RTM Asyik FM shortwave transmission SW 6050kHz ceased transmission! Is shortwave radio irrelevant for domestic broadcast today?

Before October 2017, I did not have any shortwave radio receiver. Formerly I have a cheap radio receiver with shortwave radio, but it was damaged (due to wear and tear condition). 

I purchased an advanced radio receiver via online, named TECSUN PL-380 DSP receiver which features FM/MW/LW/SW, then I was discovered RTM shortwave radio stations where transmitted from RTM Kajang. RTM Sarawak FM 9835kHz and Wai FM 11665kHz are still active today, but Asyik FM 6050kHz is no longer active. Last active of Asyik FM shortwave transmission was around 2015, but I suspected RTM ceased Asyik FM shortwave broadcast 6050kHz since 2016, even there is nothing on SW 6050kHz today. Asyik FM shortwave 6050kHz could be heard nationwide, even part of the world. Orang Asli in rural areas could access listening to Asyik FM via shortwave before transmission was closed down. Although shortwave transmission can travel far away beyond the country, but the reception of shortwave broadcast is not really stable.

Is shortwave radio broadcast irrelevant nowadays? The answer is YES, but not international broadcast. Shortwave radio is not relevant for domestic radio broadcast as domestic people prefer listening to radio via FM and online, even digitally DAB+. Meanwhile shortwave is still relevant for international broadcast in order to promote a country propaganda and information to the whole world.

Shortwave transmission is cheap actually, 1 transmitter tower can cover nationwide.

Asyik FM ceased shortwave transmission in 2016, but Asyik FM moves digitally nowadays via Astro CH875 and RTM myKlik mobile app streaming, alongside with FM radio.

For FM radio, Asyik FM currently reserves in Selangor, Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Northeastern Johor and Mualim Perak with these frequencies:

- 91.1MHz Kuala Lumpur Tower covers Klang Valley

- 102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali covers Selangor, West Pahang, Southern Perak (Slim River + Tanjung Malim only), and part of Negeri Sembilan/Melaka

- 105.1MHz Gunung Brinchang covers Cameron Highlands

- 95.6MHz Gunung Ledang covers Northeast Johor

- 89.3MHz Ulu Tembeling

- 99.9MHz Bukit Botak covers Damak, Pahang (gap filler)

- 97.3MHz Bukit Ladang Teh covers Lenggong and Sauk of Perak

RTM has good move to launch Asyik FM on Astro/NJOI CH875 as alternative platform to listeners who are not under Asyik FM coverage, but not all Orang Asli have Astro decoder to listen to Asyik FM. Although RTM launches Asyik FM on Astro platform is a good initiative, but RTM shall not expect all Orang Asli to listen to Asyik FM via Astro platform and online, some of them are not rich to afford these gadgets. Together with Astro CH875 platform, RTM shall expand Asyik FM coverage to deeper territories including rural areas to provide information and entertainment to Orang Asli communities.

Asyik FM coverage Pahang is almost completed, but I highly concern regarding Asyik FM coverage in Perak, more than Pahang. What I seriously concern over Asyik FM in Perak areas, mainly in Tapah, Bidor and Chenderiang, following by Gerik and Sungai Siput (U). Tapah is the main Perak area that I concern over Asyik FM the most.

Generally Asyik FM 102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is for Selangor, West Pahang and Southern Perak, but technically due to its transmission antenna with 5kW power is beaming to Pahang direction more in order to serve many Orang Asli areas in Pahang where they stay in Banjaran Titiwangsa, but reception in Perak is not good as other RTM radio stations from Gunung Ulu Kali. 

Bidor, and Tapah cannot receive Asyik FM 102.5MHz clearly, even 105.1MHz also. RTM cannot expect Orang Asli in Batang Padang district of Perak to listen to Asyik FM on 102.5 and 105.1 as reception is very poor. RTM shall launch Asyik FM in Changkat Rembian on proposed 107.7MHz to provide better reception in Tapah and Bidor. From my view, I notice that there are quite many of Orang Asli (although less than Indians and Chinese) in Bidor, Tapah and Chenderiang.

Orang Asli in Tapah (Source: wikimedia)

Tapah Orang Asli village (Source: Google)

In Tapah, the town can receive Gunung Ulu Kali radio stations clearly, but Asyik FM 102.5MHz is poor there, but rural areas of Tapah which consists many Orang Asli cannot receive any radio stations from Gunung Ulu Kali and Gunung Kledang, especially Jalan Pahang (the road from Tapah to Cameron Highlands). RTM also shall not expect Orang Asli who stay along Jalan Pahang Tapah to receive Asyik FM 102.5MHz and 105.1MHz, seriously these areas had no signal while I was on the way going down from Cameron Highlands to Tapah, except Changkat Rembian signal.

