What is the future radio station of FM 92.5MHz in Kuching?

The Kuching new radio station FM 92.5MHz began transmission since April 2016. It was City Plus FM trial transmission. FM 92.5MHz is operated by Cense Media Sdn Bhd, which owns Kupi-Kupi FM 96.3MHz in Kota Kinabalu and City Plus FM 106.0MHz in Klang Valley/Negeri Sembilan.

FM 92.5MHz is transmitted in SACOFA Bukit Djin (formerly Bukit Antu). Before City Plus FM began trial transmission in Gunung Telapak Burok for Klang Valley and Negeri Sembilan on FM 106.0MHz, City Plus FM was only available of its trial transmission in Kuching.

City Plus FM is first Chinese business radio station in Malaysia, it was officially launched on 2nd May 2017. For Kuching frequency 92.5MHz, City Plus FM is not available there, instead FM 92.5MHz still carries trial transmission. Kuching FM 92.5MHz still never carries City Plus FM programmes from Klang Valley FM 106.0MHz.

City Plus FM has no plan to expand coverage in Kuching as Klang Valley programmes may not fit to Sarawak listeners tastes. Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak listeners have huge different taste. From my view, Sabah and Sarawak listeners need more local contents on the radio, than Peninsular Malaysia contents. Astro Hitz, ERA, and My FM have localized programmes in Sabah, Sarawak, ERA FM Sabah carries 24 hours Sabahan Malay programmes since 24th April 2017, no more relay from Peninsular main programmes.

When I visit Cense Media website, it stated that it would launch 3rd radio station in Kuching after Kupi-Kupi FM and City Plus FM.

Regarding to 3rd radio station in Kuching, it is unknown that which radio station will carry over 92.5MHz.

Until today, Kuching FM 92.5MHz is still carrying City Plus FM trial transmission, playing all same Chinese music over again 24/7. In my opinion, I may think that City Plus FM 92.5MHz will be completely ceased transmission in Kuching by next year. Then, FM 92.5MHz will be rebranded by a local radio station which targets Sarawakians, operated by Cense Media Sdn Bhd.

In Kuching, there are six Chinese radio stations, such as:

- MY FM Sarawak
- One FM
- Red FM Sarawak (Chinese & English)
- Melody FM
- Ai FM
- Tea FM (Chinese & English)

Tea FM is the first Sarawak and Sabah only Chinese radio station (with minority English programmes).

For FM 92.5MHz Kuching, I may not think it will be remained as Chinese radio station as result the number of station is enough there.

There are many Iban in Sarawak. For Sarawak ethnics languages radio stations station, there are only RTM Wai FM (Iban/Kayan/Bidayuh) and Cats FM, but Cats FM is billingual radio station which broadcasts in Ibanese and Sarawak Malay.

Following the demographics in Sarawak, Iban is the largest population among all ethnics in Sarawak.

Seriously there is lack of radio stations to target Iban listeners. Only Cats FM targets Iban listeners as commercial radio in Sarawak. From my view, Cense Media Sdn Bhd can rebrand FM 92.5MHz as Sarawakians radio station (mainly Iban) to attract Sarawakians, just like Kupi-Kupi FM targets Kadazan and Dusun listeners, also broadcasts in Sabahan Malay, Kadazan and Dusun language.

If Cense Media launches Iban radio station on FM 92.5MHz Kuching, it will become first Iban commercial radio station in the state. In my opinion, to attract other races in Sarawak together with Iban, FM 92.5MHz Kuching also can carry Kenyah, Kayan, Bidayuh, Melanau language programmes, but as commercial radio station, I don't think it may not be effective.

For coverage of Cense Media 3rd radio station in Kuching, it is not enough if this Iban radio station is available only in Kuching. It shall be expanded to other Sarawak divisions where are Iban majority areas such as Sibu, Miri, Bintulu, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Mukah, and Limbang, but depends on commercial value of the divisions.

 

==CENSE Media radio stations==

1. Kupi-Kupi FM 96.3MHz (Kota Kinabalu): Sabahans radio (Sabahan Malay, Kadazan Dusun)

2. City Plus FM 106.0MHz (Klang Valley/Negeri Sembilan/Central Pahang/parts of Melaka): Chinese business radio station

3. FM 92.5MHz (Kuching): Iban language radio station???

What do you think if Cense Media launches its 3rd radio station in Kuching by launching Iban language radio station? Please share your thoughts by leaving comments on this post. 

[Minor topic]: Gemas is under Tampin and Jempol district of Negeri Sembilan?

Gemas, Negeri Sembilan under two districts administration? Let's check it out.

Gemas is a town in southeast Negeri Sembilan, it is located at the border between Negeri Sembilan and Johor. Generally Gemas is under Tampin district administration, but technically Gemas is also under Jempol district administration. So, it means that Gemas is under two Negeri Sembilan districts, Jempol and Tampin.

In Gemas Negeri Sembilan, it has many sub towns:

- Pasir Besar
- Pusat Bandar Palong
- FELDA Jelai
- Gemas Lama
- Gemas Baharu

Here are Gemas areas where under different districts:

- Tampin (Council: Majlis Daerah Tampin): Gemas Lama, Pusat Bandar Gemas, Pasir Besar, FELDA Jelai, FELDA Bukit Jalor, FELDA Sungai Kelamah, FELDA Kurnia Diraja

- Jempol (Council: Majlis Daerah Jempol): FELDA Palong 1-16, Pusat Bandar Palong

In addition, Gemas is divided into many postcodes for its sub-areas.

==Gemas Negeri Sembilan postcodes under Tampin district==
73400: Gemas town
73410: Ayer Kurning Selatan (unofficial, also on 73300)
73420: FELDA Pasir Besar, Kampung Pasir Besar
73480: FELDA Jelai

==Gemas Negeri Sembilan postcodes under Jempol district==
73430: Pusat Bandar Palong, FELDA Palong 4, 5, 6
73440: FELDA Palong 1
73450: FELDA Palong 2
73460: FELDA Palong 3
73470: FELDA Palong 7-16

==Gemas fixed line numbers==
Gemas town: 07-94xxxxx, 07-96xxxxx
FELDA Palong: 06-4xxxxxx

== FM radio reception in Gemas, Johor ==
- Gunung Ledang: Excellent (except Asyik FM 95.6MHz)
- Gunung Telapak Burok: OK, in STEREO reception for few radio stations
- Gunung Ulu Kali: Poor signal
- Gunung Pulai, Singapore: NO SIGNAL
- Bukit Pelindung: NO SIGNAL
- Bukit Gan: NO SIGNAL
- Bukit Sungai Besi: NO SIGNAL
- Kuala Lumpur Tower: NO SIGNAL
- Bukit Tampin: Weak signal

Kool FM Perak frequency (Part 2)

In Ipoh, there is no available frequencies to be used until today. At the previous blog post, titled Kool FM Perak frequency (Part 1), mentioned that 93.3, 93.9 and 94.9 cannot be used due to interference.

Previously I shared my opinion by suggesting to use Bukit Larut 105.7MHz for Kool FM to cover Ipoh and Taiping, but it is not so perfect because not all Ipoh areas can get Kool FM clearly as the signal is blocked by Gunung Kledang and Gunung Bubu, as well as other mountains in Ipoh.

Its sister station Hot FM operates Taiping frequency on FM 90.5MHz in Bukit Larut, actually there is another suggestion to move FM 90.5MHz transmission site to Gunung Kledang for Kool FM, but Hot FM Taiping frequency shall be moved to 105.7MHz by adding new transmitter in Bukit Larut which is originally suggested for Kool FM.

Means Media Prima Malay radio stations frequencies in Perak will be changed like below if the suggestion is applied.

==Media Prima Malay radio in Perak==

FM 104.5MHz: Hot FM Gunung Kledang Ipoh
FM 105.7MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut Taiping
FM 90.5MHz: Kool FM Gunung Kledang Ipoh (Hot FM will no longer operate in Taiping on 90.5MHz)

If FM 90.5MHz is moved to Gunung Kledang for Kool FM, this will led Central Perak areas are available to receive Kool FM. About its RF analysis, 90.5MHz has no problem as 400kHz separation with Gunung Kledang radio. In addition, Kool FM does not need Taiping frequency as Taiping can receive either 90.2MHz from Bukit Penara or 90.5MHz from Gunung Kledang, meanwhile Hot FM can be listened in Taiping on 105.7MHz.

