RTM perlu memperluaskan siaran Asyik FM ke Pahang Timur

Siaran radio RTM berbahasa Orang Asli, Asyik FM kini telah meliputi kesemua kawasan Pahang Barat dengan FM 102.5MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali, terdapat banyak penduduk Orang Asli di Bentong, Bera, Kuala Lipis dan Raub, manakala RTM menambah pemancar kuasa rendah Asyik FM 99.9MHz di Bukit Botak meliputi Damak dimana terdapat penduduk Orang Asli.

Selain daripada Pahang Barat, terdapat juga penduduk Orang Asli di Pahang Timur, terutama Pekan, Kuala Rompin, Muadzam Shah dan sebahagian Kuantan, tetapi kawasan-kawasan tersebut tidak dalam liputan pemancar Asyik FM yang sedia ada. Oleh itu, RTM patut memperluaskan siaran Asyik FM ke Pahang Timur.

Mengenai perkembangan liputan siaran Asyik FM ke Pahang Timur, manakah tempat pemancaran yang RTM perlu memasangkan?

Terdapat empat tempat pemancaran yang meliputi Pahang Timur (termasuk tempat pemancar jurang), iaitu:

1. Bukit Pelindung (Kuantan, Pekan, Gambang Timur)
2. Bukit Sulai (Gambang Barat, Chini dan Sri Jaya)
3. Kuala Rompin
4. Bukit Sembilan (Muadzam Shah, Pekan, Rompin, Keratong)

Di Pahang Timur, kesemua stesen radio akan memancar siarannya dari Bukit Pelindung kerana meliputi bandar Kuantan dimana kawasan Kuantan adalah ibu negeri Pahang. Tambahan pula, Kuantan adalah kawasan berpadat di Pahang. 

Liputan Bukit Pelindung

Berdasarkan pada peta liputan Bukit Pelindung, walaupun sasaran utama ialah Kuantan, ia meliputi Terengganu Selatan, Gambang dan Pekan Pahang, tetapi pemancarannya tidak dapat meliputi Muadzam Shah, Kuala Rompin dimana mempunyai Orang Asli kerana terhalang oleh bukit.

Bukit Sulai

Liputan pemancar Bukit Sulai hampir sama dengan Bukit Pelindung, cuma pemancarannya meliputi kawasan Gambang. Oleh itu, liputan pemancarannya kurang luas seperti Bukit Pelindung dan Bukit Sembilan.

Kawasan Orang Asli di Pahang Timur sebenarya meliputi Pekan, Kuala Rompin, Muadzam Shah serta Keratong, manakala kawasan Kuantan adalah minoriti. Pada pandangan saya, RTM boleh memasang pemancar untuk siaran Asyik FM di Bukit Sembilan. RTM Pahang FM mempunyai pemancar Bukit Sembilan pada frekuensi FM 88.0MHz, cuma kekuatan pemancarnya ialah 0.1kW dimana had untuk Muadzam Shah sahaja. 

Saya perasan bahawa Bukit Sembilan lebih logik dan sesuai daripada Bukit Pelindung untuk Asyik FM stesen RTM Orang Asli, berbanding dengan stesen radio lain kerana Bukit Sembilan adalah tempat pemancar lebih strategik daripada Bukit Pelindung untuk liputan kawasan Orang Asli di Pahang Timur.

==Cadangan saya terhadap Asyik FM di Pahang Timur==

* Frekuensi: FM 100.8MHz

* Kuasa: 2kW

* Tempat pemancar: Bukit Sembilan, Pahang (492m)

* Kawasan liputan: Muadzam Shah, Pekan, Kuala Rompin, Keratong dan sebahagian Kuantan/Gambang

==RF analisa==

100.4MHz: one FM Bukit Pelindung
100.8MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Sembilan 2kW
<400kHz, OK>

100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok
100.8MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Sembilan 2kW
<200kHz, OK>

100.8MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Sembilan 2kW
100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali (Selangor sahaja)
<100kHz, OK>

100.8MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Sembilan 2kW
101.1MHz: MY FM Bukit Pelindung
<300kHz, OK>

100.4MHz: Ai FM Gunung Ledang
100.8MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Sembilan 2kW
<400kHz, OK>

Peta liputan Asyik FM 100.8MHz Bukit Sembilan

Berdasarkan pada peta liputan Asyik FM 100.8MHz Bukit Sembilan, dengan kekuatan pemancar 2kW, Bukit Sembilan bukan sahaja meliputi Pahang Timur (Pekan, Kuala Rompin, Muadzam Shah, Keratong serta sebahagian Kuantan/Gambang), isyarat radio Bukit Sembilan juga boleh diterima di kawasan Negeri Sembilan Timur seperti FELDA Palong, Ladang Geddes dan Jempol Timur. Kawasan FELDA Lui yang terletak antara Bandar Seri Jempol dan Kemayan boleh menerima siaran Asyik FM 100.8MHz dari Bukit Sembilan dimana penerimaan MY FM 100.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok jadi lemah kawasan tersebut akibat terlindung oleh Hutan Simpan Pasoh yang terletak di sempadan daerah Jempol dan Jelebu, tetapi pendengar MY FM di kawasan ini boleh tala ke 106.4MHz dari Gunung Ledang yang jelas.

