[EXCLUSIVE]: BFM 89.9 turns 10 years anniversary of broadcasting in Malaysia. #BFMis10

Time flies! Malaysia's first English business radio station BFM 89.9 will celebrate its 10 years anniversary of broadcasting in Malaysia on 4th September 2018. Hereby I'm Philip Yong would like to wish BFM 89.9 Happy Anniversary.

Now BFM 89.9 turns 10! To me, BFM 89.9 is the best English radio station that I listen, alongside with Traxx FM where is music based radio station. The programmes are nice enough, unlike other radio stations air those slapstick and crappy stuff which are not suitable to my ear.

BFM 89.9 is neutral and independent enough when reporting about current affairs, headlines and politics, neither pro-government nor pro-opposition media. Its programme "BFM Breakfast Grille" is BFM's signature segment, the interview is very verbal, firm and detail.

Bieber Free Music. BFM 89.9 is anti Justin Bieber? YES, it is also against those crappy mainstream music.

Despite BFM 89.9 celebrates 10 years anniversary on September 2018, I did remember that the frequency 89.9 was operated on December 2007 as trial transmission. During test transmission, the station ident was just simply named BFM without "89.9" suffix. On December 2007, I still remembered that BFM was playing two impressive songs during trial transmission, namely:

- Sacrifice by Elton John (my all time favorite song from the year 1989)
- Down Under by Men At Work

During that time, I was only 13, too young to listen to BFM, I just stick to those hot contemporary radio stations such as Hitz, Fly FM, Traxx FM, and Red FM in 2007-09, then slowly switched to Mix, Capital FM 88.9 and Lite since 2010. After that, I listened to BFM 89.9 partially around December 2013 for the music programme, mainly Pick of The Pops. Few years later until year end of 2015, I put BFM 89.9 as no.1 radio preset for my car and home radio, meant that I fully listen to this radio station.

BFM 89.9 is not same as other radio stations in terms of music genre. While other mainstream radio stations are always following the current music trend which are crappy much, but BFM 89.9 does not follow those crappy trend where are worse than slapstick. BFM 89.9 plays independent/classic rock and classic oldies from 1960s till 1980s where are not played on other radio station during non-talk programmes. In addition, BFM 89.9 does feature those niche music programmes on its weekend supplement such as:

- Take Five (playing jazz music from yesterday and today)
- Wavelength (Asian waves)
- The Flow (Hip Hop, RnB, House)
- 33RPM (Indie rock)
- Muddy Confluence Music Companion (final episode was on 25th August 2018)
- Pick of The Pops (Classic Hits from 1950s till 1980s) 

Former music programs such as: Twang, Very Noise. BFM 89.9 is "act cute-free" radio station in terms of music as other mainstream radio stations (espcially Chinese languages contemporary hot radio station) who usually play "act cute" songs. BFM 89.9 does have Malay language segment from 11pm till 6am on weekdays, then 11pm till 7am on weekends and public holidays. For Malay segment, BFM 89.9 usually plays Malay songs. Its music genres are Malay classic songs from 1950s till 1980s, then Malay indie music, even Malay segment features Malaysia patriotic songs. BFM 89.9 Malay segment playlist is totally different from those Malay mainstream music radio stations which play "attention seeker" songs. BFM did not play those "attention seeker" artists' songs such as Haqiem Rusli or something Bieber alike where are crappy. "Attention seeker" songs are not welcomed on BFM 89.9. I do say that because these kind of artists just use something negative or crappy stuffs which are not liked by public in order to seek attention from public by promoting him/herself. BFM 89.9 keeps its music playlist independent, and reaches away from the mainstream.

Pick of The Pops (POTP) with Patrick Teoh is my all time favorite BFM 89.9 weekend supplement ever, I listened to this show officially since end 2015. I usually listened to POTP on Monday 9pm for repeat, I missed the first air show on Saturday 2pm as that's my working hours. Since October 2016, POTP was no longer having repeat show on Monday as That Time Of Night programming hours were swapped from 8pm-9pm to 9pm-10pm. For this moment, the movement did not disappoint me because I listened to POTP by downloading podcast after 4pm on Saturdays. When I was at office, I usually checked on BFM 89.9 website www.bfm.my for latest POTP podcasts after 4pm, then I downloaded it to my office PC, then transfer to my smartphone. When my working hours ended, I began to play Pick of The Pops podcast on my mobile phone from office to the car, then to the home. For my listening hours, I do make it flexible. Since I missed the show on Saturday 2pm, but I do listen from Saturday 6pm till 8pm, it is more flexible to me, unless there is certain special activity on Saturday after 6pm, I will only delay listening on Monday 7.30pm. Sometimes the show can blow away the mood of Monday Blues if listen on Monday. Also, I do usually listen to "Cruise Control" (hosted by the presenter Richard Bradbury and Daniel Fernandez aka DSF) via podcast as it is related to automotive matters.

A visit to BFM 89.9 at Bu8 on May 2017

Testing! Testing! Oops, actually I'm not on air.

Seriously I was used to visit BFM 89.9 office at Bu8 before in 2016, 2017 and 2018 for having private discussion with one of "BFMer", I do like the environment of the radio station, it is magical place actually. They're very friendly actually. Moreover, I was used to meet with the founder of BFM 89.9 actually, Malek Ali for certain discussion, he is friendly enough. When I had some mistakes of presenting my thoughts over broadcast transmission procedure, he did correct me. BFM 89.9 is also the place that I learnt something personally.

Me with David Chew (BFM 89.9 Producer) & Malek Ali (Founder of BFM 89.9) for having dinner on 23th May 2018

Although radio broadcasting is not my job, but it is one of my interesting hobby, somewhat I do learn about broadcast personally.

