RTM Hulu Langat radio station. Asyik FM can have Hulu Langat frequency 102.2MHz.

On September 2017, I received FM 92.0MHz in Balakong, Selangor, but it was RTM Nasional FM. During that time, I had no idea where is FM 92.0MHz signal transmitted from.

So, I was going to ask for inquiry to RTM by sending email with few attachments regarding FM 92.0MHz transmission. So, I got replied from RTM. The broadcaster stated that FM 92.0MHz was transmitted from Hulu Langat as gap filler transmitter to cover Hulu Langat where some of areas are not covered by existing transmitters such as Gunung Ulu Kali, Gunung Telapak Burok and Kuala Lumpur Tower.

At the same time, Selangor FM does have Hulu Langat frequency on 99.8MHz. Both of them are operating at lower power, not more than 250W, I guessed.

==Current RTM Hulu Langat radio stations==
* 92.0MHz: Nasional FM
* 99.8MHz: Selangor FM

Moreover, Hulu Langat has more Orang Asli residents where stay at the villages. In my opinion, RTM still can add pocket filling transmitter for Asyik FM in Hulu Langat 18th miles (Batu 18) to cover blind spot areas.

Because FM 102.0MHz is likely occupied in Bukit Tampin as army general broadcast radio station, so FM 102.1MHz cannot be used in Gunung Telapak Burok, but FM 102.2MHz is suitable to be used in Hulu Langat with this situation. 

==My parameter suggestion for Asyik FM Hulu Langat==
* Frequency: FM 102.2MHz
* Power: 0.5kW
* Transmitter site: Batu 18, Hulu Langat, Selangor
* Coverage: Hulu Langat and surrounding areas. Also works as alternative frequency of 91.1MHz and 102.5MHz when the reception of both existing frequencies are not clear.

==RF analysis==

102.2MHz: Asyik FM Hulu Langat
102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang
<100kHz, OK>

101.8MHz: MY FM Gunung Ulu Kali
102.2MHz: Asyik FM Hulu Langat
<400kHz, OK>

102.2MHz: Asyik FM Hulu Langat
102.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<300kHz, OK>

102.2MHz: Asyik FM Hulu Langat
102.2MHz: Pahang FM Fraser's Hill
<0kHz, OK>

Penerimaan Negeri FM 92.6MHz lemah di sekitar Lebuhraya PLUS antara Nilai dan Seremban

Negeri FM 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok meliputi Seremban, Kuala Pilah, Nilai, Jelebu, Jempol Tengah, Port Dickson dan Pedas secara umum, tetapi di sesetengah kawasan Nilai, Negeri FM 92.6MHz tidak dapat diterima akibat terlindung dengan bukit.

Bandar Nilai boleh menerima Negeri FM 92.6MHz dengan jelas, tetapi di Lebuhraya PLUS dari Nilai ke Seremban, terdapat kawasan tidak dapat menerima siaran Negeri FM, manakala stesen radio lain RTM boleh menerima siaran dari Gunung Ulu Kali dengan jelas.

Negeri FM ialah stesen radio RTM khususnya untuk Negeri Sembilan.

Pada pandangan saya, RTM boleh menambah 1 pemancar kuasa rendah sebanyak 100W untuk meliputi kawasan titik buta di Nilai dan Labu dengan memasang pemancar di TM Nilai yang terletak di sebelah Petronas Pekan Nilai.

==Cadangan pemancar pocket filling Negeri FM untuk kawasan titik buta Nilai==
* Frekuensi: FM 92.0MHz
* Kuasa: 0.1kW
* Tempat pemancar: TM Nilai
* Kawasan liputan: Kawasan Nilai, dan Labu yang tidak dapat menerima siaran Negeri FM 92.6MHz dari Gunung Telapak Burok

==RF analisa==

91.7MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Telapak Burok
92.0MHz: Negeri FM TM Nilai
<300kHz, OK>

92.0MHz: Negeri FM TM Nilai
92.3MHz: Minnal FM Menara Kuala Lumpur
<300kHz, OK>

Liputan siaran Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang

Senarai kawasan liputan siaran Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang:

1. Seluruh Melaka

2. Johor: Muar, Bakri, Tangkak, Panchor, Pagoh, Segamat, Batu Anam, Jementah, Chaah, Sungai Mati, Yong Peng, Bekok, Tenang

3. Pahang: Keratong, Kemayan, Teriang, Muadzam Shah, Bandar Bera

4. Negeri Sembilan: Tampin, Gemencheh, Gemas, Rompin, Kuala Pilah, Batu Kikir, Juasseh, Johol, FELDA Palong, Pedas, Linggi, Kota, Pasir Panjang, Port Dickson dan Bandar Seri Jempol

Raaga finally becomes 24 hours full-fledged Tamil radio station

Raaga finally becomes 24 hours full-fledged radio station, from Q2 2018 onwards. Congratulations!

Previously Raaga did not broadcast 24 hours, but relay Gegar program from 2am till 6am daily on Raaga frequencies due to license condition.

Now, I can heard Tamil songs on Raaga FM frequencies at midnight and early morning. That's great.