In conclusion, Tapah (Changkat Rembian) needs Asyik FM. Moreover, Asyik FM Changkat Rembian frequency 107.7MHz (my suggestion) does not only serve Tapah, but it also serves Bidor, Sungkai, Chenderiang, and Temoh, even Hilir Perak (Teluk Intan, Langkap, Bagan Datoh) and some Perak Tengah areas can access Asyik FM from Tapah.

Following RTM had stopped Asyik FM shortwave transmission, RTM shall add more gap filler transmitters for Asyik FM in Orang Asli majority areas, mainly:

- Changkat Rembian for Tapah + Bidor + Sungkai + Chenderiang + Temoh + Hilir Perak + part of Perak Tengah (Kampung Gajah and Bota) 

- Sungai Siput (U)

- Gerik, Perak

- Jerantut Pahang
- Kuala Rompin

Meanwhile in Kelantan, Gua Musang rural areas and Lojing have many Orang Asli, but existing Bukit Chupak and FELDA Paloh transmitter sites are not able to cover these areas, so it is difficult to search a transmitter site to cover Orang Asli areas in Lojing and Gua Musang deeper areas due to highly covered by terrains.

Astro decoder vs. radio receiver?

Radio receiver is far away cheaper than Astro decoder, Orang Asli can buy cheaper radio receiver to listen to Asyik FM loudly and clearly if RTM launches pocket filling transmitters in their areas where are not covered by main transmitter sites. Cheapest radio units that they can afford are Leotec, Wirata, Meck and JOC radio receiver, and better quality Panasonic RX-M70 cassette player. While there is no much available radio stations in Tapah Orang Asli areas, they can search Asyik FM easily.

In Tapah, currently there is only 3 available radio stations where reception are clear enough, such as Radio Klasik 88.7MHz, Era FM 102.0MHz and Perak FM 97.3. If Asyik FM 107.7MHz is launched, Tapah can have four local repeater stations. So, Orang Asli can search Asyik FM easily.

Radio stations frequencies in Tapah, Perak

==List of radio stations frequencies in Tapah, Perak==

A. STAR
* 988 FM: 98.8 (Gunung Ulu Kali) /99.8MHz (Gunung Kledang)
* Suria FM: 105.3MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)

B. RTM
* Radio Klasik: 88.7MHz (Changkat Rembian)
* Nasional FM: 95.3MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Traxx FM: 100.1MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Ai FM: 106.7MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Minnal FM: 96.3MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Asyik FM: 102.5MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali; poor reception)
* Perak FM: 97.3MHz (Changkat Rembian)
* Selangor FM: 100.9MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Pahang FM: 107.5MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)

C. MEDIA PRIMA
* one FM: 88.1MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Hot FM: 97.6MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Fly FM: 95.8MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)

D. ASTRO RADIO
* Hitz FM: 92.9MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Mix FM: 94.5MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Lite FM: 105.7MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Raaga FM: 99.3MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Era FM: 102.0MHz (Changkat Rembian)
* Sinar FM: 96.7MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Zayan FM: 104.9MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* MY FM: 101.8MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)/ 100.6MHz (Gunung Kledang)
* Melody FM: 103.0MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* goXUAN FM: 88.9MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)

E. OTHERS
* BFM: 89.9MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)
* Best FM: 104.1MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)

In Tapah, beside Changkat Rembian local repeater radio stations, the rest of radio stations receive signal from Gunung Ulu Kali, same as Bidor, Slim River and Tanjung Malim, meanwhile Ipoh Gunung Kledang radio stations cannot be received in Tapah as it was blocked by Hutan Lipur Sungai Salu where located between Kampar and Tapah.

[COVERAGE]: Does BFM 89.9's airwaves already break Klang Valley bubble?

BFM 89.9 is an English language independent and progressive business and talk radio station in Malaysia. It celebrated 10 years anniversary and created its milestone by having a big moves to KEN TTDI office block which is more upscale location in Taman Tun Dr Ismail. BFM 89.9 is based in Klang Valley with frequency FM 89.9MHz for Klang Valley from Gunung Ulu Kali.

Does BFM 89.9 break Klang Valley bubble of its airwaves?

Generally and technically, the answer is YES, but BFM 89.9's airwaves already breaks Klang Valley bubble partially since the first-air-date. BFM 89.9 has not burst Klang Valley bubble completely yet as expansion to other territories beyond Klang Valley has not been done.