BFM 89.9 is mainly Klang Valley radio station in Malaysia, but this radio station is accessible in outside of Klang Valley via same frequency such as:

1. Pahang
- Kuala Lipis, Raub, Temerloh, Padang Tengku, Lanchang, Mentakab, Bera, Triang, Karak, Dong, Benta, Lurah Bilut, Sungai Ruan, Sungai Koyan, Sega, Fraser Hill, Bentong, Maran, Kemayan, Keratong, Bandar Muadzam Shah, Jengka, Chenor, Gambang and Genting Highlands.

2. Negeri Sembilan
- Nilai, Mantin, Lenggeng
- Seremban, Port Dickson, Lukut, Pedas, Teluk Kemang, Rembau, Linggi, Pasir Panjang
- Bahau, Gemas, Rompin, Serting, Simpang Pertang, Simpang Durian, Sungai Lui, Jempol, Air Hitam, Laddang Geddes.

3. Southern Perak
- Tapah, Bidor, Sungkai, Trolak, Slim River, Tanjung Malim, Teluk Intan, Bagan Datoh, Langkap, Hutan Melintang, Chenderiang, Temoh, Selekoh, Sg Sumun, Kampung Gajah.
-  Bota, Seri Iskandar, Lambor Kanan, Lumut, Manjung, Sitiawan, Ayer Tawar.
- Teronoh, Tanjung Tualang, Mambang Di Awan, Ayer Kuning and some part of Kampar

4. Melaka
- Masjid Tanah, Alor Gajah, Malacca Town, Kem Terendak, Kuala Sungai Baru, Lubuk China, Sungai Udang.

6. Johor
- Segamat, Batu Anam, Labis

When I travel outside of Klang Valley such as Southern Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Pahang, I usually bring my radio set and mobile phone with radio receiver to perform reception test of BFM 89.9. During perform radio reception test, I will record down the audio and publish on YouTube to claim that BFM 89.9 is available outside Klang Valley. In addition, I may help to promote this business radio station outside Klang Valley.

Again. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to BFM 89.9. Wish BFM 89.9 will stay long-life, and happy broadcasting to BFM crews. Here I also hope that BFM 89.9 will expand its coverage to other territories such as Penang, Melaka, Johor, Perak and Negeri Sembilan successfully via FM radio, All The Best to BFM 89.9. I also would like to thank to someone for inviting me to visit BFM 89.9 studio and office with the discussions.

Building Future Malaysia. Bluff-Free Medium. Balanced Frank Medium. Busy Finding Money. Bieber-Free Music. Brake Faster Macha. Building First-World Mindset.

RTM state radio stations offerings between Klang Valley and Penang.

RTM actually has state radio station for each state to serve the regional listeners where listen to more localized content and information of the state by broadcasting state-related programs.

Each state of Malaysia has at least 1 state radio station. Basically, RTM state radio station is only for the particular state (Example, Negeri FM for Negeri Sembilan only), but it can be received beyond the state border, even far away from the border.

I noticed that Penang has the similarity with Klang Valley for the availability of RTM state radio stations.

In Penang, 3 RTM state radio stations are available, meanwhile 4 RTM state radio stations are available in Klang Valley.

==RTM state radio stations availability in Klang Valley==
* KL FM 97.2MHz from Kuala Lumpur Tower
* Selangor FM 100.9MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali (mainly for Selangor)
* Pahang FM 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali (mainly for Pahang)
* Negeri FM 92.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok (mainly for Negeri Sembilan)

==RTM state radio stations availability in Penang==

* Mutiara FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Penara 
* Kedah FM 97.5MHz from Gunung Jerai 
* Perak FM 104.1MHz from Bukit Larut 

Even some Melaka and Negeri Sembilan areas can receive 3 RTM radio stations from Gunung Ledang such as Melaka FM 102.3MHz, Johor FM 105.3MHz and Negeri FM 107.7MHz, but this only applies for Gemencheh, Gemas, Nyalas, Asahan, Segamat, Jementah, Jasin, Merlimau, Bemban, Alor Gajah, Tangkak, and Batu Anam. 

Perak FM in Pulau Pangkor

In Pulau Pangkor, most of the radio stations are tuned via Ipoh frequency from Gunung Kledang. For television, RTM does have Pulau Pangkor transmitter actually for this island because not all areas in Pulau Pangkor can receive TV1 and TV2 from Gunung Kledang and Bukit Larut, even Malaysia digital terrestrial television MYTV also already set up Pulau Pangkor transmitter to cover Pangkor Island.

RTM Perak FM is a state radio station for Perak. Of course state radio station shall be given wider coverage than national radio station in order to serve the listeners within a state.

In Pulau Pangkor, I believe Pangkor Island receives Perak FM on FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang, meanwhile FM 104.1MHz Bukit Larut cannot be received in most of the areas, even co-channel interference with Best FM 104.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in most of Manjung areas such as Pantai Remis, Sitiawan, Ayer Tawar, and Lumut. 

According to the coverage map of Perak FM 104.1MHz Bukit Larut and 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang in Pulau Pangkor, FM 95.6MHz is slightly better than FM 104.1MHz in most of the areas, but some of the areas are not covered due to hilly terrains. 

In my opinion, I may think that RTM needs to add low power gap filler transmitter in Pulau Pangkor for Perak FM in order to cover Pangkor Island and some Lumut areas. For the frequency, although the spectrum is very full for main transmitter sites Gunung Kledang and Bukit Larut, but Pulau Pangkor has available spectrum.

Perak FM can use single frequency network with its Tapah frequency FM 97.3MHz (Changkat Rembian) for Pangkor by setting up repeater in TM Pulau Pangkor where RTM TV1 and TV2 transmit for Pangkor. I don't think there is interference if Perak FM sets 97.3MHz in Pulau Pangkor with 0.25kW TX power.