==RF Analysis Kool FM Ipoh frequency==

90.1MHz: Traxx FM Gunung Kledang
90.5MHz: Kool FM Gunung Kledang
90.9MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Kledang

<400kHz, OK>

90.2MHz: Kool FM Bukit Penara
90.5MHz: Kool FM Gunung Kledang
<300kHz, OK>

== RF analysis Hot FM Taiping new frequency==

105.7MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut
105.7MHz: Kedah FM Gunung Raya
<0kHz, OK>

105.7MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut
105.7MHz: Lite FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<0kHz, OK>

105.3MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Larut
105.7MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut
106.1MHz: Ai FM Bukit Larut
<400kHz, OK>

To use 90.5MHz in Gunung Kledang for Kool FM, current Hot FM 90.5MHz in Bukit Larut transmission equipment shall be removed from the tower, but TX antenna is also needed to be replaced due to Bukit Larut and Gunung Kledang antenna pattern are different. So, this reallocation is needed to get approval from MCMC, and the costs will be very expensive to change the parameters. Installation and modifying parameters also need more time to be performed. 

At the same time, this kind of suggestion also involves costs of changing parameters and equipment. The problem is Hot FM already operates in Taiping on FM 90.5MHz in Bukit Larut since May 2011, Hot FM is earlier than Kool FM actually in terms of its history.

In conclusion, the suggestion is not practical by migrating Hot FM 90.5MHz TX site from Bukit Larut to Gunung Kledang for Kool FM (meanwhile Hot FM Bkt Larut is 105.7MHz after the migration).

Is Kool FM able to have Johor Bahru frequency?

So far Kool FM has no frequency in Johor Bahru yet since its launching date from March 2016 until today. Recently Kool FM has reached coverage in Kuching of Sarawak on FM 104.3MHz in SACOFA Bukit Djin Kuching, until today Kool FM has not reached coverage in Johor Bahru, Melaka, Seremban, Kota Kinabalu and Perak.

Someone is suggesting Kool FM to use FM 99.5MHz in Gunung Pulai for Johor Bahru and Singapore. Seriously, FM 99.5MHz was formerly carried as Mediacorp Lush 99.5FM, a non-mainstream indie music radio station in Singapore. As part of rationalization on its radio networks, Mediacorp stopped transmission of Lush 99.5FM since 1st September 2017. The last day Lush 99.5FM broadcasting was on 31st August 2017. After 01.01.2017 0000hours, FM 99.5MHz is empty and it is static signal in Singapore.

I don't think the suggestion of Kool FM using FM 99.5MHz in Gunung Pulai will be worked and effective much as FM 99.5MHz is belonged to Singapore Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). Before launching of Lush 99.5FM in 2004, the frequency was formerly carried as Passion FM in 2003.

If Kool FM wants to use 99.5MHz in Gunung Pulai, this will involve MCMC to deal with IMDA as Johor is under international coordination. In addition, I also don't think IMDA will simply give way of 99.5FM to neighbouring countries as IMDA will reserve 99.5FM for Singapore new radio station. Same goes to FM 89.3MHz and FM 96.3MHz, although these two frequencies were empty in Johor Bahru since 2010 and 2016 respectively, but both of them were reserved by Singapore. IMDA opened tender to new radio players until September 2016, the result of the public tender for FM 89.3MHz and FM 96.3MHz was announced on March 2017, SPH won the tenders. In November 2017, SPH (Singapore Press Holdings) announced that they would launch Money FM 89.3MHz (English business radio) and Hao 好FM 96.3MHz (Chinese retro radio to target listeners aged 45-54 years old) by January 2018.

Malaysia Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC)

In the future, I also guess that IMDA will open public tender again for 99.5FM for new radio station in Singapore. For suggestion of Kool FM 99.5 in Johor Bahru, I think Singapore IMDA will not allow to give the frequency. It does not only involve MCMC, it also involves the cost of frequency as MCMC or Media Prima needs to pay more expensive fees of 99.5FM to IMDA Singapore.

Although Kool FM is allowed to use FM 99.5MHz. I don't guarantee that transmission will be perfect much as co-channel with Hot FM 99.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok which may cause interference in Central Johor, plus North Johor and some Melaka areas, unless antenna pattern never beam to north direction much.

==RF Analysis==

99.5MHz: Kool FM Gunung Pulai
99.5MHz: Hot FM Gunung Telapak Burok

Until today, there is no 0kHz separation between Gunung Pulai and Gunung Telapak Burok. Checked all the radio stations, all of them are separated at 100kHz.
For other frequencies, somebody also suggested to use FM 87.5MHz. I also don't think so, because it will cause interference with Radio Discovery Minang 87.6MHz in Batam. Plus, the frequency 87.5MHz is too close with Sinar FM 87.8MHz Gunung Pulai. The minimum frequency separation between two transmitter sites within same coverage must be at least 400kHz.

When I went to Singapore, I found FM 107.9MHz was empty in Johor Bahru and Southern Johor, even Singapore too. Two years ago, I was suggesting FM 107.9MHz to be used for FM broadcasting in Gunung Pulai to MCMC, but I was told by MCMC that FM 107.9MHz is occupied for airband usage. MCMC also stated that it will cause flight accident (will led death of passengers and flight crews) because 107.9MHz will interfere with aircraft signal when it is used for broadcasting.

Although FM 107.9MHz is empty frequencies in South Johor, it is used as aircraft transmission in Johor airport, Singapore airport and Batam/Riau airport. In my opinion, in order to let Kool FM to launch Johor Bahru frequency on FM 107.9MHz in Gunung Pulai, the airport in Johor, Singapore, and Batam/Riau where use 107.9-108.1MHz as aircraft shall be changed to 108.2MHz onwards, but this will involve high costs to do reallocate broadcasting-aircraft spectrum frequencies.

FYI, the spectrum frequency range is between VHF 108MHz-137MHz.

In Malaysia, there is no any radio station to use FM 87.5MHz and 108.0MHz, except Langkawi FM in RTM Kuah (low power transmitter). Media Prima One FM in Gunung Kledang Ipoh formerly was FM 87.5MHz, it changed to FM 87.6MHz due to 87.5 reception is unstable and interference with other services. This is because MCMC may avoid the radio station to avoid to interfere with other services, so the FM frequency range is between FM 87.6MHz to FM 107.9MHz.

In conclusion, Johor Bahru is still in red light for Kool FM to reach there. For the temporary moment, Kool FM shall launch frequency in Gunung Ledang first for Melaka and North Johor (my suggestion: 100.9MHz). At least central and some southern Johor areas still can receive Kool FM from Gunung Ledang, but Johor Bahru will not receive Kool FM clearly.

Profesor Kool

[Singapore DXing]: The day after end transmission of Lush FM 99.5MHz

Singapore had a radio station to play Singaporean local music ranging from indie to pop, rock and alternative music. It was Lush 99.5FM, operated by Mediacorp. Launched on 31st December 2004, but Mediacorp ended Lush 99.5FM on 31st August 2017 as part of rationalization, as well as low listenership rating which cause Lush 99.5 is unable to sustain the operating costs.

Rest in peace Lush 99.5FM.

I heard the news stated that the Lush 99.5FM music element will be merged into 938Now and 987FM.

After Lush 99.5FM was death since 31.08.2017, there is no more Singaporean local indie music radio station in Singapore. At the same time, Singapore English talk radio station 938LIVE refreshed its content since November 2017 by renaming 938NOW.

987FM is playing current hot mainstream contemporary hits, Class 95FM is playing mainstream hits from 1980s until now, then Gold 90.5FM is playing classic hits from 1960s till 1990s. Where is Singaporean local music going to after death of Lush 99.5FM?

About Lush 99.5FM music merging to other radio stations like 987FM and 938NOW, I think 938NOW shall play more important role than 987FM to play Lush 995 music element. I don't think 987FM is suitable to play Lush 99.5FM music element as 987FM is playing hot mainstream music.

987FM: Hot mainstream contemporary hit radio
938NOW: News, talk, current affairs, traffic info

In my opinion, 938NOW shall not play mainstream songs like Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus etc. In order to pay respect on Lush 99.5FM, the radio 938NOW shall play Singaporean local indie music (non-mainstream, electronic, chill out, rock, alternative, pop) all the time, even with non-peak hours to keep distance away of its music genre from 987FM and Class 95FM. Therefore, Singapore local indie music still can be survived on radio, although no more Lush 99.5FM.

938NOW is a Singapore radio station to focus on news, current affairs and other talks. To me, it is more fit on 938NOW radio image if they play indie music, not mainstream music like what played on 987FM and Class 95FM.

==Suggestion of music genre for 938NOW (in order to pay respect on Lush 99.5FM)==
938NOW: News, current affairs, talk feature with chill out, urban AC, electronic music, indie music, deep house, local music

With this suggestion, Singapore local non-mainstream indie artists' songs can be played on 938NOW. In addition, 938NOW can attract more listeners who like to listen to non-mainstream music. Although Lush 99.5 is death, and suggestion to merge Lush 99.5FM music element into 938NOW does not mean 938NOW replaced Lush 99.5FM because 938NOW is a talk radio station, but it is just featuring Lush 99.5FM music elements.