Actually this should be happened very early because Astro was holding Content Applications Service Provider (CASP) license which allow to broadcast more radio stations with different languages. Astro already had Era, Gegar and Sinar that time as Malay radio stations, now with Zayan, so Raaga should be 24 hours Tamil radio station that time, but problem was Time Highway Radio THR holding a license which was not CASP, a broadcaster who does not own CASP must broadcast at least 30% of Malay programs on the air.

Astro was not allowed to make Raaga 24 hours Tamil radio station because MCMC under BN regime instructed THR must air at least 30% Malay content, so Raaga needs to relay Gegar from 2am till 6am. If Astro breached the regulation, the license for Raaga could be revoked.

I'm not sure Raaga upgraded to 24 hours Tamil radio station on FM was happened before or after election, but anyway it is a perfect movement. Good news to Indians in Malaysia because this movement will allow Indians in Malaysia can enjoy listening to Raaga 24 hours.

Raaga or Minnal? These two Tamil radio stations are decided by Indians in Malaysia, based on their listening taste and preference. Although I'm Chinese, if I'm given to rate these two radio stations, basically I have no idea, but I prefer Raaga due to modern and progressive branding, meanwhile Minnal FM is Tamil language public radio station which carries general entertainment and government services to the people.

After Raaga becomes full fledged Tamil radio station, can Astro expand Raaga coverage to east coast like Kuantan where has more Indians, subject license allows THR broadcasts two radio stations in Kuantan at the same time?

Here is my video of Raaga playing Tamil songs on FM radio platform where taken at 3.20am:

Asyik FM in Negeri Sembilan (research by adding gap filler transmitter)

As 2018, RTM Asyik FM can be received in part of Negeri Sembilan with three existing frequencies:

* FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali: Mantin, Nilai, Lukut, Labu, Lenggeng, Port Dickson, Rembau, Pedas, Simpang Pertang, Sungai Lui, part of Seremban/Senawang/Jempol, Durian Tipus
* FM 91.1MHz from Kuala Lumpur Tower: Nilai, Mantin, Pantai and Pajam
* FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Ledang: Gemencheh, Bandar Seri Jempol, Serting and Rompin

These areas above are partially having Orang Asli residents, but some of Orang Asli areas in Negeri Sembilan are not covered by Asyik FM such as Kuala Pilah, Tanjung Ipoh and Johol. Rest of RTM radio stations in Negeri Sembilan (except Tampin and Sungai Lui) are covered by Gunung Telapak Burok, but Asyik FM has no transmitter in Gunung Telapak Burok.

Although there is unavailable frequencies in Gunung Telapak Burok, but wants to cover Kuala Pilah, Tanjung Ipoh and Johol Orang Asli areas, coincidentally RTM has analog television station transmitter in Bukit Kayu Ara for Kuala Pilah which might establish earlier than Gunung Telapak Burok, so in my opinion, RTM can add pocket filling transmitter for Asyik FM in Negeri Sembilan deeper areas by installing in Bukit Kayu Ara.

In Kuala Pilah district, there has Orang Asli village in Tanjung Ipoh (Kampung Orang Asli Langkap) under Terachi mukim, but this area is not covered by Asyik FM existing transmitters. Tanjung Ipoh can only receive radio stations from Gunung Telapak Burok, meanwhile Bukit Gan which covers only Seremban is just working as "extender".

If RTM adds Asyik FM in Bukit Kayu Ara, Kuala Pilah, Tanjung Ipoh, Seri Menanti and Juasseh will get covered, further areas such as Johol, Dangi, Bahau, Batu Kikir and part of Bandar Seri Jempol still can receive Asyik FM from Bukit Kayu Ara.

==My personal research and suggestion of Asyik FM gap filler frequency in Negeri Sembilan==
* Frequency: FM 105.5MHz
* Power: 2kW
* Transmitting site: Bukit Kayu Ara, Negeri Sembilan
* Expected coverage: Tanjung Ipoh, Seri Menanti, Kuala Pilah, Johol, Dangi, Bahau, Juasseh, Batu Kikir and part of Bandar Seri Jempol

==RF analysis==

105.3MHz: Johor FM Gunung Ledang
105.5MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Kayu Ara
<200kHz, OK>

105.3MHz: Suria FM Gunung Ulu Kali
105.5MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Kayu Ara
<200kHz, OK>

105.5MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Kayu Ara
105.7MHz: Lite FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<200kHz, OK>

105.5MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Kayu Ara
106.0MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Telapak Burok
<500kHz, OK>

Radio Republik Indonesia Bengkalis PRO-1 FM 90.6MHz is available in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Radio Republik Indonesia PRO-1 Bengkalis radio station FM 90.6MHz was available in part of Malacca and Johor, especially costal areas after the station gets increased its transmission power to 5kW since January 2016.

This radio station is also available in Negeri Sembilan, that is Tampin, where located nearby Melaka border. Currently Tampin is the only Negeri Sembilan area where can receive foreign radio station from Indonesia, reception is not too bad.

