kuala Lumpur.

Red FM and Capital FM will be acquired by Astro Radio Sdn Bhd??

On December 2015, Star Media Group announced that Red FM and Capital FM would be the last day of broadcasting on 31st December 2015 due to these two stations lost the revenue.

31st of  December 2015, also the last day of 2015. I was listening to Red FM, from lunch hours, and back to home. My car radio stuck to FM 104.9MHz, even I tuned to 104.9Mhz until midnight. That time was the last day of Red FM. When it came to the corner, around 11.59pm, the station was nearly off air.

I did not turn off the radio when it came to 2359 hours, but I continued to listen to Red FM until 12.30 am, which was on 1st January 2016. Red FM and Capital FM started to play non-stop music (automation mode) from 1st January 2016, but Capital FM was earlier to start automation mode than Red FM.

Both radio stations have no any DJs, but only kept airing only news and traffic updates, even some advertisement.

Many people speculated that Red FM and Capital FM will not be sold off, but performed rebranding exercise. During these 8 months, I monitored these two stations occasionally and intermittently, although I listened to BFM 89.9.

None of any new updates from these radio stations yet until today.

Initially I believed only that Capital FM would be sold out and Red FM will be remained, but all speculation are false. I was told that Red FM and Capital FM studio equipment were being sold out, this gave me the hint that these two stations will be definitely sold out.

Talk about BFM 89.9... BFM 89.9 is seeking for Penang frequency, I was involved as volunteer. That time I had suggested BFM 89.9 to buy the frequency from Capital FM, which was 107.6MHz, but BFM 89.9 told me that Star did not decide to sell to them, and the amount of this acquisition costed about RM20Millions.

BFM launch Penang frequency..

- Acquired frequency from Capital FM 107.6
- Launch brand new transmitter in Bukit Tokun on FM 103.0MHz

Both I suggested, but in terms of costs, launching in Bukit Tokun 103.0MHz is cheaper than acquiring frequency from Capital FM.

Few weeks ago, I met a staff from The Star (not to mention the person name due to sensitivity) and we talked about Red FM and Capital FM. She stated that currently Star is seeking buyers to buy over these two radio stations, but during these eight months, currently nobody buys the stations as the acquisition costs are very expensive enough. It's RM 20Millions, this is definitely not a joke. RM20Millions cash can buy many things, at least can buy about 15 units of Maserati or Ferrari. 

Last few months, I also received the rumors about Media Prima will take over Red FM frequencies for Kool FM, but I did not see actions from Media Prima to buy Red FM.

Another rumors stated that Red FM and Capital FM will be sold to Astro Radio, but it is unofficial yet.

Astro Radio currently operated nine FM radio stations nationwide, there are:

- Hitz FM (English; target younger listeners)
- Mix FM (English; 1990s-beyond and target urban listeners)
- Lite FM (English; easy listening and classic hits)
- My FM (Chinese; Adult contemporary)
- Melody FM (Chinese; classic hits from 1970s-80s-90s and some 2000s)
- ERA FM (Malay; adult contemporary)
- Sinar FM (Malay; classic hits)
- THR Raaga (Tamil)
- THR Gegar (Malay East Coast)

If Red FM and Capital FM joins Astro Radio, what will be happened? Let's speculate

1. Could THR.FM be disbanded, THR Raaga and Gegar operate independently under Astro?
- Because of license condition, THR Raaga currently is unable to launch in Kuantan, then THR Gegar is unable to launch in West Coast

2. THR Gegar use Red FM frequencies in West Coast, then THR Raaga use Red FM Kuantan frequency

3. Can it become possible that Astro launch a brand new Tamil radio station, which target serious and mature Tamil listeners like Lite FM, Sinar FM and Melody FM?