Is it logic to suggest im4u FM 107.9MHz to transmit from Gunung Ulu Kali?

Until today, im4u FM 107.9MHz is transmitted from Bukit Sungai Besi for Klang Valley, launched since March 2013.

3 years ago, I was used to suggest im4u FM 107.9MHz to migrate its transmitter site to Gunung Ulu Kali in order to reach wider coverage of Klang Valley.

==RF analysis of im4u FM 107.9==

107.5MHz: Pahang FM Gn Ulu Kali
107.9MHz: IM4U FM Gn Ulu Kali
<400kHz, OK>

107.7MHz: Negeri FM Gn Ledang
107.9MHz: IM4U FM Gn Ulu Kali
<200kHz, OK>

107.9MHz: IM4U FM Gn Ulu Kali
107.9MHz: Radio Klasik Bukit Pelindung
<0kHz, OK>

107.9MHz: IM4U FM Gn Ulu Kali
107.9MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Larut
<0kHz, NOT OK>

When I rethink again back of this suggestion which made two years ago, now I don't think IM4U FM 107.9MHz is not suitable to be used in Gunung Ulu Kali as there is co-channel interference to Minnal FM 107.9MHz Bukit Larut coverage in Perak areas like Manjung, Sitiawan, Lumut, Ayer Tawar, Pangkor Island and some Teluk Intan areas. In this areas, Minnal FM main frequency is 98.9MHz from Gunung Kledang. Unfortunately, Minnal FM 98.9MHz Gn Kledang is interfered heavily by 988 FM 98.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in many Perak areas since 1996. In Tapah, Teluk Intan, Bidor, Sungkai, Langkap and Kampung Gajah, Minnal FM can be received alternatively on FM 96.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, even FM 107.9MHz Bukit Larut still can be received, but not clear.

When comes to Manjung district areas like Sitiawan, Manjung, Ayer Tawar, Changkat Keruing and Pangkor, these areas suppose to receive radio signal from Gunung Kledang loudly and clearly. While Minnal FM 98.9MHz is still having interference with 988 FM 98.8MHz, its Bukit Larut 107.9MHz is very important alternative frequency in these affected areas. It also states that Minnal FM 96.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali reception is unstable in Manjung district areas as 100kHz interference with Sinar FM 96.4MHz Bukit Larut. Imagine if IM4U FM 107.9MHz is transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali, all Minnal FM frequencies in Perak 98.9, 96.3 and 107.9 will get interference much.

Unless Minnal FM changes its Ipoh frequency 98.9MHz to 99.0MHz, so there is no problem if IM4U FM 107.9MHz transmits from Ulu Kali, but RTM is unable to change the frequency as RTM is using 6+1 system where six transmitters share with a TX standby antenna. If RTM changes Minnal FM Ipoh frequency, the rest of RTM Ipoh radio station broadcasting will be heavily affected. In addition, this will involve high cost to change the transmission equipment. Besides that, I was told by RTM that the usage of FM 98.9MHz by Minnal FM in Gunung Kledang Ipoh was earlier than 988 FM 98.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali. RTM also told me that logically 988 shall change the frequency.

I may agree with the comment, but 988 is a Chinese radio station name based on FM 98.8MHz in Klang Valley. If 988 changes frequency, the station name shall be renamed. Why 988? In Chinese language, 988 is 九八八 ("jiu ba ba" in Mandarin, "kao batt batt" in Cantonese), the name sounds bringing prosperity, it means 988 is bringing prosperity forever. (久發發, "jiu fa fa" in Mandarin, "kao fatt fatt" in Cantonese).

When Minnal FM 98.9MHz Gunung Kledang faces interference with 988 FM 98.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in many Perak areas, Minnal FM 107.9MHz Bukit Larut and 96.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali becomes important alternative frequencies to cover affected areas. In conclusion, IM4U FM 107.9MHz cannot be transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali. 988 in these affected areas can be tuned on FM 99.8MHz from Gunung Kledang Ipoh, even FM 101.0MHz Bukit Larut can be listened.

- FM 107.9MHz: Lumut, Manjung, Sitiawan, Ayer Tawar, Changkat Keruing, Pantai Remis, Pangkor
- FM 96.3MHz: Teluk Intan, Bagan Datoh, Langkap, Tapah, Bidor, Sungkai, Terolak, Temoh, and Kampung Gajah

TV Alhijrah becomes loss making TV station. Will Media Prima acquire TV Alhijrah?

According to Auditor General's report 2016 series 2, TV Alhijrah lost money 3 years continuously.
Its pre-tax losses were RM19.65 million in 2014, RM17.03 million (2015) and RM10.88 million (2016), meanwhile the losses of TVAH were RM21.34 million in 2014, RM16.55 million (2015), and RM11.73 million (2016) after the tax.

The AG report stated that advertising performance is also unsatisfactory because the number of sponsored programmes is still low"

TV Alhijrah is a Malaysia Islamic free-to-air television which operated by JAKIM (Islamic development affairs department), it was launched in 2010 and broadcasted via analog TV (selected areas), Astro, internet and myFreeview digital terrestrial television (in HD form).

The objective of the company to become a broadcaster that educates, entertains and unites the ummah lacked effectiveness due to the low ratings. Revenue from airtime is also far from achieving the company's target.

In my opinion, as Islamic media, TV Alhijrah is very far away from IKIM FM (Islamic radio station in Malaysia). Firstly, programming content is one of the issue. Secondly, TV Alhijrah analog channel coverage is not widely transmitted. Other than Mersing and east Johor, TV Alhijrah has no coverage in rest of Johor areas, same goes to Penang and Negeri Sembilan. Thirdly, most of Malaysians are watching commercial television such as Astro and Media Prima channels, so the viewership is affecting TV Alhijrah because it is owned by JAKIM.

Next, if TV Alhijrah continues loss making by subsequent years like Capital FM from The Star, I may think Media Prima acquired TV Alhijrah.

In the past, most of standalone TV channels such as Metrovision, NTV7, Channel 9 were acquired by Media Prima (TV3 company). Media Prima is a fully integrated media company which born from the asset of TV3 and New Straits Times to form since 2003. The acquisition of Media Prima on Metrovision, NTV7 and Channel 9 leds the company becomes monopoly of free-to-air TV markets. About FTA TV market in Malaysia, there are RTM, Media Prima, TV-Alhijrah (JAKIM) and Bernama, the FTA TV market is dominated by Media Prima. When comes to viewership ratings of FTA TV, Media Prima TV3 is the highest, following by TV9, NTV7 and 8TV, beating away RTM TV channels.

Here are the history of Media Prima acquisitions:

- Metrovision: Acquired in 2000. Rebranded to 8TV since 2004 to target Chinese and English viewers.
- NTV7: Acquired in 2005, but remained its programming format.
- Channel 9: Acquired in 2005. Rebranded to TV9 since 2006 to target younger Malay viewers
- Wa FM (Synchrosound Studios Sdn Bhd): Acquired in 2005. Rebranded as Hot FM since 2006 as Malay hot contemporary radio station to target Gen Y and Gen Z Malays.
- Radio Wanita WFM 88.1: Acquired in 2008. Rebranded as One FM since 2009 as Chinese hot contemporary radio station
- Ultra FM and PiMai FM: Acquired in 2015. Rebranded as Kool FM since March 2016 as Malay classic retro radio station to target Malay Gen X.

Last acquisition by Media Prima was on October 2015 to take over Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd (Ultra and Pi Mai). Since TV Alhijrah lost money in 2014, 2015 and 2016, will Media Prima acquire TVAH at the next?

Media Prima currently owns six TV channels until today, such as:
- TV3 (HD and SD)
- NTV7
- 8TV
- TV9

and newly:
- Drama Sangat (currently in trial transmission via digital terrestrial television/DTT to air drama 24/7, formerly Drama Sangat was just a segment on TV3 and TV9)
- CJ Wow Shop (trial transmission via DTT, a shopping TV 24/7 in the future. Currently CJ Wow Shop also aired on NTV7, 8TV and TV9 during early morning slots)

Imagine if Media Prima acquires TV Alhijrah to settle the loss making of the station, there are three possibilities can be happened. Death or alive of TVAH?

1. Media Prima can fully rebrand TV Alhijrah as other format TV station. This means former TVAH will not become Islamic TV station anymore, just like Metrovision to 8TV.

2. Media Prima may remain TVAH brand, but different management. Advertising will be totally different.

3. Media Prima can rename TVAH without changing its format. Currently there is Islamic related segment on TV3 and TV9 called as "Raudhah". In my opinion, if Media Prima acquires TV Alhijrah, MPB can rename it as "Raudhah TV", 24 hours Islamic TV station by Media Prima. So, those TV3 and TV9 Islamic related programmes can be transferred to this newly acquired TV.