Why do I say BFM 89.9 already breaks Klang Valley bubble "partially"?

This is because of its super strategic transmission location Gunung Ulu Kali covers greater Klang Valley (Kuala Lumpur and whole Selangor state), even BFM 89.9 can be received beyond the border of Selangor state such as Southern Perak (until Tapah, Tanung Tualang and Lumut), Western Pahang (until Gembang, Maran, Kuala Lipis and Keratong), part of Negeri Sembilan (Nilai, Mantin, Labu, Rembau, Port Dickson, Simpang Pertang, Bandar Seri Jempol, Rompin, Gemas and part of Seremban), and Melaka (from Lubuk Cina till Merlimau), even small part of Johor such as Batu Anam can receive BFM 89.9.

Unlike IM4U FM 107.9 and former Ultra FM 101.3, although they were Klang Valley based radio stations, but they were not able to break Klang Valley bubble because they were transmitted from a lower profile transmission site in Klang Valley, called as Bukit Sungai Besi.

I believe BFM 89.9 is on the way rolling out expansion plan beyond Klang Valley. Imagine if BFM expands its coverage to other region successfully one day, so it means that BFM 89.9 already breaks Klang Valley bubble completely. Wish BFM 89.9 do the best for expansion plan of the station!

The similarities of programmes between City Plus FM and BFM 89.9

City Plus FM and BFM 89.9 are business talk radio stations in Malaysia, the difference between these two radio stations are the broadcast languages. City Plus FM broadcasts in Chinese Mandarin, meanwhile BFM 89.9 broadcasts in English (but Malay broadcast is from 11pm till 6am).

I do notice that some of programmes are almost same genre and content between City Plus FM and BFM 89.9, just different languages. Here are the similar programs between City Plus FM and BFM 89.9.

* A+ 人物= Breakfast Grille on CEO of SMEs or giant company
* 問政 = Breakfast Grille on politicians, and ministers
* 城市方向盤= Cruise Control
* 地球轉一圈 = Business Headlines
* 財經+ = Biz Talk
* 科技360 = Tech Talk
* 城市天際線 = The Property Show
* 理財怎麼辦 = Ringgit & Sense
* 中場休息, 來電音樂 = untitled*
* 閱讀天下 = Bookmark
* 我們旅行中 = Ticket To Ride*
* 下班吃甚麼 = Feeding Time*
* 聽爵享受 = Take Five
* 主編點新聞 = Current affairs 
 * 就差你一票 = Talkback (partially)

*BFM Ticket To Ride, Feeding Time and Untitled were discontinued

Despite too many mainstream radio stations in Malaysia "overplayed" crappy stuffs on air, but Malaysia needs some radio stations to cover serious topics, rather than those "act-cute", slapstick, prank call, gossips and other nonsense contents.

City Plus FM has Chinese version of BFM 89.9 Take Five which plays jazz music on every Friday from 9pm till 10pm, known as 聽爵享受 (Enjoying the jazz). I like this segment as the songs sound like "coffee shop" music.

[MINOR TOPIC/ FOOD REVIEW]: Nasi McD, tasted like prison food?

In 2018, McDonald's launches localized food in Malaysia. Firstly, it is Nasi Lemak Burger McD. During the launching, it was hot selller. Then, McDonald's launches again with Nasi McD series.

Initially Nasi McD sounds good to me. Therefore, I decided to try it. At last, overall to say it is not delicious. What I feel about Nasi McD, taste like prison food (jail food).

Is McDonald's Malaysia joint venture with Malaysia Prisons Department (Jabatan Penjara Malaysia) to launch Nasi McD which cooked by ex-convicts? Definitely no, but imaginative comment only. If yes, Malaysia prisoners shall appreciate because they can eat Nasi McD with French Fries and fried chicken, even with Coca-Cola, so awesome!

The only delicious thing in this McDonald's first ever "jail food" in Malaysia is only the fried chicken, the rests are sucks. I believe ex-convicts can cry after eat this as they missed the jail food, so they commit crime again. HAHAHHAHAHAH! XD

I was badly impressed by this "jail food". Apparently, Nasi McD sounds delicious, but exactly tastes like prison food. I feel I'm having lunch in the prison. HAHAHHAHAHHA! XD 

So, this is my first try, also the final try to eat this "prison food". I only give 1 star rating over Nasi McD, but rest of McDonald's Malaysia food line-up such as burgers, fried chicken are nice enough (4-5 stars rating). 