4. Could Astro relaunch Xfresh again, which was closed down on 9th July 2012?

5. Could Astro launch sports news radio on Red FM frequencies?

If THR FM takes over the frequency from Red FM and Capital FM, it can be happened like this below:

== THR Raaga==
- 99.3MHz: Klang Valley and Penang
- 102.1MHz: Taiping
- 97.9MHz: Ipoh
- 101.5MHz: Negeri Sembilan
- 103.7MHz: Johor Bahru
- 102.4MHz: Kedah, Perlis
- 101.9MHz: Langkawi
- 99.7MHz: Melaka
- 91.6MHz: Kuantan  (from Red FM)

==THR Gegar==
- 88.8MHz: Kuantan
- 88.1MHz: Kota Bharu
- 106.8MHz: Kuala Terengganu
- 104.9MHz: Klang Valley
- 89.1MHz: Seremban (change the frequency of Capital FM 88.9 and shift to Gunung Telapak Burok; 88.9MHz will be empty in Klang Valley)
- 98.9MHz: Melaka
- 92.8MHz: Johor Bahru 
- 98.1MHz: Kedah, Perlis, Penang 
- 106.4MHz: Ipoh
- 107.5MHz: Taiping (modify the frequency of Capital FM 107.6 and shift to Bukit Larut) 

Or a brand new Tamil classic radio station by these frequencies?

==New Tamil classic radio station/OSAI FM==
- 104.9MHz: Klang Valley
- 89.1MHz: Seremban (change the frequency of Capital FM 88.9 and shift to Gunung Telapak Burok; 88.9MHz will be empty in Klang Valley)
- 98.9MHz: Melaka
- 92.8MHz: Johor Bahru 
- 98.1MHz: Kedah, Perlis, Penang 
- 106.4MHz: Ipoh
- 107.5MHz: Taiping (modify the frequency of Capital FM 107.6 and shift to Bukit Larut) 
- 91.6MHz: Kuantan

Anyway these speculations are unofficial and not accurate at all, what we need is the official statement from Astro and Star Media Group.

List of DVB-T2 channels in Southern Thailand where can be received in Malaysia

Malaysia can receive these digital TV from Thailand.

- Baling, Sik, Pengkalan Hulu, Gerik: from Betong

- Alor Setar, Kangar, Langkawi, Bukit Kayu Hitam, Jitra: from Satun and Songkhla

- Kota Bharu: from Narathiwat

- East Kedah: from Yala.

Penang can try to receive from Yala or Betong

Frequencies lists are above.

FM 95.5MHz frequency analysis in East Kedah and Yala Thailand

FM 95.5MHz parameters

Power: 1kW
Tested site:
- Bukit Palong Kedah
- Bannang Sata Yala
- Betong Yala Thailand
- Narathiwat Thailand

RF analysis of FM 95.5MHz

1. Bukit Palong Kedah
- 95.5MHz: Bukit Palong
- 95.7MHz: Bukit Penara
Status: 200kHz, OK

- 95.4MHz: Gerik
- 95.5MHz: Bukit Palong
Status: 100kHz, NOT OK

- 95.5MHz: Bukit Palong
- 95.5MHz: Satun
Status: 0kHz, OK

2. Betong Thailand
 Analysis same as FM 95.5MHz Bukit Palong Kedah 

3. Yala Thailand
- 95.5MHz: Yala
- 95.7MHz: Bukit Penara
Status: 200kHz, OK

- 95.4MHz: Gerik
- 95.5MHz: Yala
Status: 100kHz, NOT OK

- 95.5MHz: Yala
- 95.5MHz: Bukit Bakar
Status: 0kHz, NOT OK

4. Narathiwat Thailand & Sg Kolok Thailand 
Same result with FM 95.5MHz Yala

Conclusion: FM 95.5MHz cannot be used in Bukit Palong, Yala (Bannang Sata), Betong and Narathiwat.

Recommended frequencies:

- FM 95.75MHz: Yala

FM 93.75MHz Betong Thailand analysis

93.75MHz Yala: Interference
93.75MHz Betong: OK

==Parameter of Betong FM==
Frequency: FM 93.75MHz (use Thailand radio two decimal frequency format)
Power: 1kW
Transmitting location: Betong Thailand
GPS: 05°45'44''N 101°04'04''E

RF analysis of FM 93.75MHz Betong

- 93.75MHz: Betong
- 93.9MHz: Gunung Jerai
Spacing: 150kHz
Actual minimum spacing: 200kHz

- 93.75MHz: Betong
- 93.8MHz: Bukit Panau
Spacing: 50kHz
Actual minimum spacing: 200kHz

For transmission power, maximum is 1kW, but 0.75kW is better and safer to be used.

RF Analysis: FM 94.0MHz in Southern Thailand East Coast

FM 94.0MHz is empty frequency in 3 Southern Thailand provinces such as Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala, but occupied in Songkhla Hat Yai and Satun.