Jokingly say after MPB acquires TVAH and rebrands it as Raudhah, they can add CJ Wow Shop shopping segment on that station, called as "CJ Wow Shop Islamic" to sell Islamic products to target Muslims community who may prefer to buy Islamic products via shopping television. Jubah, hijab, niqab, burqa, variety design kopiah (Muslim men praying cap) with TV3/TV9/Hot FM/Kool FM logo etc can be sold on CJ Wow Shop Islamic at Raudhah TV. Hehehhehehhe! XD "Pakai tanpa was-was! Hahahahhahhaha! XD"

Anyway see what is the next action course.

At the same time, someone is asking me that what if TV Alhijrah is absorbed by RTM. For this, I never think RTM will absorb TVAH because the acquisition is very expensive. Plus, TVAH is semi commercial free-to-air TV station, which is operated by JAKIM. From my view, as I know, the acquisition on loss making TV or radio costs at least RM 20 millions, maximum up to RM 100 millions, depends on the seller auction price.

In Malaysia, most of giant media company like Astro and Media Prima will acquire those loss making media especially TV and radio because the giant media company can launch new brands without applying new license. Due to limited spectrum in Malaysia, it is very difficult to apply new broadcast license (including CASP license).

MPB can transfer those existing Islamic programmes on TV3 and TV9 such as Tanyalah Ustaz, DAI (Dakwah Nusantara), Jejak Rasul etc to post acquired TVAH station if MPB remains TVAH format.

Media Prima- "King of Free To Air TV" in Malaysia.

 

City Plus FM Penang frequency suggestion: Bukit Larut

City Plus FM is a Chinese business radio station which operated by CENSE Media Sdn Bhd since November 2016 for trial transmission, and official transmission since May 2017. It is transmitted from Gunung Telapak Burok on FM 106.0MHz to cover Negeri Sembilan, Klang Valley, Central Pahang, Northeast Johor and parts of Melaka.

For northern region, Penang is important as there are many business areas and SMEs, but the frequency is super limited there.

In my opinion, City Plus FM can launch transmitter in Bukit Larut to beam northwest direction to cover Penang. Although North Perak has less SMEs, but it is bonus area. For the frequency, only FM 93.1MHz is available.

I do suggest Bukit Larut, instead of other sites such as Seberang Jaya and Bukit Penara because Bukit Larut is the highest hill in northern region of Malaysia (1349 meters). Plus the frequency FM 93.1MHz looks more suitable as there is likely no interference to existing radio.

==City Plus FM Penang frequency suggestion==
Frequency: FM 93.1MHz
Power: 2kW
Transmitter site: Bukit Larut

==RF analysis of City Plus FM Penang frequency==

92.8MHz: Hitz FM Gunung Jerai
93.1MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Larut
<300kHz, OK>

93.1MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Larut
93.3MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Palong
<200kHz, OK>

93.0MHz: Radio Thailand Betong
93.1MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Larut
<100kHz, OK>

93.1MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Larut
93.1MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Brinchang
<0kHz, OK>

92.7MHz: Hitz FM Gunung Kledang
93.1MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Larut
<400kHz, OK>

92.9MHz: Hitz FM Gunung Ulu Kali
93.1MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Larut
<200kHz, OK>

From here, if City Plus FM uses 93.1MHz in Bukit Larut, although it never interfere Radio Thailand Betong 93.0MHz coverage within Betong Thailand, but the reception of Radio Thailand Betong 93.0MHz won't be received in Penang, instead signal is being overlapped by City Plus FM 93.1MHz. In addition, I don't think there is problem if co-channel frequency with Nasional FM 93.1MHz Gunung Brinchang because Nasional FM 93.1 covers Cameron Highlands only. Alternatively and exactly Nasional FM can be tuned in affected areas on FM 90.9MHz from Gunung Kledang and FM 107.1MHz from Bukit Larut, even FM 95.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is available when comes to South Perak such as Tapah and Tanjung Malim.

Previously I considered 93.2MHz, but now I don't suggest FM 93.2MHz because it will cause interference with Minnal FM 93.3MHz Bukit Palong in Penang. So, City Plus FM reception will be worse in Penang if use 93.2 from Bkt Larut.

With Bukit Larut transmitter, City Plus FM doesn't only cover Taiping and Penang, even some Ipoh areas can receive the station.

It is enough when City Plus FM has two frequencies in Peninsular Malaysia.

106.0FM: Klang Valley, Negeri Sembilan, Central Pahang, Northeast Johor, and parts of Melaka
93.1FM: Penang and Taiping

Bilakah Kool FM ada frekuensi di wilayah selatan?

Kool FM mempunyai lima frekuensi di negara Malaysia.

- 101.3 di Lembah Klang dari Bukit Sungai Besi
- 90.2 di Pulau Pinang dari Bukit Penara. Boleh didengari di Perak Utara dan Kedah Selatan
- 93.6 di Kuala Terengganu dari Bukit Besar
- 88.6 di Kota Bharu dari Peringat
- 107.3 di Alor Setar dari Menara Alor Setar

Pelancaran frekuensi Kool FM terakhir ialah di Alor Setar pada Oktober 2016. Sampai sekarang, Kool FM belum ada frekuensi di kawasan lain seperti Perak, Kuantan, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka dan Johor.

Kawasan Ipoh memang tiada frekuensi, 93.9 dan 94.9 dilihat sebagai frekuensi kosong tidak boleh digunakan akibat "co-channel" dengan Mutiara FM 93.9MHz dan Radio Klasik 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai, boleh menyebabkan gangguan teruk kepada liputan Gunung Jerai di beberapa kawasan Kedah. Jarak minima antara Gunung Kledang dan Gunung Jerai ialah 100kHz, tiada jarak stesen radio antara Kledang dan Jerai ialah 0kHz pada masa kini. Tidak semua kawasan Ipoh boleh dapat Kool FM dengan jelas jika dipancar dari Bukit Larut.

Kool FM tidak mempunyai sebarang frekuensi di kawasan wilayah selatan sampai sekarang. Saya perasan bahawa tiada frekuensi kosong di kawasan Johor Bahru lagi. Walaupun 107.9MHz adalah kosong, saya diberitahui frekuensi tersebut telah digunakan di kawasan lapangan terbang untuk pemancar "airband" di Johor Bahru, Singapura dan Indonesia. Kos memang tinggi jika frekuensi 107.9MHz di lapangan terbang ketiga-tiga kawasan tersebut ditukar.

Untuk wilayah selatan, biasanya ada tiga pemancar untuk meliputinya (tidak termasuk pemancar gap filler).

- Gunung Telapak Burok untuk Negeri Sembilan kecuali Tampin dan FELDA Lui Jempol
- Gunung Ledang untuk Melaka dan Johor Utara
- Gunung Pulai untuk Johor Selatan, boleh diterima di Singapura.

Bayangkan jika frekuensi 107.9MHz tiada lagi digunakan untuk tujuan penerbangan, Kool FM boleh menggunakan 107.9MHz di Gunung Pulai untuk kawasan Johor Selatan, tambahan pula Singapura boleh menerima Kool FM untuk bersaing dengan Mediacorp Warna 94.2FM. Malangnya, sampai sekarang 107.9MHz tidak boleh digunakan untuk penyiaran radio di Johor Selatan dari Gunung Pulai. Saya diberitahui bahawa penggunaan frekuensi 107.9MHz untuk penyiaran radio boleh menyebabkan kemalangan penerbangan (yang boleh membawa maut kepada penumpang kapal terbang) akibat gangguan kepada pemancaran penerbangan jika 107.9MHz sedang digunakan untuk penerbangan.

Kesiannya tiada frekuensi Kool FM lagi di wilayah selatan sampai sekarang, terpaksa dengar melalui app atau online. Pada pandangan saya, Kool FM memerlukan sekurang-kurangnya 1 pemancar untuk wilayah selatan, iaitu frekuensi Melaka dari Gunung Ledang. Walaupun frekuensi Johor Bahru sudah penuh, tetapi Gunung Ledang dilihat bahawa masih mempunyai frekuensi kosong lagi.

Dengan frekuensi Kool FM di Gunung Ledang, sekurang-kurangnya Kool FM boleh meliputi Melaka, Johor Utara dan sebahagian besar kawasan Negeri Sembilan.