==My coverage study of Perak FM Pulau Pangkor== (testing purpose)

* Frequency: FM 97.3MHz

* Power: 0.25kW

* TX Site: TM Pulau Pangkor

==RF analysis==

97.1MHz: Sinar FM Gunung Jerai

97.3MHz: Perak FM Pangkor

<200kHz, OK>

97.3MHz: Perak FM Pangkor

97.3MHz: Perak FM Changkat Rembian

<0kHz, OK>

97.3MHz: Perak FM Pangkor

97.5MHz: Kedah FM Gunung Jerai

<200kHz, OK>

97.3MHz: Perak FM Pangkor

97.6MHz: Hot FM Gunung Ulu Kali

<300kHz, OK>

With Perak FM low power repeater in Pangkor Island on FM 97.3MHz, I believe Pangkor Island will be covered better than Gunung Kledang, but it is subject to RTM decision whether they want to add pocket filling transmitter for Pangkor or not. 

==Coverage of Perak FM in Pangkor==
- FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang: 70%
- FM 97.3MHz Pangkor gap filler transmitter: 93%
<Difference: 23%> 

==Pulau Pangkor minimum frequency separation== 
- Gunung Kledang: 400kHz
- Bukit Larut: 400kHz
- Gunung Ulu Kali: 200kHz
- Changkat Rembian: 0kHz
- Gunung Brinchang: 0kHz
- Bukit Asa: 0kHz
- Gunung Jerai: 100kHz

FM 102.0MHz test transmission in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka (Part 2)

In Melaka and southern Negeri Sembilan, there is ON and OFF signal on the FM frequency 102.0MHz.

This frequency FM 102.0MHz in Melaka and Rembau Negeri Sembilan have no music, but a silent mode signal where has no static sound. Normally the radio will have static sound if a frequency is vacant.If some car is running FM mp3 modulator on 102.0MHz, the other cars will hear the signal and music from the modulator with super weak signal, it is common the mp3 modulator signal will be faded when the occupant car goes far away from the receiver location as mp3 modulator is mobile transmitter actually.

From my view, FM 102.0MHz signal is constant without fading in Melaka and Pedas Linggi Negeri Sembilan. The frequency went "STEREO" signal last year where I detected from Alor Gajah till Senawang, but recently one of my friend from Melaka detected the signal on FM 102.0MHz while he is tuning the radio receiver dial in Melaka. Signal is silent mode and stable, but mono mode.

Who is using the frequency FM 102.0MHz? Nobody knows, I also don't know about it, I strongly believe that FM 102.0MHz is a private and confidential trial transmission by a broadcaster. Nobody will have any exact information about which broadcasters are going to have test transmission on FM 102.0MHz around Melaka, but we can only guess who is using the frequency.

As I mentioned on part 1 of this topic, I guess this frequency was being tested transmission in Bukit Tampin. For the broadcasters, I may guess none of commercial broadcasters regardless Astro, Media Prima, Star or other independent media company will launch their radio stations in Bukit Tampin for Melaka due to smaller coverage and lower commercial value, compare to Gunung Ledang. Most of radio broadcasters will go to Gunung Ledang for Melaka because it has wider coverage where it can cover whole Melaka, North Johor, southern and part of Negeri Sembilan (South Rembau, Tampin and North Jempol) and part of Pahang.

I may guess that RTM is occupying FM 102.0MHz in Bukit Tampin, but either for Negeri FM or Melaka FM as pocket filling transmitter (TX power is not exceed 0.5kW). Another guess is RTM may change Negeri FM Bukit Tampin frequency from 95.7 to 102.0 in order to give way for Asyik FM 95.6MHz, but this will become controversy for Melaka FM as it closes to Melaka FM 102.3MHz.

I may not think RTM is necessary to launch Nasional FM in Bukit Tampin as Melaka and these areas can receive 96.6MHz from Gunung Ledang clearly.

In conclusion, I may guess RTM Melaka FM have second transmitter FM 102.0MHz Bukit Tampin to cover some Melaka areas where FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang reception is poor and unstabl after 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang main transmitter, but it is still unknown yet. Therefore, we just only wait and listen for the official announcement from the broadcaster.

Langkawi FM 104.8MHz shall relay Radio Klasik or Nasional FM after 6pm?

Previously I had published a post about RTM Langkawi FM 104.8MHz relay programme after 6pm in Malay language. Between Radio Klasik and Nasional FM, I had chosen to suggest RTM Langkawi to relay Radio Klasik rather than Nasional FM on FM 104.8MHz after 6pm on my previous Malay language blog post.

The actual intention to highlight this topic is Langkawi FM 104.8MHz did duplicate relay program from Kedah FM after 7pm where Kedah FM already exists on 105.7MHz in Langkawi, it is not so effective to RTM Langkawi actually. In addition, because of duplication, Langkawi local residents have less choice of listening to radio stations there. Never expect Langkawi listeners receive radio stations from Gunung Jerai because Langkawi is mostly covered by terrains, only selected locations within Langkawi Island can receive Gunung Jerai radio station such as Kuah town, but signal is weak.

The duplicates relay from Kedah FM on Langkawi FM 104.8MHz after 6pm (exact relay hour is from 7pm, but 6pm has same religion programme with Kedah FM) does not profit FM 104.8MHz actually, as local residents can tune to Kedah FM 24 hours a day on 105.7MHz from Gunung Raya.

I think Langkawi FM 104.8MHz shall cease relaying Kedah FM simulcast program on 104.8MHz after 6pm, instead relay either Nasional FM or Radio Klasik.

1. Nasional FM is RTM prime radio station, its broadcast format is 50% information and 50% entertainment. It highlights current affairs, news, religion talk, and infotainment.

2. Radio Klasik is RTM Malay language classic music radio station to play the songs from 1940s till early 1990s. Its broadcast format is 80% entertainment (music)  and 20% information.

Between these two radio stations, because Langkawi is famous tourism area in Malaysia, listeners in Langkawi prefer listening to music radio station. So, I think it is suitable that RTM Langkawi to put Radio Klasik simulcast programme after 6pm on Langkawi FM 104.8MHz.