In Tampin, Gunung Telapak Burok radio stations which mainly for Seremban cannot be received, no signal there. Therefore, Tampin radio listeners must tune the radio stations from Gunung Ledang. Meanwhile Gunung Pulai reception is not clear there, but Singapore radio stations are almost having a bit signal. I was used to receive BBC Radio World Service 88.9 from Singapore there.

RRI PRO-1 Bengkalis FM 90.6MHz is the only Indonesia radio station which available in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, but reception is not so clear. Not really clashed with Minnal FM 90.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok as Tampin cannot receive 90.5MHz.

Tampin listeners can get this Indonesian radio station on FM 90.6MHz from Bengkalis, Indonesia.

FM 102.0MHz test transmission in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka (Part 3)

In Pedas, Rembau, Tampin, Kota and Alor Gajah, I could detect a radio signal on FM 102.0MHz. This frequency has signal, but no sound along PLUS Highway from Simpang Ampat till Pedas Linggi intersection.

I caught the signal during Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2017, I thought the frequency FM 102.0MHz was a test transmission from Gunung Telapak Burok, but the signal went off when I reached Seremban, so I guessed FM 102.0MHz was from Bukit Tampin.

Initially, I suspected FM 102.0MHz Bukit Tampin was belonged to RTM by guessing RTM will launch Melaka FM Bukit Tampin frequency FM 102.0MHz to cover blind spot Melaka areas, so I decided to ask RTM for frequency verification based on my findings. RTM clarified that FM 102.0MHz was not belonged to them by informing me that RTM only has 1 radio station in Bukit Tampin, that is Negeri FM 95.7MHz.

Before a week of Deepavali, I was planning for one day solo trip. So, I decided to hike Bukit Tampin. When I was driving along PLUS Highway after Senawang rest station before reaching Pedas Linggi intersection, so I tried to tune to FM 102.0MHz on my radio receiver, normally an unoccupied frequency will create static noise, but FM 102.0MHz has no static noise, instead the frequency is just in silent mode without having audio.

Then, after I entered Pedas Linggi toll while on my way to Tampin via Rembau road, the signal FM 102.0MHz was still there, my car radio receiver was showing "ST" (STEREO) indicator on the display, but somehow ST indicator was blinking occasionally without static noise.

Pedas, Linggi, Rembau, Tampin, Kota, Simpang Ampat and part of Alor Gajah can receive FM 102.0MHz. When I reached Tampin, FM 102.0MHz signal was available, just partially interfered by Johor FM 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai which covers Southern Johor. After I reached Tampin, I brought my radio receiver together while hiking Bukit Tampin from the bottom till the top peak where is TM Bukit Tampin transmitting station tower.

From bottom peak till the top peak, there is 90 poles within Bukit Tampin. TM Bukit Tampin transmitting tower is at 90th pole. So, I walked from 1st pole till 90th pole, it took 1 hour to reach TM Bukit Tampin. Tired is common unless consistently hiking.

FM 102.0MHz was interfered by Johor FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai at the middle peak of Bukit Tampin (about 53rd pole), so when I reached about 85th pole where is not far away from the transmitting tower, I turned on my radio receiver and switched to FM 102.0MHz, the signal was ON, but no audio and static noise, even I got the signal when I was at TM Bukit Tampin.

When I already reached TM Bukit Tampin, everyone is not allowed to take photography of TM Bukit Tampin building and transmitter tower because there is army camp within TM Bukit Tampin transmitter station. I was told by one of army guard for not taking photos too, but I told him that I was doing radio reception test (DXing), he was ok. In addition, the army told that I was allowed to take photo nearby Maxis tower and Selamat Datang TM Bukit Tampin concrete board.

Because TM Bukit Tampin has army camp where never allow photography due to military's confidential which is heavily related to country defenses, then RTM had clarified that FM 102.0MHz was not belonged to them in Bukit Tampin, I believed none of commercial radio stations will expand coverage by putting Bukit Tampin for Melaka and Negeri Sembilan due to nonstrategic coverage,  from my view, there is possibility that FM 102.0MHz is occupied by ATM Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (Malaysia's army) as military radio station which broadcasts for army.

Some of my friends said that FM 102.0MHz could be the interference signal from military radio service, but my friends said that the interference happened only when reach the transmitting tower, known as "modulation interference".

For army radio communication purpose, the frequency spectrum is between 225MHz and 400MHz under VHF, none of people other than army are allowed to own this kind of radio receiver because this is illegal, cause to be sued by the law, same with airband receiver too.

Modulation interference refers a radio station transmission can create duplication interference through modulation, which happens nearby transmitting tower. Example, Raaga FM in Gunung Raya is 101.9MHz, but I could receive on 93.6MHz when I was at the top peak of Gunung Raya.

In Tampin, Rembau, Simpang Ampat, Pedas Linggi, and Kota, FM 102.0MHz can be received, so it was not modulation interference. So, I guess FM 102.0MHz was operated as army broadcasting radio station where is dedicated for army within Bukit Tampin camp, I guess FM 102.0MHz is operating in very low transmission power, could be either less than or equal to 0.1kW. Besides that, the transmitter antenna of FM 102.0MHz from Bukit Tampin  is beaming to west direction.