Kakak Melayu, Mak Cik Melayu punya Nasi Lemak lagi sedap daripada Nasi McD yang macam makanan penjara untuk banduan. (Malay lady, Mak Cik's Nasi Lemak is far away better than Nasi McD which tastes like jail food for prisoners)

Bukit Pelindung coverage and the commercial value

Bukit Pelindung is a radio/TV transmitter site which is for East Pahang and Southern Terengganu. In Kuantan, the TV and radio stations are transmitted from Bukit Pelindung. Most of commercial radio stations reach there, except Kool FM, and Raaga.

Bukit Pelindung coverage just covers 600k population based on 2kW transmission power. Kuantan has more Chinese and Malay, so music and entertainment based radio stations are workable there by creating commercial driven, but I don't think Kuantan will have commercial value to business and talk radio station where Bukit Pelindung coverage is vernacular languages areas.

When I'm thinking about BFM and City Plus FM coverage expansion in Kuantan by putting transmitter in Bukit Pelindung, I don't think there is revenue yet as East Pahang is not PMEBs area.

Now, I'm talking about THR Raaga Tamil radio station in Kuantan, Bukit Pelindung. THR Raaga weekly listeners reach 1.3 millions (Source: GfK Radio Audience Measurement), Astro Raaga has no frequency in Kuantan as there is already having Gegar where serves East Coast Malay featuring east coast content. In addition, I may believe Bukit Pelindung coverage has only 9-11% Indian population. According to the coverage map, I believe Raaga can gain only 50k-60k Indian listeners in East Pahang via FM radio, so the weekly listeners reach which conducted by GfK for Raaga will be the same.

If Raaga launches Kuantan frequency, the listenership increment will not be effective so much. Besides that, Bukit Pelindung coverage is very small, and not large as other states strategic transmission sites such as Gunung Ulu Kali, Gunung Jerai, Gunung Pulai, Gunung Ledang, Gunung Telapak Burok, Bukit Larut and Gunung Kledang where can cover at least 1 million population. 

In addition, Bukit Pelindung has no commercial value to Raaga radio station, but I believe Tamil speaking listeners in East Pahang still can access Raaga via FM radio receiver by tuning either FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali or FM 99.7MHz from Gunung Ledang where able to cover Pahang territory. 

Conclusively, Bukit Pelindung commercial driven is low to certain radio stations due to its smaller coverage. In addition, its reception can be only received up to Pekan and Gambang, even signal goes faded when reach West Gambang, so listeners shall touch the dial by tuning frequency from Gunung Ulu Kali or Gunung Ledang. For Terengganu site, Bukit Pelindung can be received up to Kijal only. 

KL FM 97.2MHz is also available outside Klang Valley

RTM KL FM 97.2MHz is a radio station which mainly serves Kuala Lumpur, also with Klang Valley metropolitan areas. Listeners in Selangor areas can follow this radio station such as Petaling Jaya, Sungai Buloh, Ampang, Gombak, Kuala Selangor, Klang, Sepang, Cyberjaya, Cheras, Kajang, Semenyih, Bangi, Puchong, Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, Seri Kembangan, Tanjung Karang, Balakong, and Dengkil.

KL FM 97.2MHz is transmitted from Kuala Lumpur Tower (formerly Bukit Nenas and Bukit Sungai Besi as Radio Malaysia Ibu Kota).

Other than Klang Valley, KL FM 97.2MHz is still accessible in some Negeri Sembilan areas such as:

- Nilai
- Labu
- Bandar Enstek (new location)
- Mantin
- Lenggeng
- Rantau
- Lukut
- Port Dickson
- Bukit Pelanduk
- Tanah Merah
- Mambau
- part of Seremban/Senawang

For transmitter site, I don't think KL FM 97.2MHz is necessary to move its transmitter site to Gunung Ulu Kali as current Kuala Lumpur Tower can cover Klang Valley perfectly. If move to Gunung Ulu Kali, KL FM 97.2MHz transmission will cause interference to Perak FM 97.3MHz Changkat Rembian coverage in Southern Perak such as Bidor, Sungkai, Terolak, Slim River and Tapah.

==RF analysis==

97.2MHz: KL FM Gunung Ulu Kali
97.3MHz: Perak FM Changkat Rembian
<100kHz, NOT OK. INTERFERENCE>

IM4U FM 107.9MHz停播後的未來與City Plus FM 106.0MHz雪隆區收線解決方案

IM4U FM 107.9MHz這家電台, 相信大部分的人應該對這家電台不熟悉吧! 這家電台其實是宣傳自願活動, 電台以馬來語和英語為主, 70巴仙馬來語, 30巴仙英語. IM4U FM107.9MHz是前首相納吉 (現在他被控告跟1MDB有關的貪汙洗黑錢罪行), 2013年3月試播, 2014年9月正式廣播, 但是這家電台在2018年6月29日停播, 然後只是播放音樂, 無DJ的電台, 到現在依然播放音樂.