If Langkawi FM 104.8MHz relay Radio Klasik programme from 6pm-7am, I think this will attract local Malay residents and tourists to listen to this radio station.

Nasional FM is mixed format radio station, but mostly a talk radio station (more than 50%), between 6pm till 6am, sometimes Nasional FM will broadcast live telecast of major event (such as Forum Perdana Hal Ehwal Islam, government big event etc), so there is LIVE talk programme. For Langkawi, I don't think Nasional FM will be workable there if relayed on Langkawi FM 104.8MHz after 6pm, Langkawi people prefer listening to music radio station rather than talk radio station.

==Result of the proposal of RTM Langkawi radio stations (transmitted from Gunung Raya)==
* FM 104.8MHz: Langkawi FM (7am-6pm) & Radio Klasik (6pm-7am)
* FM 105.7MHz: Kedah FM
* FM 87.5MHz: Traxx FM

Moreover, with these suggestions, RTM can compete with Astro radio stations in Langkawi for Malay and English radio segment, meanwhile Astro MY FM and Raaga keep monopoly all the time in Langkawi for Chinese and Tamil radio segment respectively. Here are the rivals between RTM and Astro competition in Langkawi.

==Astro vs. RTM==
* English: Hitz 92.4 vs. Traxx FM 87.5
* Malay (younger): Era 90.7 vs. Kedah FM 105.7 (partially) & Langkawi FM 104.8MHz
* Malay (elder): Sinar 100.9 vs. Radio Klasik FM 104.8MHz (partially; simulcast on Langkawi FM 104.8MHz)

Based on the rival line-up above, Traxx FM 87.5 and Hitz FM 92.4 fully competes each other for English segment, but for Malay segment, Langkawi FM 104.8MHz and Kedah FM 105.7MHz compete partially over Era 90.7 and Sinar 100.9.

I cannot say that Langkawi FM 104.8MHz is Sinar FM 100.9MHz main competitor as FM 104.8MHz is only partial broadcast program station, plus Radio Klasik is just by-pass station by having simulcast relay program on Langkawi FM, even Radio Klasik will not make 24 hours broadcast on Langkawi FM 104.8MHz.

In conclusion, my final answer is Radio Klasik. I wish that RTM Langkawi will consider about this proposal to provide the differences to Langkawi community.

Radio Klasik atau Nasional FM? Langkawi FM sepatutnya relay stesen mana selepas 7 petang?

Langkawi FM ialah sebuah stesen radio tempatan dimiliki oleh Radio Televisyen Malaysia dan dilancar sejak tahun 1993. Pada masa dahulu, stesen Langkawi FM ialah stesen radio pelancongan untuk menyasarkan pelancong tempatan dan antarabangsa, ia bersiaran dalam bahasa Melayu dan Inggeris.

Pada Disember 2013, saya berada di Georgetown Pulau Pinang, saya mengikuti siaran Langkawi FM yang kurang jelas dan penuh gangguan. Saya mendengar lagu antarabangsa yang berasal dari negara yang berbeza bahasa di stesen ini, pelancong antarabangsa jadi sasaran stesen radio Langkawi FM.

Sejak kebelakangan ini, Langkawi FM ditukar kepada stesen komuniti untuk menyasarkan penduduk tempatan yang menduduk di Langkawi. Siaran bahasa Inggeris dikurangkan kepada 2 jam, program Check In Langkawi 11-3 dijadikan slot dwibahasa, 2 jam pertama adalah siaran bahasa Inggeris untuk menyasarkan pelancong.

Saya masih ingat Langkawi FM bersiaran 18 jam sehari. Selepas Langkawi FM 104.8MHz dijadikan stesen radio komuniti, waktu siarannya dikurangkan kepada 12 jam, dari 7 pagi hingga 7 petang. Selepas 7 petang, Langkawi FM sambung siar bersama Kedah FM.

Oleh kerana Kedah FM juga mempunyai frekuensi Langkawi pada FM 105.7MHz yang dipancar dari Gunung Raya, Langkawi FM 104.8MHz tidak perlu sambung siar bersama Kedah FM. Pada pandangan saya, secara majoriti, Langkawi FM bersiaran dalam bahasa Melayu (10 jam), saya berasa Langkawi FM perlu sambung siar dengan stesen radio berbahasa Melayu RTM yang bersiaran di seluruh negara, sama ada Radio Klasik atau Nasional FM.

Langkawi FM patut sambung siar dengan Radio Klasik atau Nasional FM? Ini adalah soalan yang susah untuk dijawabkan, tetapi analisa perlu dikaji.

1. Nasional FM

* Stesen radio RTM utama. Radio berformat infortainment, siaran meliputi isu semasa, temu bual, politik, dan siaran langsung khas. Juga muzik 1990-an ke atas.

* Liputan siaran gap filler melebihi daripada Radio Klasik

* 50% hiburan, 50% informasi 

2. Radio Klasik

* Stesen radio RTM yang memainkan lagu klasik dari 1940-an hingga 1980-an.

* 80% hiburan, 20% informasi

==Stesen bahasa Melayu di Langkawi==

1. RTM

* Kedah FM 105.7MHz: Stesen radio untuk Kedah yang memegang 60% hiburan dan 40% informasi

* Langkawi FM 104.8MHz: Stesen radio komuniti untuk penduduk Langkawi, Bahasa Melayu 83%, Bahasa Inggeris 17%

2. Astro

* Sinar FM 100.9MHz: Stesen radio untuk menyasarkan pendengar Melayu golongan matang (umur 25-45), memainkan lagu 1980-an ke 2000-an, juga sedikit lagu 2010-an.

* Era FM 90.7MHz: Stesen radio untuk menyasarkan pendengar Melayu golongan muda (umur 10-29), memainkan lagu terbaru, maksimum umur lagu kepada 5 tahun.