RF analysis of FM 94.0MHz

1. Yala

94.0MHz: Yala (Bannang Sata)
94.25MHz: Yala (Bannang Sata)
Result: NOT OK

93.9MHz: Gn Jerai
94.0MHz: Yala (Bannang Sata)
Result: 100kHz, OK

93.8MHz: Bkt Panau
94.0Mhz: Yala (Bannang Sata)
Result: 200kHz, small interference

2. Narathiwat

94.0MHz: Narathiwat
94.25MHz: Yala (Bannang Sata)
Result: OK

93.9MHz: Gn Jerai
94.0MHz: Narathiwat
Result: 100kHz, OK

93.8MHz: Bkt Panau
94.0Mhz: Narathiwat
Result: 200kHz, NOT OK

3. Pattani

94.0MHz: Pattani
94.25MHz: Yala (Bannang Sata)
Result: OK

93.9MHz: Gn Jerai
94.0MHz: Pattani
Result: 100kHz, OK

93.8MHz: Bkt Panau
94.0Mhz: Pattani
Result: 200kHz, OK

94.0MHz: Pattani
94.0MHz: Hat Yai
Result: NOT OK

4. Sungai Kolok/Sg Padi (same result with Narathiwat)

Conclusion: FM 94.0MHz only can be used by community radio station in Narathiwat and Pattani, but power must not be more than 500W.

 

After IKIM FM 89.0MHz transmitted from Upper Jerai, what will happen to Thailand radio station?

Before June 2016, Malaysia Islamic radio station, IKIM FM Kedah-Penang-Perlis frequency was heavily interfered by Thailand Parliament Channel 89.0MHz from Yala Thailand in Kedah and Penang, even some areas in Penang got Thailand station on 89.0MHz.

In April 2016, I got some breaking news from MCMC spectrum people, stated that IKIM FM 89.0MHz will be transmitted from Upper Jerai, effective since June 2016. At the same time, I did not forget to mention about affected Thailand radio station in Yala to them.

MCMC told me that they'll study about affected Thailand radio during JTC and Special Task Force with Thailand NBTC.

In my opinion, after IKIM FM 89.0MHz is transmitted from Upper Jerai, most of Penang and North Perak areas can receive clearly. Formerly Betong and Pengkalan Hulu Perak can get Thailand radio station on 89.0MHz, now the station is overlapped by IKIM FM, even some Yala and Pattani areas within broadcast coverage of 89.0MHz will be interfered by IKIM FM.

What are the solution?

1. Add another relay transmitter in Betong Thailand
- My comment: I don't think Thailand Parliament Channel will add transmitter in Betong Thailand because of no commercial value. In addition, Betong is a small town in Yala. For the radio coverage, Betong is same as RTM Gerik and Bukit Palong, cover the areas within 25-30km only.

2. Change the existing frequency 89.0MHz
- This can directly to solve the interference, but pay with high costs because to change the transmission equipment completely.

In 2014 and 2015, I had suggested several vacant frequencies for this station in Yala. There are 87.5MHz, and 105.5MHz.

I had studied these two frequencies, basically they can be used, but at last I found "not OK" because interference to Narathiwat local community radio stations. FM 87.5MHz and FM 105.5MHz are also used within Narathiwat province.

Recently I studied a new frequency which may be suitable to be used in Yala, there is FM 95.75MHz.

This frequency looks good actually. It is "interference free" frequency. Look at the analysis

1. FM 95.7MHz Yala vs. RTM Radio Klasik Bukit Bakar 95.5MHz
Spacing: 250kHz, OK

2. FM 95.75MHz Yala vs. RTM Nasional FM Gerik 95.4MHz
Spacing: 350kHz, OK

3. FM 95.75MHz Yala vs. RTM Mutiara FM Bukit Penara 95.7MHz
Spacing: 50kHz, OK
Note: Bukit Penara is excluded from international coordination.

In conclusion, Thailand Parliament radio station can change its Yala frequency to FM 95.75MHz.

==Suggested parameters of Thai Parliament Channel Yala frequency==
Frequency: FM 95.75MHz
Power: 2kW
Transmitting location: Khao Pokyo, Bannang Sata, Yala, Thailand
Coordination: 06°20'10''N 101°23'26''E

If 95.75MHz is occupied in Yala, Mutiara FM Bukit Penara 95.7MHz will be interfered in Central and East Kedah, but it is ok because these areas are not coverage of 95.75Mhz Yala.