Coincidentally, Bukit Tampin is also belonged to TM, I think army is installing a FM transmitter within Bukit Tampin camp, instead of TM transmitter tower. Imagine if FM 102.0MHz is installed at TM Bukit Tampin tower, I believe reception in Tampin, Alor Gajah and Melaka can receive the signal, even Port Dickson and part of Seremban can receive weakly.

In conclusion, FM 102.0MHz is neither public nor private broadcaster, it could be army radio station.

==Basic information of FM 102.0MHz==
* Transmitting site: Bukit Tampin (suspect army camp building
* TX Power: ≤100W
* Coverage availability: Rembau, Kota, Tampin, Pedas, Linggi and Simpang Ampat 

My own research over Minnal FM Bukit Tampin 101.1MHz to solve interference issue in Melaka.

==Current condition of Minnal FM reception in Melaka==

1. Main frequency

103.3MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Ledang 1kW

103.3MHz: Era FM Gunung Ulu Kali 2kW

Result: 0kHz, co-channel interference in Melaka such as Melaka City (St Paul's Hill, Stadhuys, Jonker Street, Dataran Merdeka and high rise buildings within Central Malacca), Tanjung Bidara, Tanjung Kling, Masjid Tanah, Sungai Udang, Kem Terendak, Klebang, part of Alor Gajah.

2. Alternative frequency

90.5MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Telapak Burok 1.5kW

90.6MHz: RRI Pro-1 Bengkalis 5kW

Result: 100kHz, adjacent interference in coastal areas of Melaka including the Malacca City

90.3MHz: Era FM Gunung Ledang 2kW

90.5MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Telapak Burok 1.5kW

Result: 200kHz, clashed by Era 90.3MHz in some Malacca City.

Proposed solution: Adding a lower power transmitter about 500 watts in Bukit Tampin to cover Melaka on FM 101.1MHz where same frequency with Gunung Pulai 101.1MHz.

==Proposed parameter of Minnal FM alternative frequency for Melaka==

- Frequency: FM 101.1MHz

- Power: 0.5kW (500W)

- Transmission site: TM Bukit Tampin

- Height above sea level: 564.5m

- Coverage: Melaka 

==RF analysis of Minnal FM Bukit Tampin==

100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Tampin

<200kHz, OK>

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Tampin

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai

<0kHz, OK, SFN mode>

==Minnal FM frequencies in Southern Malaysia==

* 90.5MHz: Negeri Sembilan (Gunung Telapak Burok)

* 101.1MHz: Melaka (Bukit Tampin)

* 103.3MHz: North Johor (Gunung Ledang)

* 88.3MHz: Mersing (East Johor)

* 101.1MHz: South Johor & Singapore (Gunung Pulai)

FM 101.1MHz in Negeri Sembilan (Bukit Tampin vs. Bukit Gan)

FM 101.1MHz currently is a vacant radio frequency within Negeri Sembilan state, although it is unsuitable in Gunung Telapak Burok because interference to Selangor FM 100.9MHz coverage in Southern Selangor, but FM 101.1MHz is likely suitable to be used in either Bukit Gan or Bukit Tampin.

Bukit Gan is a new radio station transmission site for Seremban city, but coverage is very limited as it has lower elevation, meanwhile Bukit Tampin is the oldest TV and radio transmission site for Melaka before Gunung Ledang was set up in 1982/83.

Now radio spectrum is heavily congested much, so there were many private radio stations unable to expand coverage in Seremban. They don't want to expand coverage in Seremban by putting transmitter in Bukit Gan because coverage is super limited for Seremban and surrounding areas only, and also the commercial reason.

Formerly I did personal coverage research and proposal for Best FM to launch in Seremban on 101.1MHz from Bukit Gan, but I don't think Best FM will add Seremban frequency because the station mainly focuses on Johor market, Seremban is not the station's market.

Ignored too about FM 100.9MHz in Gunung Ledang as it is unsuitable because of co-channel interference with Selangor FM 100.9MHz in Melaka.

In my opinion, neglect about Bukit Gan, FM 101.1MHz is more suitable to work as "alternative" frequency or gap filler transmitter by locating in Bukit Tampin, actually FM 101.1MHz is suitable for RTM Minnal FM to be used in Bukit Tampin in order to solve interference issue in Melaka and cover blind spot areas within Melaka. The frequency FM 101.1MHz can be used by Minnal FM in Bukit Tampin as same frequency with Gunung Pulai 101.1MHz.

For FM 101.1MHz Bukit Tampin, RTM Minnal FM is more suitable than other radio stations.

Minimum frequency separation of Bukit Tampin radio stations.