Oleh kerana Kedah FM memegang format 60% hiburan 40% informasi, saya berasa Langkawi FM 104.8MHz patut menyambung siaran Radio Klasik selepas 7 petang.

==Cadangan saya mengenai waktu siaran Langkawi FM 104.8MHz==

* 7  pagi - 11 pagi: Kuah 7-11

* 11 pagi - 3 petang: Check In Langkawi

* 3 petang - 6 petang: Cenang 3-6

* 6 petang - 7 malam: Radio Klasik (sambung siar)

Sebenarnya, bukan semua kawasan di Pulau Langkawi boleh menerima signal Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz dari Gunung Jerai. Oleh itu, sambung siar Radio Klasik di Langkawi FM 104.8MHz diperlukan.

Selain itu, Langkawi FM mempunyai dua frekuensi, iaitu 104.8MHz Gunung Raya dan 87.5MHz RTM Kuah. FM 104.8MHz Gunung Raya boleh didengari di seluruh Pulau Langkawi, saya mencadangkan bahawa frekuensi Langkawi FM 87.5MHz perlu ditukar kepada Traxx FM dengan memindahkan tempat pemancarnya ke Gunung Raya, bagi menyasarkan pelancong tempatan dan antarabangsa, juga memberi alternatif kepada pendengar berbahasa Inggeris selepas Hitz FM 92.4MHz.

Lintas Sejenak bersama Kedah FM adalah siaran bimbingan agama dimana bersiaran di Kedah FM 105.7MHz dan Langkawi FM 104.8MHz pada 6 petang. Pada pandangan saya, oleh kerana program ini boleh didengari di Kedah FM 105.7MHz, saya berasa program ini tidak diperlukan sambung siar di Langkawi FM 104.8MHz lagi. Langkawi FM 104.8MHz boleh sambung siar program Radio Klasik selepas 6 petang. Oleh itu, waktu siaran Langkawi FM 104.8MHz dikurangkan lagi kepada 11 jam.

Secara kesimpulannya, Radio Klasik lebih sesuai disambung siar di Langkawi FM 104.8MHz kerana ia boleh memberi alternatif kepada pendengar di Langkawi selepas Sinar FM.

TRAXX FM Langkawi frequency: Shall Traxx FM take over Langkawi FM 87.5MHz duplicate frequency?

RTM district radio station Langkawi FM was launched in 1993, it began broadcasting on FM 87.5MHz from its studio (RTM Kuah @ Tabung Haji building in Langkawi). Later on, FM 104.8MHz Gunung Raya transmitter was added, this could cover the whole Langkawi Island. Until today, Langkawi FM has two frequencies. The FM 104.8MHz from Gunung Raya is the main frequency of Langkawi FM, but FM 87.5MHz RTM Kuah transmitter is old duplicate frequency.

Langkawi FM was formerly positioned as tourism radio station in bilingual languages (Malay and English) to target local residents, international and local tourists who travel Langkawi, but recently it was shifted to be positioned as local community radio station. Previously, the radio station has more broadcasting hours of English programme with world music, but recently Langkawi FM English broadcast hours were reduced to 2 hours daily from 11am till 1pm as the radio station rebranded to focus on community.

Since Langkawi FM is no longer as tourism radio station in Langkawi as it is community radio station, I think Traxx FM shall take over its role in Langkawi.

There is a reason behind why do I propose Langkawi FM 87.5MHz to switch programme to Traxx FM with transferring TX site to Gunung Raya because there are more international tourists visit Langkawi, there is a necessary to have English public radio station. Moreover, most of Langkawi areas cannot receive Traxx FM 98.7MHz from Gunung Jerai as these areas are heavily covered by hilly terrains within the island.

Actually, Langkawi FM has 104.8MHz Gunung Raya transmitter to cover whole Langkawi Island perfectly. In my opinion, Langkawi FM shall cease broadcast of FM 87.5MHz and leave only FM 104.8MHz to reduce duplicate frequency to cover same area, so Langkawi FM 87.5MHz programmes shall be switched to Traxx FM and transferred its transmission site to Gunung Raya. Alongside with Hitz FM 92.4MHz in Langkawi, I think RTM Traxx FM can launch there to provide alternative choice to listeners and tourists.

Inversely, I don't think it is practical yet to launch Traxx FM sub-station, known as Traxx FM Langkawi (at 87.5MHz) or Langkawi FM English 87.5MHz to provide Langkawi information in English to serve local and international tourists, this will involve high cost of production and programmings. It is better to simply relay Traxx FM 24 hours a day on RTM Langkawi FM duplicate frequency 87.5MHz from Gunung Raya.

If Langkawi FM 87.5MHz becomes Traxx FM, I would appreciate it. Therefore, Langkawi local and international tourists (including residents) can receive this RTM English radio station clearly in Langkawi.

RTM Langkawi FM studio

My experience of listening to radio in Langkawi, Kedah

On 15th July 2018, I was going to travel Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur via Air Asia flight. My Langkawi trip is 3 days 2 nights.

Langkawi is very attractive destination in Kedah, Malaysia. What a beautiful island!

Initially I thought Langkawi can receive many Malaysia radio station clearly without tuning Gunung Raya local transmitter frequency, but it is wrong to claim that. Actually many areas in Langkawi could not receive radio stations from Gunung Jerai.

But I could listen to few radio stations in Langkawi such as:
* Era 90.7
* Hitz 92.4
* MY 100.1
* SINAR FM 100.9
* Raaga 101.9
* Langkawi FM 104.8
* Kedah FM 105.7 (signal is unstable)

When I was in Langkawi, I enjoyed the ocean wave at Cenang beach, also visited Kuah town, and Telaga Tujuh waterfall. In addition, I also discovered the radio reception in Langkawi.

Astro did expand selected radio stations to Langkawi since 2007 with their no.1 listenership rating in different language category, such as Era in Malay, Hitz in English, MY in Chinese and Raaga in Tamil, meanwhile Sinar (Malay) was added later. For commercial radio broadcasters, many of them did not plan to expand the coverage in Langkawi due to poor commercial value.