==Kawasan liputan Kool FM Gunung Ledang==
- Seluruh Melaka
- Johor: Muar, Tangkak, Bakri, Pagoh, Gerisek, Sungai Mati, Parit Jawa, Batu Pahat, Sri Gading, Kluang, Parit Raja, Parit Sulong, Semerah, Yong Peng, Simpang Renggam, Chaah, Labis, Segamat, Batu Anam. Boleh didengari di Kota Tinggi dan Pontian dengan penerimaan yang lemah
- Negeri Sembilan: Tampin, Gemencheh, Gemas, Rompin, Bahau, Bandar Seri Jempol, FELDA Serting, FELDA Lui, Kampung Sungai Lui, Kuala Pilah, Serting, Batu Kikir, Juasseh, Simpang Pertang, Pusat Bandar Palong, Rembau, Kota dan sedikit kawasan Kuala Klawang.
- Pahang: Kemayan, Muadzam Shah dan Keratong

Untuk frekuensinya, ada orang cadang FM 100.8MHz. Pada pandangan saya, FM 100.8MHz itu bahaya kerana boleh membawa gangguan kepada liputan MY FM 100.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok di Negeri Sembilan akibat MY FM 100.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok mempunyai jarak 200kHz lagi daripada Ai FM 100.4MHz Gunung Ledang. Lihat analisa ini:

100.4MHz: Ai FM Gunung Ledang
100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok
100.8MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang

<200kHz +&-, gangguan teruk>

Pada pandangan saya juga, frekuensi FM 100.9MHz lebih sesuai digunakan oleh Kool FM di Gunung Ledang, kawasan utama ialah Melaka terdahulu, diikuti Johor Utara dan sebahagian Negeri Sembilan, tetapi kawasan Johor Bahru tidak akan menerimanya dengan jelas kerana 200kHz dengan Minnal FM 101.1MHz dari Gunung Pulai. Walaupun frekuensi 100.9MHz yang saya cadangkan untuk Kool FM sama dengan Selangor FM 100.9MHz Ulu Kali, saya mungkin berfikir bahawa tiada masalah jika ada co-channel interference di Negeri Sembilan seperti Port Dickson dan Rantau serta Pahang (Bera, Teriang dan Temerloh), kerana kawasan yang ada gangguan frekuensi sama bukan lagi kawasan liputan Kool FM Gunung Ledang dan Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali. Justeru, Selangor FM 100.9MHz hanya untuk negeri Selangor sahaja. Kool FM boleh tambah frekuensi Seremban di Gunung Telapak Burok jika penerimaan Gunung Ledang tidak jelas di Negeri Sembilan dan Pahang Tengah.

100.9MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang
100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<0kHz, OK>

100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok
100.9MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang
<300kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang
101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai
<200kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang
101.1MHz: MY FM Bukit Pelindung
<200kHz, OK>

== Contoh co-channel Gunung Ledang dan Gunung Ulu Kali==

103.3MHz: Era FM Gunung Ulu Kali
103.3MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Ledang

105.3MHz: Suria FM Gunung Ulu Kali
105.3MHz: Johor FM Gunung Ledang (Johor Utara sahaja)

88.1MHz: one FM Gunung Ulu Kali
88.1MHz: one FM Gunung Ledang

100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali
100.9MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang
<OK>

Kool FM perlu lancar frekuensi Melaka di Gunung Ledang terdahulu untuk wilayah selatan, diikuti Gunung Telapak Burok untuk Negeri Sembilan dan Pahang Tengah.

Kool FM Pahang Tengah/Barat

Pada masa sekarang, Kool FM belum sampai ke kawasan Pahang, namun Kuantan belum ada Kool FM.

Kita tahu Bukit Pelindung boleh meliputi kawasan Pahang Timur dengan jelas, ia juga pemancar utama di negeri Pahang, iaitu ibu negerinya, Kuantan.

Bukit Pelindung meliputi Kuantan, Pekan, Gambang, dan Terengganu Selatan. Kawasan selain dari Pahang Timur tidak boleh menerima signal Bukit Pelindung.

Biasanya Pahang Barat menerima siaran radio dari Gunung Ulu Kali, kawasanya seperti Temerloh, Bentong, Bera, Lipis dan Raub. Frekuensi Lembah Klang Kool FM 101.3MHz terletak di Bukit Sungai Besi, ini menyebabkan kawasan Pahang Barat tidak boleh menerima Kool FM. Dengar khabar angin pemohonan pemindahan tempat pemancar Kool FM ke Gunung Ulu Kali telah ditolak akibat gangguan kepada stesen radio yang tersedia ada. Sebenarnya Kool FM 101.3MHz hanya ada jarak 200kHz dengan stesen lain, tiada masalah secara umumnya. Pada masa yang sama, menara pemancar Gunung Ulu Kali penuh juga salah satu faktor Kool FM tidak dapat pergi situ.

==Kool FM Gunung Ulu Kali==

101.3MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ulu Kali
101.5MHz: THR Raaga Gunung Telapak Burok
<200kHz OK>

101.3MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ulu Kali
101.5MHz: Lite FM Gunung Kledang
<200kHz OK>

Ada contoh stesen radio lain antara Ulu Kali dengan Telapak Burok/Kledang mempunyai jarak 200kHz, seperti:

98.6MHz: Fly FM Gunung Telapak Burok
98.8MHz: 988 Gunung Ulu Kali

89.7MHz: Ai FM Gunung Telapak Burok
89.9MHz: BFM Gunung Ulu Kali

98.3MHz: Radio Klasik Gunung Ulu Kali
98.5MHz: Melody FM Gunung Kledang

Jika Kool FM masih tidak dapat memindah pemancar 101.3MHz ke Gunung Ulu Kali, secara alternatif Kool FM boleh menambah 1 pemancar Seremban di Gunung Telapak Burok, sekurang-kurangnya boleh meliputi beberapa kawasan Pahang Barat. Gunung Telapak Burok bukan sajanya meliputi Negeri Sembilan (seperti Seremban, Port Dickson, Kuala Pilah, Jelebu, Jempol Tengah, dan Rembau Utara) dan Selangor Selatan, ia boleh meliputi kawasan Pahang juga.

Untuk frekuensinya, agak sesak di Negeri Sembilan juga. Selepas saya "scan" (mencari) frekuensi kosong dengan menggunakan penerima radio, 102.1MHz hanya frekuensi kosong yang mungkin sesuai digunakan.

==Cadangan anternatif frekuensi Kool FM untuk Pahang Barat/Tengah==

Frekuensi: FM 102.1MHz (frekuensi terakhir di Negeri Sembilan)
Kuasa: 2kW (secara standard)
Tempat pemancar: Gunung Telapak Burok, Negeri Sembilan

Bagi meliputi kawasan Pahang Tengah dan sebahagian Pahang Barat, antenna pemancar Kool FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Burok perlu tala ke arah timur laut. Selain itu, pemancar Kool FM Telapak Burok perlu kurang tala ke arah selatan untuk mengelakkan gangguan liputan kepada Melaka FM 102.3MHz di Melaka.

==Kool FM Negeri Sembilan/Pahang Tengah==

101.8MHz: MY FM Gunung Ulu Kali
102.1MHz: Kool FM Gunung Telapak Burok
<300kHz, OK>

102.1MHz: Kool FM Gunung Telapak Burok
102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang
<200kHz, OK>

Dengan frekuensi Seremban Kool FM dari Gunung Telapak Burok, Kool FM sekurang-kurangnya boleh diterima di kawasan Pahang bawah berikut:

- Bandar Bera
- Keratong
- FELDA Tembangau
- Teriang
- Temerloh
- Chenor
- Mentakab
- Lanchang
- Manchis (kawasan luar bandar Bentong)

Mungkin kawasan Jerantut boleh menerima siaran Kool FM dari Seremban juga, walaupun tiada pemancar Gunung Ulu Kali.

Tetapi Karak, Bentong, Raub, Lurah Bilut, dan Lipis tidak akan menerima siaran Kool FM dari Gunung Telapak Burok akibat kawasan tersebut dilindungi banjaran Titiwangsa.

Pada masa yang sama, selain daripada frekuensi Kuantan Kool FM di Bukit Pelindung untuk Pahang Timur dan frekuensi Negeri Sembilan Kool FM di Gunung Telapak Burok untuk Seremban dan Pahang Tengah, frekuensi Melaka Kool FM di Gunung Ledang juga diperlukan bagi meliputi kawasan Pahang Selatan seperti Kemayan, Keratong, Rompin dan Muadzam Shah.

Panduan frekuensi Zayan FM di Negeri Sembilan (buat sementara waktu)

==Zayan FM Negeri Sembilan==

FM 104.9MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali): Nilai, Labu, Pedas, Linggi, Port Dickson, Mantin, Lenggeng, Lukut, Bukit Pelanduk, Bandar Seri Jempol (Felda Lui + Felda Serting + Kampung Sungai Lui), Simpang Durian, Teluk Kumbar, Mambau, Rantau, Si Rusa, Simpang Pertang, sebahagian Seremban, sebahagian Rembau, sebahagian Senawang dan sebahagian Bahau/Titi

FM 98.9MHz (Gunung Ledang): Tampin, Kota, Gemencheh, Gemas, Rompin, Johol, Dangi, Kuala Pilah, Juasseh, Batu Kikir, sebahagian kawasan Jempol/Bahau, sebahagian kawasan Kuala Klawang

Kawasan yang tiada mempunyai signal atau sangat lemah: Jelebu, Ulu Klawang, bandar Seremban, Ulu Bendul, Seri Menanti, Pantai, Rantau.