==Minimum frequency separation of Bukit Tampin radio stations==
* Gunung Ledang: 400kHz
* Gunung Pulai: 200kHz (but 0kHz for single-frequency network radio station)
* Gunung Telapak Burok: 400kHz
* Bukit Gun: 300kHz
* Gunung Ulu Kali: 200kHz
* Bukit Sungai Besi: 100kHz
* Kuala Lumpur Tower: 0kHz
* Bukit Tinggi: 0kHz

RTM Pahang FM added new frequency on FM 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill

On 27th October 2018, I find there was another new radio signal when I touched my radio dial on FM 102.2MHz while I'm on the way from Puchong to Bukit Jalil. The radio station which broadcast on FM 102.2MHz is in Malay language, I received this radio station was around 1845 hours, it was broadcasting religion talk show (Ceramah Agama), then after the ceramah, the Muslim's prayer Azan Maghrib was aired around 1855 hours with some echo sound. For this month, KL and Selangor Maghrib prayer was around between 1900-1905 hours, but FM 102.2MHz Azan Maghrib prayer was aired before 7pm, I believed FM 102.2MHz was belonged to RTM radio station, the reception of FM 102.2MHz was very weak in Bukit Jalil, so I did compared with existing RTM main transmitter radio station by tuning Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali where has better reception in Bukit Jalil, I found FM 107.5MHz and FM 102.2MHz were airing same Azan around 1855 hours.

After this research, I found that FM 102.2MHz was RTM Pahang FM, but I verified that this frequency was transmitted from Fraser's Hill (Bukit Fraser) without asking information from RTM person.

Actually RTM Pahang FM 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill covers blind spot areas in Raub, Pahang, also blind spot within Fraser's Hill where these areas cannot receive Gunung Ulu Kali 107.5MHz. When Pahang FM is using 102.2MHz in Fraser's Hill, then FM 102.0MHz is tested in Bukit Tampin, so FM 102.1MHz is not allowed to be used in Gunung Telapak Burok.

102.2MHz: Pahang FM Fraser's Hill
102.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<300kHz, OK>

102.1MHz: Raaga FM Bukit Larut
102.2MHz: Pahang FM Fraser's Hill
<100kHz, OK>

Although 102.2MHz is not clear in Klang Valley, but the reception of Pahang FM 102.2MHz Fraser's Hill is stronger than Nasional FM 106.2MHz and Radio Klasik FM 90.9MHz in Puchong, Selangor (Bandar Kinrara 4 is tested area).

Here's is the video....

RTM Bukit Tampin radio stations

RTM currently has two radio stations in Bukit Tampin, first is Negeri FM 95.7MHz, second may be FM 102.0MHz which is trial transmission with ON-OFF signal.

FM 102.0MHz transmission is always on-off as it is test transmission, it can become Melaka FM second frequency to cover blind spot areas in Melaka where are not covered by FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang, the frequency FM 102.0MHz is not activated yet.

==Current RTM Bukit Tampin stations==
* FM 95.7MHz: Negeri FM (0.1kW)
* FM 102.0MHz: Test transmission (suspect Melaka FM, but TX power is likely 0.5kW)

Previously I had published last blog to talk about Minnal FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang interference issue in Melaka, then I shared my thoughts and suggestions to solve the issue by adding frequency in Bukit Tampin for Minnal FM on 101.1MHz (same with Gunung Pulai).

If RTM launches Minnal FM in Bukit Tampin for Melaka, Minnal FM can become 3rd RTM radio station to be launched in Bukit Tampin. In addition, it can become first Tamil radio station and first non-Malay language RTM radio station in Bukit Tampin. Inversely if RTM Minnal FM Gunung Ledang has no interference issue in Melaka, Bukit Tampin transmitter is not needed anymore.

For rest of RTM radio stations such as Radio Klasik, Nasional FM, Ai FM and Traxx FM, these stations don't need to launch Bukit Tampin transmitter as their frequencies can cover whole Melaka perfectly. Minnal FM is the only problem RTM Gunung Ledang radio station for interference issue in Melaka. 

==RTM Bukit Tampin radio stations (including my suggestion)==
* FM 95.7MHz: Negeri FM (0.1kW)
* FM 102.0MHz: Test transmission (suspect Melaka FM, but TX power is likely 0.5kW)
* FM 101.1MHz: Minnal FM (0.5kW)

Negeri FM 95.7MHz covers blind spot areas within Tampin and Rembau where are not covered by 92.6 and 107.7, meanwhile FM 102.0MHz may cover blind spot areas within Melaka where Gunung Ledang reception is not clear, but Minnal FM 101.1MHz Bukit Tampin is going to cover affected Melaka areas where FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang is co-channel interfered by Era FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.

How to solve RTM Minnal FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang interference issue in Melaka?

RTM Minnal FM frequency in Melaka and North Johor is 103.3MHz from Gunung Ledang, but reception in Central Melaka is unstable, compare to other RTM Gunung Ledang radio stations reception in Melaka because Minnal FM 103.3MHz has co-channel interference (also known as "cross-talk") with Era FM 103.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in part of Melaka.

The interference happens in Pahang (Kemayan, Bandar Bera, Teriang and Temerloh) and Negeri Sembilan is different with Melaka as Era and Minnal FM can be tuned alternatively or proper frequencies in Pahang and Negeri Sembilan.