In my opinion, Langkawi is well known destination, a famous tourism area in Malaysia where attract many tourists around the world. For radio broadcasters, it is dependable. To me, I don't think other radio broadcasters such as Fly FM, Hot FM, Kool FM, one FM from Media Prima as well as 988 and Suria from STAR Radio will expand to Langkawi due to no commercial value, plus the listenership rating increment will not be effective much. In addition, Langkawi major local residents are Malay, most of them are favor listening to Langkawi localized radio station like RTM Langkawi FM 104.8MHz and Kedah FM 105.7MHz, meanwhile because Era, MY, Hitz, Raaga and Sinar are super well-known radio brands from Astro, therefore Astro expanded them there to target tourists actually.

For RTM, it is not necessary to expand vernacular language national radio stations such as Ai FM, Minnal FM by having frequency from Gunung Raya. For RTM Malay national radio stations, it is subjective also. Nasional FM is RTM prime Malay radio station, meanwhile Radio Klasik plays Malay nostalgic songs from 1940s till 1980s. RTM Langkawi FM 104.8MHz broadcasts 12 hours a day only, meanwhile rest of hours relay Kedah FM and prime channel Nasional FM programs. This makes duplicate perhaps Kedah FM has 105.7MHz from Gunung Raya since early time, so Langkawi FM 104.8MHz shall relay either Radio Klasik or Nasional FM programs after 7pm.

Besides 104.8Mhz, Langkawi FM has another duplicate frequency 87.5MHz where transmitted from RTM Kuah (Langkawi FM studio).

I feel partially boring to listen those radio stations in Langkawi where I can listen in Kuala Lumpur, they play the same songs over again. I'm Chinese, MY FM 100.1MHz is available in Langkawi, but I spend most of the time to listen English radio station. When come to Hitz, I feel meh as I already listen to same songs over again too anywhere.

I don't need Mix, Fly FM and Lite to expand coverage in Langkawi, they did the same thing, that's repeating same songs over again, not variety at all. Media Prima runs commercially, rather than coverage concern, meanwhile Astro did not expand Lite, Melody and Mix to Langkawi, I found their listenership ratings are not high as Hitz, ERA, SINAR and MY.

What if Malaysia implements digital radio switchover by adapting DRM, not DAB+?

Malaysia FM radio frequency spectrum get congested nowadays due to more radio stations, so digital radio switchover is still needed for Malaysia broadcast industry to ease frequency congestion.

By implementing radio switchover to digital, Malaysia shall adapt DRM Digital Radio Mondiale, rather than DAB+ which are failure radio technology in most of the world except Europe due to DRM wider coverage.

If Malaysia adapts DRM radio, I believe listeners can tune to their favorite radio stations without changing the dial, plus regardless they stay near or far away from DRM radio transmitter site, they still can access their radio stations.

1 DRM radio frequency can carry more radio channels. So, Malaysia radio stations groups such as Media Prima, Astro Radio, Star, RTM and other independent radio stations can be combined into 1 multiplex or divided into different multiplexes frequencies.

Here are the example:

==1 multiplex only by combining all radio stations (Based in Klang Valley)==
DRM MW1008kHz: Astro (11 radio stations) + RTM Nationwide (6 radio stations) + Media Prima (4 radio stations) + STAR (2 radio stations) + BFM + City Plus FM + Bernama Radio + Best FM + IKIM FM= 28 radio channels

==Example of different multiplexes by radio group (Klang Valley)==
* MUX 1 (MW 1008kHz): Astro Radio
* MUX 2 (MW 1602kHz): Media Prima & Star Radio
* MUX 3 (MW 576kHz): RTM (Bernama Radio, Radio Klasik, Nasional FM, Ai FM, Traxx FM, Minnal FM, Salam FM, Asyik FM)
* MUX 4 (MW 621kHz): Independent/standalone radio stations (BFM, IKIM FM, Best FM, City Plus FM, etc)

If these DRM radio multiplexes are transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali at 2kW, it can cover more areas than FM radio, even if TX power is 10kW, it may cover whole Peninsular Malaysia. It is an advantage of DRM radio, that is DRM radio does not need high transmission power, even in Brazil, the DRM trial transmission from Brasilia can cover whole country, even beyond the border if use less than 500W (via shortwave).

It is impossible if Malaysia fully close down all analog FM radio channels. Alongside with digital radio switchover to DRM, actually analog FM radio frequency can be reserved for community and local radio stations.

RTM has state radio stations actually, I don't think it is necessary to switchover to DRM for them. Example, Pahang FM serves Pahang state actually. If it switchover to digital, it becomes standalone multiplex DRM channel.

If all nationwide radio stations switch to DRM, their "FM" name suffix will be withdrawn from their radio brands. Astro had withdrawn FM suffix from its radio stations to focus on digital platforms and social media, switches from linear media to 360 degree media since January 2018. Meanwhile, RTM nationwide radio stations name can be renamed to the former name such as:

- Nasional FM>RTM Radio1
- Radio Klasik>RTM Radio2
- Bernama Radio (merged with RTM)>RTM Radio3 Berita
- Traxx FM>RTM Radio4
- Ai FM>RTM Radio5
- Minnal FM>RTM Radio6 Tamil
- Asyik FM>RTM Radio7 Orang Asli
- Salam FM>RTM Radio8 

**RTM state radio stations remain on analog FM radio

With the implementation of digital radio switchover to Digital Radio Mondiale in Malaysia by dividing radio stations groups with multiplexing channel (MUX), I think Astro can add its satellite radio stations such as Gold, Jazz, Classic Rock, Osai to its DRM channels. Moreover, currently RTM Asyik FM and Salam FM broadcast together, just different broadcasting hours. With DRM radio technology, Asyik FM and Salam FM can be split to become full fledged radio channels, this will result Asyik FM will become 24 hours Orang Asli radio station, then Salam FM will be upgraded to 24 hours Islamic radio station.