FM 107.9MHz是從Bukit Sungai Besi發射, 覆蓋範圍只限巴生谷和森美蘭小部分地區.

IM4U FM 107.9MHz其實是巴生谷非盈利電台, 屬於Gen Media Sdn Bhd, 公司是IM4U非政府組織擁有. 政治角度上來看, IM4U FM 107.9MHz也算是"國陣和阿雞哥河馬"的宣傳電台, 鎖定青年, 但是失敗告吹因為國陣在這屆大選落敗, 選民對國陣前朝政府厭倦. 國陣倒台後, IM4U組織改名為"Volunteer Malaysia", 證明IM4U這個品牌正式解散, 電台也解散. IM4U FM 107.9MHz停播前, 這家電台播放當代流行音樂鎖定12-29歲聽眾.

當時我收到這樣的消息, 我覺得這個消息也成為比較興趣的話題. 對IM4U FM停播消息最有興趣的地方是這家電台FM 107.9MHz的未來.

停播後的兩個月半, FM 107.9MHz依然播放音樂, 台號甚麼都沒有. 看起來這家電台正在尋找買家收購, 這家電台老闆正在脫售IM4U FM 107.9.

談到收購IM4U FM 107.9MHz, 我覺得這是很有趣的話題. Astro收購了星報集團兩家電台並推出現代穆斯林馬來電台Zayan和中文Z時代電台goXUAN, 然後首要媒體收購Copyright Laureate電台並推出Kool FM.

目前沒有任何集團選擇收購IM4U FM因為把這家電台擴展覆蓋範圍至其他地區很困難, 理由是電台頻譜飽和. 首要媒體Kool FM就是一個例子, 到現在依然無法擴大覆蓋範圍至西海岸其他州屬因為頻率飽和.

另外一點是馬來西亞中文財經電台City Plus FM遇到問題, 就是頻率FM 106.0MHz在雪隆區的收線素質不理想因為106.0是從Gunung Telapak Burok發射, 加上Gunung Telapak Burok主要覆蓋範圍是森美蘭, 此發射最多能覆蓋巴生谷南部, 反而巴生谷中北部地區的訊號就不清楚. 因為巴生谷頻率 (無論main transmitter或gap filler repeater)非常飽和, 所以City Plus FM在巴生谷境內增設頻率無緣.

City Plus FM 106.0在巴生谷南部是很清楚.

如果IM4U FM 107.9MHz脫售給City Plus FM, 我個人非常認同因為巴生谷需要更加清晰的City Plus FM.我個人會支持City Plus FM的公司Cense Media Sdn Bhd收購這家電台, 把City Plus FM的線路變得更加清楚.

如果City Plus FM成功收購IM4U FM 107.9, 巴生谷聽眾終於可以收聽得到更加清楚的中文財經電台. 原本在巴生谷地區(吉隆坡, 八打靈再也, 梳邦, 沙亞南, 安邦, Gombak, 蕉賴, 巴生, 萬繞, 雙溪毛糯)通過106.0收聽City Plus FM就把收音機調去107.9MHz. 其實City Plus FM 107.9MHz也可以保留在Bukit Sungai Besi發射地點覆蓋巴生谷, 還可以把發射功率增加5kW.

如果說把City Plus FM 107.9MHz放在Gunung Ulu Kali, 我還是不太認同因為Minnal FM在太平Bukit Larut使用的107.9MHz以後備頻率身分覆蓋那些收98.9被干擾而影響的霹靂地區.一旦107.9放在Gunung Ulu Kali發射, Minnal FM的覆蓋範圍可能被干擾, 除非發射天線沒有朝北部發射就沒有甚麼影響.

107.9MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Larut
107.9MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Sungai Besi (5kW)
<0kHz, OK>

107.9MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Larut
107.9MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Ulu Kali (1.5kW)
<0kHz,  不適合使用, 除非發射天線沒有對北部方向發射>

誰會收購IM4U FM? 大家不知道. 我個人絕對認同City Plus FM收購107.9, 反而106.0可以服務森美蘭和馬六甲.

 

Opinion about the future of IM4U FM 107.9MHz and City Plus FM 106.0MHz Klang Valley poor reception solution.