==Case study in Pahang==
1. In Kemayan, Minnal FM 103.3MHz and Era FM 103.3MHz has co-channel interference, but Era FM 103.6MHz and Minnal FM 90.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok have no signal there, so Era FM can be tuned on 90.3MHz from Gunung Ledang, meanwhile Minnal FM can be tuned on 96.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

2. In Teriang, Bera and part of Temerloh, Era FM can be tuned on 103.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok, meanwhile Minnal FM can be tuned on 96.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali or 90.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok.

==Case study in Negeri Sembilan==
1. When Minnal FM 103.3MHz and Era FM 103.3MHz has co-channel interference, Era FM and Minnal FM can be tuned on 103.6MHz and 90.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok respectively. For Jempol areas like Felda Lui where Gunung Telapak Burok reception is poor, Era FM can be tuned on 90.3MHz from Gunung Ledang, then Minnal FM can be tuned on 96.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali or 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang (subject no interference condition)

==Case study in Melaka==

1. When Minnal FM 103.3MHz and Era FM 103.3MHz has co-channel interference, Era FM can be tuned on 90.3MHz Gunung Ledang or 103.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok, but Minnal FM can be tuned on 90.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok, but for Minnal FM, 90.5MHz can be received loudly and clearly in selected Melaka areas only.

The co-channel interference between Minnal FM Gunung Ledang and Era FM Gunung Ulu Kali on 103.3MHz happens in western areas of Melaka including coastal part such as Masjid Tanah, Lubuk Cina, Kuala Sungai Baru, Tanjung Kling, Kem Terendak, Melaka City, Sungai Udang, Klebang, Tanjung Bidara and Batu Berendam, even I can hear the interference around Jonker Street, St Paul's Church, Stadthuys and Famosa, Alternatively, I can tune to 90.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok, but reception is not so clear much as interfered by Era 90.3 from Gn Ledang and RRI PRO-1 Bengkalis 90.6MHz from Indonesia.

It is expensive to solve Minnal FM Gunung Ledang interference issue by changing frequency from 103.3 to 103.1 because RTM is using "5+1" combiner system, where RTM 5 radio stations transmitters share with a standby antenna. From my view, if one of RTM radio station is going to be changed frequency, so rest of RTM radio stations will be affected in this exercise. Then, RTM still needs to do spectrum planning and those calculations again when doing Minnal FM Gunung Ledang frequency migration, so this will cause high cost to do such action. 

Rather than changing frequency, RTM can buy new transmitter for Minnal FM and install at alternative site which also covers Melaka.

In my opinion, to solve Minnal FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang co-channel interference issue, RTM shall launch 1 additional transmitter in Bukit Tampin in order to cover Melaka with better and more stable reception. Actually Bukit Tampin is alternative radio transmission site to cover Melaka after Gunung Ledang where covers Melaka, North Johor and Southeast Negeri Sembilan. Regarding Minnal FM Bukit Tampin frequency, I suggest FM 101.1MHz because its existing South Johor frequency from Gunung Pulai is also using 101.1MHz, so RTM can manage Minnal FM self-interference issue on 101.1MHz under SFN (Single Frequency Network).

==My suggestion of Minnal FM alternative Melaka frequency==

* Frequency: FM 101.1MHz

* Power: 0.5kW-0.75kW

* Transmission Site: Bukit Tampin

* Coverage area: Melaka, also available in Tampin and Rembau.

==RF analysis of Minnal FM 101.1MHz Bukit Tampin==

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Tampin (0.5kW)

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai (5kW)

<0kHz, OK as both are same station under SFN>

100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali
101.1MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Tampin
<200kHz, OK>

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Tampin
101.5MHz: Raaga FM Gunung Telapak Burok
<400kHz, OK>

According to the RF analysis above, Selangor FM 100.9MHz coverage will not be interfered as it gaps 200kHz with Minnal FM 101.1MHz Bukit Tampin. Since FM 100.9MHz that I proposed previously for being used in Gunung Ledang is not suitable due to co-channel interference with Selangor FM 100.9MHz in northwest Melaka, so FM 100.9MHz is no longer become my research in Gunung Ledang anymore.  

With launching Minnal FM Bukit Tampin transmitter 101.1MHz, I believe listeners in Melaka especially affected areas will receive this radio station loudly and clearly, the reception of Minnal FM will be better and more stable than FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang if RTM buys additional transmitter and install at alternative site for Melaka.

Same with RTM Minnal FM sister radio station, Negeri FM, it does have Bukit Tampin frequency on 95.7MHz, but Negeri FM 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin is targeting Tampin, Rembau and Kota where these areas need Bukit Tampin because these locations are not fully covered by Gunung Telapak Burok FM 92.6MHz and Gunung Ledang FM 107.7MHz. For Minnal FM, my suggestion to launch Bukit Tampin is not to cover Rembau and Tampin like Negeri FM, but to cover Melaka alternatively in order to settle FM 103.3MHz interference issue.

I wish RTM will solve this issue in order to provide Minnal FM's listeners an alternative to listen to the station in Melaka when 103.3MHz is interfered.