Digital radio: Malaysia shall adapt DRM, rather than DAB+

DAB is the first digital radio technology, it was launched in Europe since 1995. Norway is the first country to begin DAB radio service. In addition, Norway is the first country to implement analog FM radio switch off in 2017.

DAB stands for digital audio broadcasting. Currently it is very popular and successful in Europe and parts of Asia countries, but DAB is also failure of radio technology in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Singapore was the first Asia country to launch DAB radio service in 1999, but due to low listener ratings, Singapore stopped DAB in 2011 as Singaporeans listen to the radio stations via FM radio or online streaming or mobile applications.

I can say that DAB radio has its pros and cons. DAB is more efficient than FM and AM radio, the broadcasters can expand the coverage nationwide instantly through DAB technology, DAB radio provides high audio quality like CD audio, it is using MP2 audio codec, but the disadvantages are:

1. The signal faded instantly when reception is poor.
2. High costs to buy a DAB radio receiver
3. Most of the car audio system radio receivers does not feature DAB+
4. Coverage of DAB+ is limited. Although it can save cost for multiple radio stations, but DAB+ requires more gap filler transmitters, compare to FM radio. So, I don't think it is cost effective to radio broadcasters.

DAB+ radio can operate more radio channels under a radio frequency, this can save the spectrum and broadcast emission. In my opinion, I don't think DAB+ radio will give benefit to Malaysia radio broadcasters much.

Other than Europe and some Asia countries, DAB+ is not adapted by any countries in America. For Southern America, none of countries are using DAB+, but Brazil is performing DRM trial transmission.

In Malaysia, I think we shall adapt a new digital radio technology, called as DRM: Digital Radio Mondiale.

Actually Digital Radio Mondiale is more suitable than DAB+ in Malaysia digital radio broadcasting.

I suggest Malaysia to adapt DRM, rather than DAB+ because of wider coverage.

DRM has same characteristic with DAB+, that's a radio frequency can carry multiple radio channels. For the coverage, DRM is wider than DAB+ because DRM is using shortwave or mediumwave frequencies.

Due to Malaysia FM radio frequencies are very full, especially peninsular, this causes many new radio broadcasters are unable to expand coverage of their radio stations. Media Prima Kool FM is an example, the media group is not able to expand more coverage such as Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor and Perak due to unavailable spectrum. To save spectrum usage and transmission costs, Malaysia Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC) needs to consider to launch digital radio switchover for nationwide radio stations (public and commercial) by adapting DRM radio technology.

For coverage, normally analog FM radio requires gap filler transmitters, but 1 FM frequency only carries 1 radio station, so this can make the spectrum to be full quickly. Meanwhile DAB+ is worse in terms of coverage, DAB+ requires more gap filler transmitters than FM radio, so it is not cost effective radio technology. I refer Latin America countries such as Colombia, Brazil and Peru for examples, these countries are topographic much, they are heavily covered by valley, so if they adapted DAB+, they have to add more transmitters, double the FM radio transmitters.

Malaysia has the same phenomena too. Normally FM radio station can cover whole Selangor and Kuala Lumpur with 1 only transmitter from Gunung Ulu Kali, but when comes to DAB+, for Klang Valley, it needs at least 3 additional gap filler transmitters for Klang Valley if use DAB+ such as Bukit Sungai Besi, Hulu Langat and KL Tower. DRM is different, if DRM radio station installs DRM transmitter in Gunung Ulu Kali, the transmission coverage is wider than FM and DAB+ radio as it uses MW or SW frequency. Besides that, DRM radio can cover Negeri Sembilan, and Melaka clearly from Gunung Ulu Kali, even Pahang and some Terengganu areas.

If Malaysia implements DRM, here are the transmitter site:

- Gunung Ulu Kali (KL, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka)
- Gunung Ledang (Johor, Melaka)
- Gunung Jerai (Penang, Kedah, Perlis, North Perak)
- Bukit Bakar (Kelantan, North Terengganu)
- Bukit Besar (Terengganu)
- Bukit Pelindung (East Pahang)
- Gunung Pulai (South Johor)
- Gunung Kledang (Perak)

988 FM 96.1MHz reception in Ketereh, Kelantan

988 FM 96.1MHz can be accessed in Ketereh Kelantan, but weak signal

988 FM can be received in Kelantan?

988 FM fka RFM 98.8 and Redi FM 98.8 is Malaysia oldest Chinese commercial radio station, from cable radio to FM terrestrial radio, operated by Star Radio Group. Until today, 988 FM broadcasts only Peninsular Malaysia except Kelantan and Terengganu.

988 FM did not expand coverage in Kelantan and Terengganu as there are very less Chinese demographics, compare to other states. At the same time, Kelantan and Terengganu have no commercial value for 988. For east coast region, 988 FM is only available in Kuantan on FM 90.4MHz from Bukit Pelindung. 

988 FM can be accessed in Southern Terengganu (Kemaman, Jabor, Cherul, Cheneh, Kijal and Chukai) on FM 90.4MHz from Kuantan. 988 FM 90.4MHz can be only received up to Kijal Terengganu, signal goes weak when reach Kerteh.

Listen to 988 FM via online or mobile app is not surprise, but it is very freak when Kelantan can receive 988 through a radio receiver.

Surprisingly, 988 FM can be received in part of Kelantan from a very far away transmitter site where more than 180km distance. In Kelantan, 988 FM is classified as distant radio station. 988 FM 96.1MHz from Gunung Jerai mainly covers Kedah, Perlis, Penang and some Langkawi areas, even it can be accessed in some Thailand areas such as Betong, Sadao, Danok and Satun. Perhaps its transmitter power is 10kW from Gunung Jerai, it can transmit to some Kelantan areas actually.