There was a Klang Valley radio station, IM4U FM ceased its broadcast. Its final broadcast was on 29th June 2018, then until today the frequency FM 107.9MHz is just playing non-stop music without DJs, and commercials like Star Radio defunct Red FM and Capital FM did in whole 2016.

Now I'm going to have introduction about the background of defunct IM4U FM. Briefly say that this radio station was actually non-profit radio station to promote volunteerism and social activism in Malaysia, it targeted younger listeners from 12-29 years old (Gen Y and Z) where are same class with Hitz, Fly FM, Era, and Hot FM by playing latest music trend from local and international. IM4U FM 107.9MHz broadcasted in Malay at 70% and English at 30%. Regarding the transmission, FM 107.9MHz was transmitted from Bukit Sungai Besi which only limited for Klang Valley and part of Negeri Sembilan (such as Nilai). From my view, majority listeners of IM4U FM are students and fresh graduates which get 1st job in their career.

IM4U stands for "1Malaysia For Youth", a non-governmental volunteerism organization is launched by former Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak in 2012. The IM4U FM radio station began trial transmission since March 2013, I noticed this radio station on 1st March 2013 where was fallen on Friday when my car mp3 modulator faced interference, that time was my final exam. Formerly I was using FM 107.9MHz as my mp3 modulator frequency for my car, but interference happened on March 2013. IM4U FM 107.9MHz began broadcast officially since 15th September 2014. Politically, IM4U FM became "BN and Najib Rosmah propaganda" radio station to target youths, but this work was failed actually, caused BN was denied by Malaysia voters during GE-14 on 9th May 2018. After collapse of BN Najib administration, IM4U was renamed as "Volunteer Malaysia", then its radio station was ceased.

Until 29th June 2018, IM4U FM went farewell. Until today, FM 107.9MHz is still playing non-stop music. I believe the radio station is seeking buyer for acquisition.

I suddenly feel interesting to hear about the future of FM 107.9MHz. While this radio station is seeking for acquisition, I was thinking about it and beginning to share my personal suggestion.

Astro already has Zayan and goXUAN where acquired Red FM and Capital FM from Star Radio Group, then Media Prima has Kool FM where acquired Pi Mai FM and Ultra FM from Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd. In Klang Valley, there is a Chinese business radio station by Cense Media Sdn Bhd, named City Plus FM, currently it is transmitted from Gunung Telapak Burok which suppose for Negeri Sembilan on FM 106.0MHz. City Plus FM 106.0MHz is clear in Southern Klang Valley such as Kuala Langat, Sepang, Kajang, Morib, Tg Sepat, Bangi, Putrajaya, Bukit Puchong, Serdang, and Balakong, but the reception is not clear in North and Central Klang Valley.

Due to unavailable frequencies in Klang Valley, regardless main transmitter or low power repeater, and IM4U FM is likely being sold, when comes to acquisition, I would fully agree if City Plus FM acquires IM4U FM 107.9MHz in order to provide clearer reception in Klang Valley. With the acquisition, Klang Valley listeners can listen to City Plus FM loudly and clearly on 107.9MHz.

After acquire IM4U FM, City Plus FM 107.9MHz can remain in Bukit Sungai Besi for Klang Valley by increasing transmission power. Meanwhile if transmit from Gunung Ulu Kali, I still don't really agree if City Plus FM transmits from Gunung Ulu Kali on 107.9MHz  as there is RTM Minnal FM Bukit Larut 107.9MHz which serves as alternative frequency of 98.9MHz in affected Perak areas.

Gunung Ulu Kali can transmit further than Bukit Sungai Besi due to its higher elevation of terrain, it can transmit beyond Klang Valley such as Southern Perak, West Pahang and part of Negeri Sembilan/Melaka/Johor.

If City Plus FM choose Gunung Ulu Kali as transmitter site for FM 107.9MHz, I can agree when its transmitter antenna is not beamed to Perak direction in order to prevent interference to Minnal FM 107.9MHz Bukit Larut within Minnal FM coverage (including 98.9 affected areas).

==RF analysis==

107.9MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Larut
107.9MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Sungai Besi (5kW)
<0kHz, OK>

107.9MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Larut
107.9MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Ulu Kali (1.5kW)
<0kHz, not recommended unless antenna is not beamed to north direction>

Acquisition of FM 107.9MHz.... Who wants to buy???? Everybody does not know. I would strongly agree and support Cense Media Sdn Bhd acquires it for City Plus FM to have clearer reception in Klang Valley. While Klang Valley is FM 107.9MHz, so City Plus FM can move towards Melaka on existing Gunung Telapak Burok FM 106.0MHz to target Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.