==Minnal FM frequencies in southern region with suggested additional frequency==
- FM 90.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok covers Negeri Sembilan (Jelebu, Seremban, Port Dickson, Rembau, Kuala Pilah, Central Jempol)
- FM 101.1MHz Bukit Tampin covers Melaka (my suggestion)**, available in Tampin and Rembau (although it's not main targeted coverage)
- FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang covers Northern Johor (Muar, Ledang, Segamat, Batu Pahat and Kluang), Southern Melaka (Asahan, Jasin, Bemban, Nyalas, Merlimau) and Southeast Negeri Sembilan (Tampin, Gemencheh, Gemas, Rompin, and Palong)
- FM 101.1MHz Gunung Pulai covers Southern Johor
- FM 88.3MHz Bukit Tinggi covers Mersing and East Johor

**Suggestion for alternative frequency to solve 103.3 co-channel interference issue in affected Melaka areas

If RTM launches Minnal FM in Bukit Tampin on 101.1MHz, Minnal FM will becomes first Tamil language public radio station to be launched with gap filler/alternative frequency as RTM does usually launching pocket filling frequencies for its Malay language radio stations only.

Bukit Palong transmission for Penang, is it able to attract advertisers?

Back to 2015, actually I began involving as volunteer behind the scene to help BFM 89.9 to do some research on Penang frequency planning, I heard that their Penang frequency applications were rejected by MCMC (Malaysia Communications Multimedia Commission) when I read few articles before, so I tried to help BFM 89.9. First, I was doing research about Bukit Palong coverage in order to cover Penang. Why Bukit Palong? This was because I could receive Bukit Palong RTM radio stations in Penang, mainly Georgetown in December 2013, signal was moderate.

Bukit Palong actually is located in Baling, Kedah, a hill between Kedah and Perak border. Its main coverage areas are East Kedah (Baling) and Hulu Perak (Pengkalan Hulu), Betong Thailand is bonus area, but Bukit Palong transmission can be received in some Penang areas, just distant signal form.

Because of my listening experience of receiving Bukit Palong radio station in Penang, so I decided to make my personal suggestion to MCMC for BFM to get Bukit Palong frequency in order to cover Penang alternatively, but I was receiving result that Bukit Palong was unable to cover Penang as it is far away from Penang and it has no commercial value. Although I could receive Bukit Palong radio station in Penang, but the reception is unstable and Penang got partially covered only. Unlike Gunung Jerai and Bukit Penara where fully cover Penang, Bukit Palong covers partially Penang areas, even quarterly covers. Bukit Larut has better coverage than Bukit Palong for Penang seriously.

I look back about the radio station profile of BFM recently, BFM is English business radio station in Malaysia where currently covers Klang Valley, South Perak, West Pahang and parts of Negeri Sembilan/Melaka. I usually listen to this business radio station, regardless peak hours or non-peak hours, so I also do listen to BFM advertisers' radio commercials, most of advertisers' products and services on BFM are telecommunication, education, health, business solutions, and cars (luxury cars, but minimum D-segment saloon).

I pick car advertisers as main topic. As BFM is business radio station in Malaysia, the radio stations attract few automakers to advertise their new cars on BFM, such as:

1. Volvo (XC40, XC60, XC90 and S90)
2. Mercedes-Benz (Switch to EQ)
3. BMW
4. Renault (Koleos)
5. Nissan (Serena and Teana)
6. Toyota (service or new car purchase promotion)
7. Honda (Accord)
8. Peugeot (3008)
9. DS Automobiles (DS5)
10. Audi
11. Subaru

Among these automaker companies, their target consumers are in the city, and premium urban areas. Penang is premium urban state within northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.

Note: Perodua and Proton are not advertised on BFM, but they advertised on mainstream radio where are entertainment-based stations.

I pick Lexus is an example, although Lexus is not used to advertise its car on BFM before. Lexus is a luxury division company of Toyota Motor Corporation, it is premium brand by Toyota. So, the competitors of Lexus are Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Acura, Volvo, Jaguar, and DS Automobiles. In Malaysia, Lexus Malaysia was established since 2006 officially, currently Lexus has eight showrooms and service outlets in Malaysia, covers Kuala Lumpur, Damansara, Ipoh, Penang, Melaka, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

If one day BFM uses Bukit Palong transmission site to cover Penang, meanwhile Lexus is willing to advertise the all-new Lexus ES250 on BFM to attract buyers in Klang Valley and Penang from the radio station listeners, but the advertisers may not invest when Bukit Palong mainly covers Baling and Pengkalan Hulu.

Lexus ES250 2019

Currently Lexus has no showrooms and service outlets in Kedah, even Baling and Pengkalan Hulu are not premium areas. There have no Lexus buyers in Baling, Kedah, so Lexus may not be able to attract more buyers to own ES250 in Penang because Bukit Palong cannot cover many Penang areas, even may face loss revenue on advertisement due to effective-less advertising.