Catatan tambahan: Zayan FM di sebahagian kawasan Melaka seperti Masjid Tanah, Lubuk Cina, Kuala Sungai Baru, Sungai Udang dan Kem Terendak (dimana penerimaan FM 98.9MHz Gunung Ledang bertindih dengan 988 FM 98.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali) ialah FM 104.9MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali.

Pandangan saya terhadap frekuensi Seremban untuk Zayan FM

Zayan FM adalah sebuah stesen berbahasa Melayu yang berkonsep Muslim moden yang dilancarkan oleh Astro sejak kebelakangan ini.

Buat masa kini, Zayan FM boleh diterima pada frekuensi-frekuensi bawah berikut:
- 104.9MHz: Lembah Klang (Gunung Ulu Kali)
- 98.9MHz: Melaka/Johor Utara (Gunung Ledang)
- 98.1MHz: Pulau Pinang/Kedah/Perak Utara/Perlis (Gunung Jerai)
- 106.4MHz: Ipoh (Gunung Kledang)
- 91.6MHz: Kuantan (Bukit Pelindung)
- 92.8MHz: Johor Bahru (Gunung Pulai)

Frekuensi Zayan FM yang baru beroperasi dahulunya ialah Red FM yang dimiliki oleh The Star. Pada asalnya, Red FM pernah mempunyai frekuensi Seremban pada 106.0MHz yang dipancar dari Gunung Telapak Burok. Saya masih ingat saya pernah mendengar Red FM di 106.0MHz pada April 2009 apabila saya berada di Mantin, Negeri Sembilan, tetapi Red FM sudah menamatkan pemancaran Gunung Telapak Burok FM 106.0MHz sejak Jun 2009. Oleh itu, pada masa itu, Red FM perlu diterima sama ada 98.9MHz atau 104.9MHz di Negeri Sembilan.

Setelah Red FM menamatkan pemancaran 106.0MHz untuk Negeri Sembilan, frekuensi FM 106.0MHz menjadi kosong sehingga Oktober 2016. Sejak 26hb Oktober 2016, bekas frekuensi Negeri Sembilan Red FM 106.0MHz telah digunakan oleh City Plus FM (sebuah stesen bisnes berbahasa Cina yang dibawah naungan CENSE Media Sdn Bhd) dan dipancar dari tempat yang sama, tetapi CityPlus FM 106.0MHz meliputi Lembah Klang dari Gunung Telapak Burok.

Sejak City Plus FM telah menggunakan frekuensi tersebut, saya tidak fikir bahawa Zayan akan menggunakan atau mengaktifkan semula frekuensi FM 106.0Mhz untuk N.Sembilan. Pada pandangan saya, mengenai frekuensi Zayan FM untuk Seremban, saya mungkin fikir bahawa liputan frekuensi Seremban oleh Zayan tidak akan luas seperti stesen kembarnya Era dan Sinar kerana Gunung Telapak Burok tiada frekuensi kosong. Kemungkinan besar, Zayan memperluaskan liputan siarannya ke Seremban dengan meletakkan pemancar di Bukit Gan seperti Media Prima One FM 88.3MHz, tetapi liputannya terhad untuk Seremban dan kawasan berhampirannya. Bagi kawasan lain Negeri Sembilan perlu menerima Zayan FM sama ada 104.9 atau 98.9.

==Cadangan saya mengenai frekuensi Zayan FM di Seremban==
Frekuensi: FM 99.9MHz
Tempat pemancar: Bukit Gan, Seremban

==Analisa frekuensi==

99.9MHz: Zayan FM Bukit Gan
100.1MHz: Traxx Gunung Ulu Kali
<200kHz, OK>

99.9MHz: Zayan FM Bukit Gan
99.9MHz: 988 FM Gunung Pulai
<0kHz, OK>

99.7MHz: Raaga Gunung Ledang
99.9MHz: Zayan FM Bukit Gan
<200kHz, OK>


Selain itu, ia mungkin tiada masalah jika SKMM memberi frekuensi FM 101.1MHz kepada Zayan di Bukit Gan dimana 101.1MHz adalah cadangan saya untuk Best FM sebelum ini, tetapi terpulanglah kepada keputusan SKMM.

Untuk blog seterusnya, saya akan menerbitkan direktori atau panduan mengenai frekuensi Zayan FM di kawasan Negeri Sembilan (tidak termasuk dengan cadangan frekuensi Seremban yang saya membangkitkan).

Review on Zayan FM Seremban frequency

Zayan is Malay language Muslim contemporary radio station, launched by Astro Radio Sdn Bhd recently.

Currently Zayan can be received with these frequencies and areas below:
- 104.9MHz: Klang Valley (Gunung Ulu Kali)
- 98.9MHz: Melaka/North Johor (Gunung Ledang)
- 98.1MHz: Penang/Kedah/North Perak/Perlis (Gunung Jerai)
- 106.4MHz: Ipoh (Gunung Kledang)
- 91.6MHz: Kuantan (Bukit Pelindung)
- 92.8MHz: Johor Bahru (Gunung Pulai)

The frequencies were formerly carried by Red FM. Zayan's former radio station, Red FM originally had Seremban frequency on FM 106.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok.

Previously I had mentioned Red FM had closed down its Seremban frequency FM 106.0MHz in June 2009. After Red FM Seremban frequency closed down, Negeri Sembilan areas need to receive Red FM weaker signal either 104.9MHz or 98.9MHz.

FM 106.0MHz left empty until October 2016 (before acquisition of Red FM is done by Astro). Since 26th October 2016, City Plus FM (Chinese business radio station, operated by CENSE Media Sdn Bhd) uses 106.0MHz in Gunung Telapak Burok to start broadcasting.

Talk about Zayan FM Negeri Sembilan frequency, I don't think Zayan will have wider coverage in Negeri Sembilan with Seremban frequency like Era and Sinar FM as Gunung Telapak Burok has no more available frequencies. In my opinion, Zayan may reach coverage in Negeri Sembilan by putting transmitter in Bukit Gan, like One FM 88.3MHz, but coverage is limited for Seremban and surrounding areas. Rest of Negeri Sembilan areas must need to receive Zayan either 104.9 or 98.9MHz, depend in which location.

==My suggestion on Zayan FM Seremban frequency==
Frequency: FM 99.9MHz
Site: Bukit Gan, Seremban

==Radio frequency analysis==

99.9MHz: Zayan FM Bukit Gan
100.1MHz: Traxx Gunung Ulu Kali
<200kHz, OK>

99.9MHz: Zayan FM Bukit Gan
99.9MHz: 988 FM Gunung Pulai
<0kHz, OK>

99.7MHz: Raaga Gunung Ledang
99.9MHz: Zayan FM Bukit Gan
<200kHz, OK>

It is no problem if MCMC assigns Zayan on FM 101.1MHz which I classify 101.1 as my suggestion for Best FM Seremban frequency, but it is based on the decision of MCMC.

Upcoming blog post, I will publish the frequency directory regarding Zayan FM in Negeri Sembilan areas in bi-lingual languages (English and Malay).[excluding of my suggestion on Seremban frequency]

Bilakah Best FM akan lancar di Pantai Timur?

Berdasarkan pada artikel laman Facebook Johor Times 01 Ogos 2016, katanya Best FM akan memperluaskan siarannya ke Pantai Timur pada awal 2017.

Pada masa sekarang, Best FM sedang menjalankan siaran percubaan pada FM 91.4MHz di Telipot, Kota Bharu dan FM 90.9MHz di Bukit Besar, Kuala Terengganu. Pada pandangan saya, Best FM mungkin tidak melancar di Pantai Timur tahun ini. Kemungkinan besar Best FM akan melancar di Pantai Timur pada tahun depan, sempena dengan ulangtahun ke-30 Best FM bersiaran di Malaysia.

Best FM akan menyambut ulangtahun ke-30nya tahun depan. Stesen ini beroperasi pada tahun 1988 dengan siaran percubaan, dan kemudian memperluaskan siarannya ke Lembah Klang pada 1996.

Pada 2014, Best 104 melancarkan penjenamaan semula kepada Best FM sempena ulangtahun Jubli Peraknya ke-25. 

Adakah Best FM akan menyambut ulangtahun ke-30nya (1988-2018) dengan melancarkan frekuensi di Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu dan Kuantan?