With City Plus FM 107.9MHz from Bukit Sungai Besi, Klang Valley areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Puchong, Petaling Jaya, Ampang, Gombak, Rawang, Selayang, Cheras, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Damansara, Klang and Sungai Buloh will have clearer reception than FM 106.0MHz.

Existing FM 107.9MHz Bukit Sungai Besi coverage

List of the radio stations which are receivable in Cameron Highlands, Pahang

Here is the list of radio stations which can be received in Cameron Highlands, Pahang.

==Astro Radio== (available in Brinchang, Kampung Raja, Blue Valley, Tanah Rata and Ringlet only)
* Hitz: FM 92.7MHz from Gunung Kledang
* Mix: FM 94.3MHz from Gunung Kledang
* Lite: FM 101.5MHz from Gunung Kledang
* MY: FM 100.6MHz from Gunung Kledang
* Melody: FM 98.5MHz from Gunung Kledang
* Era: FM 103.7MHz from Gunung Kledang
* Sinar: FM 96.9MHz from Gunung Kledang
* Raaga: FM 97.9MHZ from Gunung Kledang
* Zayan: FM 106.4MHz from Gunung Kledang

==Media Prima== (available in Brinchang, Kampung Raja, Blue Valley, Tanah Rata and Ringlet only)
* One FM: 87.6MHz from Gunung Kledang
* Fly FM: 87.9MHz from Gunung Kledang
* Hot FM: 104.5MHz from Gunung Kledang

==STAR Radio Group== (available in Brinchang, Kampung Raja, Blue Valley, Ringlet and Tanah Rata only)

* 988: FM 99.8MHz from Gunung Kledang

* Suria: FM 96.0MHz from Gunung Kledang


==Others==
* IKIM FM: 102.7MHz from Gunung Kledang (available in Brinchang, Kampung Raja, Blue Valley, Ringlet and Tanah Rata only)

==RTM== (Transmitter site: Gunung Brinchang)
* Radio Klasik FM 89.1MHz
* Nasional FM 93.1MHz
* Pahang FM 100.3MHz
* Perak FM 94.7MHz
* Traxx FM 101.1MHz
* Ai FM 103.5MHz
* Minnal FM 104.3MHz
* Asyik FM/Salam FM 105.1MHz

 

* Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar (partially available in Blue Valley, Kuala Terla, Kea Farm and Kampung Raja)

The commercial value of Kelantan and Terengganu states for radio station market

Usually a new radio station mass market will focus in Klang Valley as it is highest population region in Malaysia. In addition, Klang Valley region covers Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur. Klang Valley covers Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Rawang, Shah Alam, Klang, Subang Jaya, Putrajaya, Cheras, Puchong, Serdang, Kajang, Sepang, Cyberjaya, Kuala Langat, Banting, Sungai Buloh, Ampang, Selayang, and Batu Caves. Most of radio stations in Malaysia are mainly focusing in Klang Valley, Penang, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Perak, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu due to higher commercial driven.

Among all Malaysia's states, Kelantan and Terengganu are the lowest commercial driven states, regardless radio broadcasting industry, or investment company. Now I'm going to talk about radio market in these region.

In Kelantan, and Terengganu, only Malay language radio stations can survive there well due to highest Malay population. East-coast based Astro THR Gegar and Manis FM did well there, even RTM Terengganu FM and Kelantan FM too. The rest of radio stations in English, Chinese and Tamil have no commercial value in Kelantan and Terengganu.

Politically, Kelantan and Terengganu are conservative states where currently held by PAS. So, a lot of controversial law and those conservative practices are implemented in those states. When the super conservative practices are implemented, there will have much restrictions to the people. Example: cinema divides men and women. Then, watching movies at the cinemas must turn on the light. Those conservatives policy will frighten the investors from developing Kelantan and Terengganu.

Same goes for non-Malay languages radio stations, Kelantan and Terengganu are not profitable to them. Here are the list of Malaysia TV and radio stations where unavailable in Kelantan and Terengganu via FM radio frequency:

* Chinese: 988 (Star Radio Group), One FM (Media Prima), goXUAN (Astro) and City Plus FM (Cense Media)
* English: Red FM (Star Radio Group disposed radio station), BFM
* Tamil: Raaga (Astro)
* Malay: Zayan (Astro), Best FM

Zayan is modern Muslim digital platform also a radio station by Astro, it targets modern Muslim listeners in Malaysia, but so far Astro has not expanded this radio station to Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu, I may think that these locations are conservative enough, did not fit to Zayan market. As Malay radio station to target modern Muslim, I feel it is freak when it does not expand in Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu.