RF Analysis: Thailand (Yala) vs. Malaysia

In Yala Thailand, there is many radio stations. For public radio stations, their transmitter sites are located in a hill between Yala and Narathiwat border.

For empty frequencies, 93.75MHz and 95.75MHz can be nominated.

1. FM 93.75MHz Yala
- vs. Bukit Panau= 50kHz, NOT OK
- vs. Bukit Larut= 150kHz, OK
- vs. Gunung Jerai= 150kHz, OK
- vs. Pattani= 250kHz, OK
- vs. Satun= 0kHz, OK

2. FM 95.75MHz Yala
- vs. Gerik= 350kHz, OK
- vs. Bukit Penara= 50kHz, OK
- vs. Satun= 250kHz, OK
- vs. Bukit Bakar= 250kHz, OK

3. FM 93.75MHz Betong
- vs. Bukit Panau= 50kHz,  OK
- vs. Bukit Larut= 150kHz, OK
- vs. Gunung Jerai= 150kHz, OK

Among all Yala vacant frequencies with exclusion of existing vacant frequencies which are discussed between MCMC and NBTC in 2011, 95.75MHz is one of best frequency in Yala.

List of interference Malaysia and Thailand analogue TV stations within international coordination

Here are the list of interference analogue TV stations between Malaysia-Thailand-Singapore.

1. TV3 and MediaCorp Suria
- TV3: CH12 Gunung Ledang
- MediaCorp Suria: CH12 Bukit Batok
Affected areas: Central Johor
Alternative frequencies:
- TV3 CH30 Gunung Pulai

2. RTM TV1 and Thai PBS
- TV1: CH27 Padang Pauh
- Thai PBS: CH27 Satun
Affected areas: Perlis, North Kedah
Alternative frequencies:
- TV1 CH35 Gunung Raya
- Thai PBS CH34 Songkhla

3. RTM TV2 and Channel 3 Thailand
- TV2: CH11 Gunung Jerai
- Channel 3 Thailand: CH11 Satun
Affected areas: North Kedah
Alternative frequencies:
- TV2 CH39 Gunung Raya
- Channel 3 Thailand CH38 Songkhla

4. RTM TV1 and Mediacorp Channel U
- TV1: CH28 Gunung Ledang
- Channel U: CH28 Bukit Batok
Affected areas: Central Johor
Alternative frequencies:
- TV1 CH55 Gunung Pulai

5. NTV7 and Thai PBS
- NTV7: CH37 Gunung Jerai
- Thai PBS: CH37 Yala
Affected areas: Kedah
Alternative frequencies:
- Thai PBS CH34 Songkhla

About Asyik FM broadcast coverage

Asyik FM is the only Orang Asli language radio station in Malaysia, which is operated by RTM, formerly known as Radio7, but its broadcast coverage is not wide like other RTM national stations, could be "politic impact" reason.

Here are the current frequencies of Asyik FM nationwide:

- 91.1MHz: Kuala Lumpur Tower (for Klang Valley)
- 102.5MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali (for Pahang, Selangor, South Perak, parts of Negeri Sembilan/Melaka/Johor)
- 95.6MHz: Gunung Ledang (low power transmission 250W, for Segamat and Tangkak only)
- 105.1MHz: Gunung Brinchang (for Cameron Highlands)
- 97.3MHz: Bukit Ladang Teh (for Lenggong and part of Gerik)
- 99.9MHz: Bukit Botak (for Damak)
- 89.3MHz: Ulu Tembeling

In my opinion, among all the frequencies above. Only 102.5Mhz and 95.6MHz transmitter sites are strategic. The rest are gap filler transmitters, which operated at 500W power.

Asyik FM actually need to launch two more transmitters in strategic site, there are:

- Gunung Kledang for Central Perak
- Bukit Pelindung for East Pahang
- Changkat Rembian for Tapah
- Memplam Sari for Gerik

Rest strategic sites like Gn Jerai, Gn Pulai are not necessary because these areas have less Orang Asli..

But Asyik FM can be received nationwide via Shortwave SW 6050kHz