When will Best FM launch in East Coast?

Currently there have new FM radio are performing test transmission in Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu with playing different genre of Malay songs, but it seems like they are using emergency player at the towers.

FM 91.4MHz: Telipot
FM 90.9MHz: Bukit Besar

According to somebody, these two transmitters are belonged to Best FM as the presenter said on air "ini adalah siaran percubaan" (JJ Best FM)

In my opinion, Best FM will not launch in Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu this year until 2018. I may hear that Best FM will add East Coast content segment next year, but I don't think Best FM will separate its programmes like Hot FM which may cause less listeners as stiff competition of full fledged east coast radio like THR Gegar and Manis FM. Instead of sub east coast content for Kelantan and Terengganu frequencies only, I think Best FM will only add east coast content as a segment for nationwide. So, means that current Best FM frequencies in Johor, Melaka, Klang Valley carry east coast segment.

Seriously Best FM direct competitor is Suria FM where plays the songs from 1990s till now. When Best FM comes to east coast, there will have huge competition between Best FM and other stations.

I think Best FM will launch officially in Kota Bharu on 91.4MHz and Kuala Terengganu on 90.9MHz by next year to celebrate together with their 30 years anniversary of broadcasting since 1988.

Actually Best FM was only for Johor, Melaka and parts of Negeri Sembilan/Pahang since 1988 until 1996. After that Best FM reaches coverage in Klang Valley to compete with THR FM, this causes South Perak, West Pahang can receive Best FM.

Following by the coverage expansion of Best FM likely in 2018, the last expansion was in 1996 by launching in Gunung Ulu Kali for Klang Valley in 1996.

Best FM will turn its 30 years anniversary in 2018....

30 tahun Best FM bersiaran (1988-2018).

Review on Zayan FM programming content

Astro had recently launched its two new radio brands after acquisition of Red FM and Capital FM from The Star Media Group. Capital FM was rebranded to Gen Z targeted Chinese radio, known as goXUAN, meanwhile Red FM was rebranded as Zayan, Muslim targeted radio station.

First I would like to say congratulations to Astro for launching these two new radio brands, but there have somethings needs to improve, especially Zayan FM. Second, goXUAN and Zayan are playing same songs as trial transmission, they shall improve the playlist by hiring music director, but NEVER rely on online music survey like other radio station. It is common for temporary moment when they play same songs.

For these 3 days, I had been listening to these two new Astro radio stations. goXUAN is too young to me, not suitable for my listening taste (I listen to Melody FM most of the time in terms of Chinese radio station).

For Zayan FM, I tried to listen to Zayan FM ON and OFF for these 3 days. What I think about its programming and music playlist, all of them are just ordinary only like its sister stations, Era and Sinar. Briefly to hear that Zayan is targeting listeners who seeking positive content. I jokingly say Zayan airs positive content, then Era airs negative content lah? BUT no such thing, because every radio station delivers positive content, radio is also educating tool actually. Clarify that Zayan just airs more positive inputs than Era and Sinar to comply with their branding.

Before Astro launched Zayan FM, many listeners expected Astro will launch Islamic radio station like Ikim FM, even I also guess that Zayan FM will become companion
radio station of Astro Oasis (Astro's Islamic TV channel on CH106), but unfortunately Zayan is very less companion to Astro Oasis, instead just another slapstick like Era and Hot FM from Media Prima.

I feel that Malaysia has too much of slapstick on radio airwaves, but I'm very glad to hear that BFM 89.9, Melody FM, Lite FM, Bernama Radio 24 and Radio Klasik provide alternative to listeners who get sick of "nonsense" slapstick on other airwaves. I understand that most of the radio stations provide slapstick to make listeners happy all the time, but sometimes their slapstick are not funny, and not fit to some listeners.

Could I say Malaysians love slapstick radio?

In my review, Zayan is just a normal radio station, considered soft version of Era. Regarding its current music playlist, Zayan has nothing different with Era FM, even Sinar FM, although Zayan did not play classics yet. What I hear on Zayan is it plays more songs like Era, rather than Islamic songs as Zayan branding is targeting contemporary Muslims, aged 18-35 (not fit to conservative groups yet). Even Fast Furious 7 ending song "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa ft Charlie Puth is also aired on Zayan, which Era and Sinar play this song too. I was very speechless..

Zayan plays same music genre like Era, wouldn't both kill each other in terms listenership rating because play same contemporary songs? This can confuse many Malay young listeners because they can't listen to either Era or Zayan consistently.

Zayan FM looks like Malay version of Mix FM or Lite FM (minus with classic hits), rather than Islamic radio station.

In my opinion, as a Muslim oriented radio station, Zayan shall play Islamic music (aka Nasyid) and airing Islamic related content, rather than slapstick and crappy contemporary songs like other station. Ikim FM, an Islamic radio station by Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM) are very successful in Malaysia, it is very popular among Muslim community in Malaysia, because Ikim FM did not air slapstick on its station.

At the same time, Astro Radio has another radio streaming platform, known as Raku. This radio streaming platform Raku also has Islamic online radio station, looks like companion of Astro Oasis, it is known as Oasis Radio. For my suggestion, Oasis Radio shall merge its content (playlists and programming) into Zayan, rather than stand alone online radio station.

==Few things are needed to improve by Zayan FM==

1. Rather than slapstick talks like Era, Zayan shall air Islamic talks, and documentaries (such as Islamic affairs, history, interview with the preachers aka Imam/Ustaz). A documentary talk about Islam around the world can be considered on Zayan.
2. Zayan can add some interesting supplements for Muslims like Carta Nasyid Zayan, Nasyid Retro Zayan (from 1980s till 2000s), and Quran commentary programmes especially prayer time.
3. Quran commentary and talk show (Tazkirah) can be aired on prayer time such as 0500 hours, 1300 hours, 1900 hours.
4. To comply its branding, Zayan can be merged content from Oasis Radio where only available on Raku.
5. Islamic related drama could be aired on its programme.

==Suggested programme for Zayan==
- Quran commentary: daily 5am, 1pm, 7pm together with prayer (azan)
- Tazkirah aka Islamic talk show by preachers (Ustaz): daily after prayer [based on RTM state stations]
- Carta Nasyid Zayan: Open votes for listener to vote their favorite Islamic songs, then air on chart show
- Nasyid Retro Zayan: Playing Islamic songs from 1980s till 2000s, but source may be limited unless include international ones regardless any languages like Arabic, English, Urdu, or Chinese.
- Nasyid cover di Zayan: A cover version of Nasyid band songs. Example: A Malay student from IIUM sings cover version of "Raihan - Senyum", then air on Zayan. Even Nasyid competition at campus or school can be aired on Zayan by singing cover songs.

I don't want to see Zayan becomes Malay version of "Capital FM" (English language feminist radio station). Capital FM was used to be women radio station, but due to its poor content programming, it became loss making radio station and ceased by Star on October 2015. Now Capital FM becomes goXUAN. If Zayan is still slapstick like Era in terms of programming and playlist, I may reckon that Zayan can become like Capital FM and Astro former radio station Xfresh, which are loss making radio stations and led to close operation. 

In conclusion, since Zayan is still new on airwaves, together with goXUAN. We shall give them chance to improve their programming and playlist. It is impossible to become Perfect 10 during first day. Just like getting a new job, it is impossible that you can know all the company job task operation at the first day, you may need time to learn it, even take more time to get your achievement. Zayan and goXUAN are just only within a week, it is impossible that they can fly to the sky at the first step. (Chinese literally: 一步登天). They need some time to improve their programming and playlist. What I posted above are only my review, opinion and further suggestion to improve the content. I hope Zayan will make some revolution on its content to provide better content to listeners. NOT AN ORDINARY.

Frequency list

==Zayan frequency update==

Penang, Perlis, Langkawi and Taiping can be received on 98.1MHz, Kemaman of Terengganu can be received on 91.6MHz, meanwhile Seremban can be received on 104.9MHz for temporary moment. 

Negeri Sembilan can be tuned either 104.9MHz or 98.9MHz.