988 FM 96.1MHz from Gunung Jerai can be accessed in part of Kelantan, such as Kota Bharu, Kubang Kerian, Pasir Mas, Pengkalan Chepa and Wakaf Baharu. In Kelantan, Chinese people population is only 3%, I believe they are staying in north Kelantan areas including Kota Bharu. Technically, 988 FM can gain some Chinese listeners in Kelantan via 96.1MHz.

== RF analysis==

96.0MHz: MCOT Narathiwat

96.1MHz: 988 FM Gunung Jerai

<100kHz, OK>

96.1MHz: 988 FM Gunung Jerai

96.2MHz: Terengganu FM Bukit Bintang

<100kHz, OK>

Based on RF analysis above, there are no problem on spectrum allocation.

988 FM 96.1MHz cannot be accessed in Tumpat and Kelantan areas where nearby Thailand border due to MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz, meanwhile Kelantan areas where nearby Terengganu border cannot receive 988 FM 96.1MHz from Gunung Jerai due to Terengganu FM 96.2MHz Bukit Bintang.

I'm very appreciate to my friend from Kelantan for sending me 988 FM 96.1MHz reception in Kelantan through Whatsapp. The video shows that 988 FM 96.1MHz reception is taken at HUSM Kubang Kerian, nearby Kota Bharu. Gunung Jerai contributes much commercial driven in northern region, but it also serves some Kelantan areas.

Seriously, to get better reception of 988 in Kelantan, high quality (such as Tecsun, or Sony) radio receivers are recommended where have filtering devices to reduce interference noise. 

10 years ago, I was listening to 988 FM, I still remembered 988 FM DJ said that  the radio station was accessible in Kelantan.

Overall, 988 FM is available in Kota Bharu, Kubang Kerian, Pasir Mas and some flatted areas on 96.1MHz, meanwhile for south Kelantan such as Lojing and Gua Musang can receive 988 on either 98.8 or 99.8.

吉蘭丹可以聽到友聲有色的988?

馬來西亞歷史悠久的中文商業電台988的廣播頻率範圍都是專注在西馬半島的西海岸, 彭亨(關丹)只是唯一一個東海岸州屬有988頻率. 988在馬來西亞西馬半島只是沒有在瓜拉登嘉樓和哥打峇魯設有廣播頻率, 因為這兩個地區是毫無商業價值, 加上當地華人人口極少

目前登嘉樓南部的甘馬挽地區還可以通過988關丹頻道FM 90.4MHz收到友聲有色的988. 關丹頻道90.4是從Bukit Pelindung發射, 除了覆蓋彭亨東部, 988可以聽到登嘉樓的Kijal (琪佳).

吉蘭丹收到988? 網絡收聽, 我覺得不出奇, 但通過收音機收到988, 我個人感覺到很驚訝. 雖然988沒有來哥打峇魯開設頻率, 但是當地地區其實還可以通過收音機收聽988. 在吉蘭丹, 988可以收聽的頻率是FM 96.1MHz. 吉蘭丹收到的988 FM 96.1MHz訊號其實來自吉打州的Gunung Jerai. 988 FM 96.1MHz Gunung Jerai其實主要覆蓋吉打, 玻璃市, 檳城, 和蘭卡威 (Langkawi), 但是其發射可以來到吉蘭丹部分地區.

吉蘭丹是沒有商業價值的州屬, 也是因為當地州政府的神權政策導致變成西馬半島最貧窮的州屬, 投資者因為當地政府政策而不打算投資吉蘭丹, 導致其州屬發展比彭亨落後. 談到988在吉蘭丹的市場, 用人口角度來看, 吉蘭丹華人人口只是佔3%, 就算988在當地有頻道, 收聽率和商業價值方面也未必看到新的成績.

談回吉蘭丹可以收到988電台的事宜, 當地吉蘭丹華人需要用高品質的收音機收聽988. 其實不是所有的吉蘭丹地區可以收到988 FM 96.1MHz的訊號, 有些地區會遇到鄰國電台的干擾.

==頻率分析==

96.0MHz: MCOT Narathiwat

96.1MHz: 988 FM Gunung Jerai

<100kHz, OK>

96.1MHz: 988 FM Gunung Jerai

96.2MHz: Terengganu FM Bukit Bintang

<100kHz, OK>

頻率分析方面, 也沒有問題.
 
988 FM 96.1MHz在靠近泰國邊界的吉蘭丹東北部被泰國陶公府電台MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz干擾, 另外靠近登嘉樓邊界的地區則完全收不到988因為其訊號被RTM Terengganu FM登嘉樓分台勿述Besut頻道FM 96.2MHz (Bukit Bintang)蓋掉.

同時,剛好我有個住在吉蘭丹的馬來朋友通過Whatsapp傳送988 FM 96.1MHz在吉蘭丹訊號狀態的短片給我, 所以讓我到部落格分享這個短片. 首先, 我非常感謝他傳送這個短片給我. 據說, 他拍下的短片是在車內, 地區則是在靠近哥打峇魯的Kubang Kurian的HUSM醫院. 988吉打/玻璃市頻道96.1果然很強, 可以發射到吉蘭丹部分地區. 之前我提議廢除988檳城頻道FM 94.5MHz, 我認為988吉打頻道96.1會做出很巨大的商業貢獻, 不止服務北馬的吉打, 玻璃市, 檳城和泰國南部的沙敦, 勿洞和宋卡, 也同時無意中服務了吉蘭丹部分地區.

10年前, 我是一直聽988電台, 我還記得988當時的DJ也曾經說96.1可以在吉蘭丹聽得到. "988吉打, 玻璃市和吉蘭丹 FM 96.1MHz".

整體上, 988 FM 96.1MHz可以在吉蘭丹哥打峇魯, Kubang Kerian, 巴西馬和平地地區還可以收到. 南部方面, Lojing (靠近金馬倫高原)和話望生也可以收到988 98.8或99.8.