Best FM (who is owned by Johor Sultan), based in Johor Bahru, it did perform trial transmission in Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu last year, but at last Best FM did not launch in Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu. I believed no commercial value to Best FM, plus Best FM contents are mostly based in Johor. In addition, Johor content are very far away from Kelantan and Terengganu culture, Johor content are more modern actually due to its geographical locations where just next to Singapore.

Aside political factor, some of my friends did ask me that why don't 988, one FM, and City Plus FM have frequencies in Kelantan and Terengganu. Actually I also did some "roughly" market research for these Chinese radio stations, according to their marketing, they are focusing on Chinese majority areas, so they don't go nationwide. Moreover, in terms of advertisement, the Chinese radio stations such as One FM and 988 FM are airing "non-Halal" products commercials during the break, the advertisers such as SPORTS TOTO, Magnum 4D, Loong Kee Barbeque Meat (龍記肉乾) promote their products via radio commercial break in order to attract Chinese consumers in Malaysia, actually found nothing problem.

Inversely, if 988 and One FM expanded coverage in Kelantan and Terengganu, I don't think they will get more revenue due to these advertisers are not interesting to promote their products on the radio which include these states. Plus, these advertisers direction is not complying to the culture of the states. Other than this, for listenership ratings, although if 988 and One FM have frequencies there, I don't think the ratings will be greatly increased, even Media Prima 8TV has no coverage in Kelantan and Terengganu for analog terrestrial television, but Kelantan and Terengganu people can watch 8TV via Astro CH708 and recent MYTV DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television.

Astro two Chinese radio stations MY FM and Melody FM do have Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu seats, but Astro put priority on coverage first. RTM Chinese Ai FM radio stations also have few frequencies in Kelantan and Terengganu, but RTM is government media, so that's government services actually.

Media Prima, STAR and other broadcasters prioritize on commercial value of the state, rather than coverage concern. Expand coverage in those regions who have no commercial value will not help a radio broadcaster to gain the advertising revenue where the radio stations need to bear the transmission fees of tower rental, salary of the staffs, and company incomes. Unless the radio broadcaster aim proper direction and target, so the revenue will be coming to them.

Radio broadcasting has same things with investment market company. Developers, restaurants, car service centers/showrooms network coverage are also based on commercial value of the region. I'm giving an example, Lexus Malaysia showroom/service centers in Malaysia.

Lexus is a premium vehicle brand by Toyota to compete with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo Audi, and Infiniti. Actually Lexus showroom and service center availability are based on the consumers' demand by region, so Lexus does not expand their showrooms and service center to the rural areas and low population regions because no Lexus consumers demand to buy the vehicles. If do that so, Lexus could face loss-making due to poor sales.

Current Lexus showrooms and service centers in Malaysia regions are Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Damansara, Kuching, Melaka and Kota Kinabalu. This reminds me to think radio stations commercial value and market aim when expansion plan is rolled out.

I pick another example of a radio station, that's my favorite BFM 89.9. It is an English business radio station, mainly targets PMEBs. So, its advertisers are mainly premium automakers, educations, property, investors, and premium business solutions. Recently, I also heard Volvo advertisement on BFM 89.9, their main vehicles on radio advertisement are S90 and XC60. Volvo is the competitor of Lexus actually.

When BFM 89.9 is willing to expand coverage to other territory, same as Lexus showroom and service center network coverage that I mentioned above. Coverage expansion is based on advertisers and commercial value of a territory.

As business radio station with premium brand advertisers, besides Klang Valley, other territories such as Melaka, Johor Bahru, Seremban, Ipoh and Penang are the mass coverage to them. Due to premium brand advertisers never invest their products in east coast, so the radio station has no interest to expand there due to no commercial value.

Kuantan (capital of Pahang state) is not so bad for most of the radio stations regardless any languages, but it is still not matured yet in terms of development, commercial driven, businesses and investment.

If I compare between Kelantan and Terengganu, Kelantan is poorer actually. Even when international or foreign tourists visit Malaysia, they usually travel Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Sabah, Sarawak, Perak, Pahang, Penang, Kedah, Langkawi, Negeri Sembilan (PD), Johor and Selangor, but unfortunately less number of them visit Kelantan. Meanwhile Terengganu is slightly better a little bit than Kelantan because of Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang beautiful and attactive islands in the state.

In conclusion, Kelantan and Terengganu can have commercial value if these states are developed and opened by ceasing those conservative practices. So, if these states get developed, the investors will come naturally, then it will create job opportunities.

[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.