List of empty FM frequencies in Sabah

Kota Kinabalu (Bukit Karatong): 91.5MHz, 97.4MHz, 102.0MHz, 106.7MHz, 107.5MHz

Keningau (Bukit Sigapon): 89.7MHz, 94.1MHz, 95.9MHz, 96.7MHz, 97.7MHz, 98.1MHz, 101.2MHz, 101.8MHz, 105.7MHz, 107.7MHz

Tambunan (TM Tambunan): 87.5MHz, 94.3MHz, 95.3MHz, 96.7MHz, 98.0MHz, 98.9MHz, 99.7MHz, 101.2MHz, 101.8MHz, 103.4MHz, 103.8MHz, 106.9MHz

Sandakan (Bukit Trig): 99.2MHz, 101.0MHz, 101.4MHz, 102.6MHz, 103.6MHz, 104.2MHz, 105.1MHz, 106.1MHz, 106.5MHz, 107.7MHz

Lahad Datu (Gunung Silam): 88.3MHz, 89.1MHz, 91.3MHz, 94.2MHz, 95.1MHz, 96.8MHz, 98.8MHz, 99.2MHz, 101.0MHz, 101.2MHz, 102.6MHz, 103.3MHz, 103.9MHz, 104.7MHz, 105.1MHz, 105.5MHz, 106.5MHz, 107.7MHz

Tawau (Gunung Andrassy): 94.3MHz, 95.1MHz, 97.5MHz, 98.5MHz, 99.7MHz, 101.1MHz, 101.5MHz, 101.9MHz, 102.5MHz, 104.3MHz, 105.1MHz, 106.1MHz, 106.5MHz, 107.2MHz, 107.9MHz

goXUAN 新山頻率

Astro在2017年10月2日推出第三家中文電台"goXUAN" (夠炫).

現階段, Melody FM在新山有兩個頻率. 第一個是98.4MHz, 第二個是103.3MHz.

Melody FM 98.4和103.3的發射地點不同, 98.4是來自Gunung Pulai, 103.3MHz是新山市中心的Metropolis Tower. 其實Melody FM在新山都是可以聽到98.4MHz, 反而Melody FM的103.3已經沒有必要存在.

在我的看法, Astro必須把Melody FM的新山頻率103.3改成goXUAN.. Capital FM被Astro收購後, 原本是沒有新山頻率, 加上新山的103.3也屬於Astro (Melody FM), 所以Astro會比較容易把103.3的programming改成給goXUAN. 至少不會像首要媒體的Kool FM要在新山設有頻率遇到很大的困難.

老實說, goXUAN是屬於Astro, 所以Astro可以用Melody FM的新山頻率103.3放在goXUAN, 但是新山的Melody FM聽眾可以通過98.4繼續收聽.

==Astro中文電台新山頻率==

95.4MHz: MY FM (Gn Pulai)
98.4MHz: Melody FM (Gn Pulai)
103.3MHz: goXUAN 夠炫 (Metropolis Tower; 屬於個人的意見)

在其他柔佛地區方面, goXUAN可能需要接收柔佛北部Gn Ledang的訊號, 103.3Mhz可能變成印度台.

goXUAN Johor Bahru frequency

Malaysia seventh Chinese radio station is set to be launched on 02.10.2017, this radio is owned by Astro, based on acquisition of Capital FM on September 2016. goXUAN is the station name, it targets Chinese younger listeners, aged likely 12-25, this station is even having more junior look than My FM.

goXUAN can be classified as Chinese version of Hitz FM, meanwhile My FM will become "Chinese burger", like Mix FM which is "English burger", targets urban listeners.

For its Johor Bahru frequency, currently there is no available frequency there, but Astro Melody FM runs two frequency in Johor Bahru, but different TX sites. Melody FM frequencies were formerly run by Xfresh (later XFM). During early years, XFresh FM launched 103.3MHz in Johor Bahru Metropolis Tower first as result not available of Gunung Pulai frequency yet, later they launched 2nd JB frequency in Gunung Pulai on 98.4MHz.

Between 103.3 and 98.4, the coverage of 98.4 is wider enough, the transmission can be going up to Parit Sulong and Batu Pahat, but 98.4MHz is Melody FM.

For goXUAN JB frequency, in my opinion, I think Astro shift FM 103.3MHz (Metropolis Tower) programming from Melody FM to goXUAN FM as Melody FM can be received in Johor Bahru on FM 98.4MHz from Gunung Pulai.

For rest of Johor areas, goXUAN need to be received from Gunung Pulai.

==Astro Chinese radio stations in Johor Bahru==
95.4MHz: MY FM Gunung Pulai
98.4MHz: Melody FM Gunung Pulai
103.3MHz: goXUAN Metropolis Tower (suggestion)

Which radio station do supposed to be assigned for Seremban empty frequency on FM 102.1MHz?

Previously I had published the analysis of FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Burok proposal for radio station Seremban frequency.

FM 102.1MHz is the final vacant frequency in Gunung Telapak Burok.

Now, there are six radio stations haven't been setting up Seremban frequencies in Gunung Telapak Burok. 2 from Astro, 1 from Media Prima, rest are stand alone radio stations.

Here are the radio stations which have not been setting up Seremban frequency.

- Kool FM from Media Prima
- goXUAN from Astro (newly take over from Capital FM)
- Best FM
- BFM
- Bernama Radio
- Zayan FM from Astro (newly take over from Red FM)

Among all the six radio stations, only goXUAN, Best FM, BFM, Zayan FM are able to be received in parts of Negeri Sembilan via Gunung Ulu Kali, even Best FM and Zayan FM can cover Negeri Sembilan minus Seremban by using Gunung Ledang.

In Klang Valley, goXUAN 88.9, Best FM 104.1, Zayan FM 104.9, and BFM 89.9 are transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali. Their transmission can cover West Pahang and up to Gambang and Maran of Pahang. Meanwhile, Bernama Radio 93.9MHz is transmitted from Kuala Lumpur Tower, and Kool FM 101.3MHz is transmitted from Bukit Sungai Besi.

If Best FM, BFM and Bernama Radio want to reach Negeri Sembilan (Seremban), they can launch frequency in Bukit Gan for Seremban, meanwhile Bernama Radio can add 1 more frequency in Gunung Ledang to cover North Johor, Melaka and rest of Negeri Sembilan areas (suggestion 103.9MHz).

Since Kool FM, Zayan FM, goXUAN are likely going to reach Seremban in the future, but there is only 1 frequency available in Gunung Telapak Burok.

In Negeri Sembilan, Zayan FM can be received either 104.9MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali or 98.9MHz from Gunung Ledang for temporary moment. West Pahang areas can receive Zayan FM on 104.9MHz clearly.

Kool FM 101.3MHz is unable to reach Gunung Ulu Kali due to interference reason by broadcast regulator authority, the proposal of Gunung Ulu Kali got rejected at the moment, so West-Central Pahang areas cannot receive Kool FM 101.3MHz now.

In my opinion, between Zayan, goXUAN, and Kool FM, if subject Gunung Telapak Burok tower space is available, I think MCMC shall assign FM 102.1MHz Gn Telapak Burok to Media Prima Kool FM since Kool FM is not available in Pahang at the moment.

I have my reasons why 102.1MHz shall be awarded to Kool FM, rather than goXUAN, and Zayan.

1. Zayan has high power transmitter in Gunung Ulu Kali 104.9MHz for Klang Valley. Negeri Sembilan listeners still can tune alternatively either 104.9 or 98.9 when Bukit Gan frequency cannot be received in the areas.

2. goXUAN is Chinese young oriented radio station, for Chinese market in Negeri Sembilan. Seremban, Port Dickson are the main Chinese market in N9.

3. For West Pahang areas, between goXUAN, Zayan and Kool FM. goXUAN and Zayan can be received clearly on 88.9 and 104.9 respectively, but Kool FM 101.3MHz cannot be received in Pahang because it is located in Bukit Sungai Besi. I was used to travel Central Pahang such as Bera, Temerloh, Karak, Lanchang and Mentakab, these areas can receive Gunung Telapak Burok radio station. Kool FM shall be awarded on 102.1MHz by regulatory in order to be able to cover Negeri Sembilan and Central Pahang.

4. Zayan and goXUAN are enough to cover Seremban by using Bukit Gan, but they have alternative frequencies. Maybe goXUAN will have Gunung Ledang frequency to cover Melaka in the future, this may be able to cover rest of N. Sembilan areas.

==Klang Valley==
88.9MHz: goXUAN Gunung Ulu Kali (KL+Selangor+West Pahang)
101.3MHz: Kool FM Bukit Sungai Besi (KL + part of Selangor only)
104.9MHz: Zayan Gunung Ulu Kali (KL+Selangor+West Pahang)

==Seremban==
89.1MHz: goXUAN Bukit Gan (Seremban only; my suggestion)
102.1MHz: Kool FM Gunung Telapak Burok (Negeri Sembilan minus Tampin, Central Pahang, West Pahang minus Kemayan, Bentong, Raub and Lipis, South Klang Valley)
99.1MHz: Zayan Bukit Gan (Seremban only; my suggestion)

==Melaka/North Johor==
91.5MHz: goXUAN Gunung Ledang (suggestion)
100.9MHz: Kool FM Gunung Ledang (suggestion)
98.9MHz: Zayan Gunung Ledang

Conclusion: 102.1MHz Gn Telapak Burok shall be given to Kool FM.