Advertisers are looking at strategic transmitting location, rather than alternative transmitting sites where can't cover those urban areas completely. Same as Kuantan, Lexus has no any outlets in Pahang areas because less people owns luxury vehicles there. So, this means that Kuantan has no commercial value to BFM.

In conclusion, based on my own personal research by putting Lexus as an example, Bukit Palong cannot create commercial value as Penang is not its target coverage. Since this opinion is made, I'm no longer putting Bukit Palong as proposed site for my research anymore. Therefore, what I recommend about the transmission site for BFM Penang frequency is either Bukit Penara, TM Gelugor, Seberang Jaya, BM Hill, Penang U4 or Gunung Jerai, depends on the availability of the tower infrastructure. If uses transmission sites where are mainly for Penang, regardless main site or new site, the commercial driven is high as they attract more advertisers.

Liputan kawasan jangkaan di Perak jika RTM melancarkan pemancar Changkat Rembian untuk Asyik FM 107.7MHz

Untuk meliputi kawasan Perak lebih jelas daripada 102.5 dan 105.1 bagi Asyik FM, pemancar Changkat Rembian dengan kekuatan pemancar 1kW diperlukan. Ini adalah cadangan parameter saya:

==Parameter frekuensi Asyik FM di Tapah Perak Selatan==
* Frekuensi: FM 107.7MHz
* Kuasa: 1kW (boleh ditambah kepada 2kW jika diperlukan)
* Tempat pemancar: Changkat Rembian, 35000 Tapah, Perak

==Liputan kawasan jangkaan Asyik FM pemancar Changkat Rembian 107.7MHz dengan kuasa 1kW==

* Tapah
* Temoh
* Bidor
* Chenderiang
* Sungkai
* Langkap
* Teluk Intan
* Kampung Gajah
* Bota
* Batu Gajah
* Tapah Road
* Tanjung Tualang
* Mambang Di Awan
* Teronoh
* Siputah
* Pusing
* Seri Iskandar
* Sebahagian Kampar
* Bagan Datuk
* Chenderong Balai
* Malim Nawar

Dengan pemancar Asyik FM Changkat Rembian, siaran radio ini dijangka boleh dengar di banyak kawasan Perak. Pemancaran Asyik FM dari Changkat Rembian boleh meliputi Perak Selatan (Batang Padang + Hilir Perak) dan sebahagian Perak Tengah (termasuk sebahagian Kinta).

==Masalah penerimaan siaran Asyik FM di Perak== (berdasarkan di kawasan Orang Asli)

102.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Ulu Kali
102.7MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Kledang
<200kHz, Asyik FM diganggu di kawasan Langkap, Bidor, Sungkai, Kampung Gajah dan Kampar>

104.9MHz: Zayan FM Gunung Ulu Kali
105.1MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Brinchang
105.3MHz: Suria FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<200kHz, Asyik FM diganggu di Bidor, Tapah, Langkap, Sungkai>

Cara penyelesaian: Menambah pemancar di Changkat Rembian untuk meliputi kawasan yang terjejas di Perak.

Expected coverage of proposed Asyik FM 107.7MHz Changkat Rembian in Perak if launched

In order to cover Orang Asli areas in Central and Southern Perak loudly and clearly, Asyik FM shall expand coverage in Perak by adding Changkat Rembian repeater. Here is my proposed parameter:

==Asyik FM Tapah and South Perak frequency suggestion==
* Frequency: FM 107.7MHz
* Power: 1kW (could be upgraded to 2kW)
* Transmission site: Changkat Rembian, 35000 Tapah, Perak

==Expected coverage of Asyik FM Changkat Rembian frequency 107.7MHz at 1kW==

- Tapah (with large number of Orang Asli)
- Bidor (with Orang Asli)
- Chenderiang (with more Orang Asli)
- Temoh (with Orang Asli)
- Langkap (with Orang Asli)
- Sungkai
- Teluk Intan
- Hutan Melintang
- Bagan Datuk
- Tanjung Tualang
- Bota
- Lambor Kanan
- Kampung Gajah
- Batu Gajah
- Teronoh (with Orang Asli)
- Pusing
- Siputah
- Seri Iskandar
- part of Kampar
- Mambang Di Awan
- Malim Nawar
- Tapah Road
- Chenderong Balai

Seriously if RTM Asyik FM launches in Changkat Rembian 107.7MHz, at least Central and Southern Perak still can receive clearer RTM Orang Asli radio station, rather than listening on weak 102.5 and 105.1MHz where are heavily interference by radio station from nearby transmitter sites such as Gunung Kledang, Gunung Ulu Kali and Bukit Larut.

==Current reception problem of Asyik FM in Perak== (based on Orang Asli areas)

1. West Pahang and Selangor frequency

102.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Ulu Kali
102.7MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Kledang
<200kHz, interference in Bidor, Langkap, Sungkai, Kampar, Tapah Road>

2. Cameron Highlands frequency

104.9MHz: Zayan FM Gunung Ulu Kali
105.1MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Brinchang
105.3MHz: Suria FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<200kHz, interference in Bidor, Tapah, Langkap, Sungkai>

Solution: Need to add transmitter in Changkat Rembian to cover affected areas.