Mengenai frekuensi cadangan 100.8MHz, penggunaan frekuensi tersebut oleh Asyik FM di Bukit Sembilan tidak akan membawa gangguan kepada Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali kerana Pahang bukan dalam liputan Selangor FM 100.9MHz.

Sebab utama saya mencadangkan 100.8MHz ialah sebelum ini saya pernah buat cadangan analisa FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang, tetapi frekuensi tersebut kurang sesuai digunakan di Gunung Ledang akibat gangguan oleh Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali di Melaka Utara.

Dengan frekuensi Asyik FM 100.8MHz di Bukit Sembilan, pendengar Orang Asli di Pahang Timur boleh menerima siaran Asyik FM lebih jelas. Justeru, Orang Asli boleh mendapatkan berita, hiburan dan penerangan dalam bahasa Orang Asli.

Secara kesimpulannya, saya harap RTM akan bertimbang untuk memperluaskan siaran Asyik FM ke Pahang Timur dengan cadangan ini sebagai rancangan masa depan.

==RTM Bukit Sembilan==
* TV1: UHF CH50 703.25MHz (analog)
* TV2: UHF CH53 727.25MHz (analog)
* Pahang FM 88.0MHz
* Asyik FM 100.8MHz (cadangan)

ntv7 will return Chinese segment by launching CJ Wow Shop Mandarin as majoirty

ntv7 wants to "relaunch" Chinese programmes next year to attract its lost Chinese viewers? Sounds yes, but Media Prima is going to transfer CJ Wow Shop Chinese segment from 8TV to ntv7 and then extend its program hours.  

Recently there is a news reporting that Media Prima will extend CJ Wow Shop Chinese Mandarin segment on ntv7, effective on 31st December 2018. On 31st December 2018 and 1st January 2019, ntv7 will broadcast special live program of launching CJ Wow Shop Mandarin extended segment.

Start from 2019, NTV7 will have no more Malay shows, its slots will be filled by CJ Wow Shop Chinese segment at non-peak hours. Besides CJ Wow Shop Chinese segment, ntv7 only leaves Korean shows at peak hours. In addition, ntv7 will broadcast some rerun Chinese programs and dramas from 8TV such as 活力加油站 Living Delight, 環島8 Let's Cycle, and 新蕭十一郎 New Xiao Shi Yi Lang.

News in Mandarin Chinese, Malay and English will be remained as usual. In March 2018, NTV7 is rebranded as Modern Malaysians' TV station by airing modern Malay shows, Korean shows and some English as well as Turkish dramas. Moreover, ntv7 is also airing Thai drama, meanwhile its Chinese slots were fully moved to 8TV, leaves only Mandarin News.

In my opinion, the rebranding exercise of ntv7 in March 2018 seems like unsuccessful due to lower viewership. I think that Malay viewers highly prefer TV3 for free-to-air TV, even they go to watch pay TV channels. Besides FTA TV, the Malaysia's pay TV company Astro has free satellite TV, known as NJOI, provides few free Malay channels such as Astro Prima (CH105), and soon defunct Astro Maya HD which are competitors of TV3 and NTV7.

Due to unsuccessful rebranding exercise of ntv7, coincidentally Media Prima gains revenue via CJ Wow Shop, especially Chinese segment shopping programmes, CJ Wow Shop Chinese segment attracts 45% of Chinese customers in 2017/18, Media Prima decides to extend CJ Wow Shop Mandarin Chinese segment on ntv7 in 2019 in order to cover the loss-making of ntv7.  

Hmmmm.. Television industry is more difficult than radio actually, it is very challenging to establish a television station because content is the king. When a TV station offers unattractive content, it is unable to attract viewers and advertisers, which cause loss-making revenue.

Free-to-air television nowadays is very challenging as it faces many competitors such as Video-On-Demand, YouTube, iflix, Netflix, dimsum by The Star and pay TV. In addition, people nowadays don't really watch TV anymore because they prefer to watch their favorite contents via digital platform such as VOD, Youtube etc which is non-linear media.

Non-linear media is more interactive to consumers, people can decide themselves to watch the content. Free-to-air television is linear platform, which is decided by broadcaster.

I understand that launching of CJ Wow Shop will create controversy and make many viewers angry, but Media Prima has no choice, the media company has to do that because it lost revenue year by year. To cover loss making revenue, shopping TV programme is launched, so they can make money by selling products to the viewers.

In conjunction with analogue switch off of terrestrial television on 31st March 2019, all free-to-air television stations move digitally via DVB-T2, so about Media Prima TV networks, the group may not want to handle many TV stations, so at least 1 of 4 current TV station will be closed down within 3 years. 

I guess Media Prima is highly focusing TV3 and 8TV, if touch wood NTV7 and TV9 cannot cover their loss-making revenue although launching CJ Wow Shop in Mandarin and Malay respectively, so Media Prima may close down these two TV stations in order to cut cost. TV9 currently broadcasts extended CJ Wow Shop since 5th March 2018 after the rebranding exercise of ntv7, but in 2019, NTV7 broadcasts extended Mandarin CJ Wow Shop.

For disposing and ceasing loss-making TV stations, if a loss-making broadcaster closes down its TV station without acquisition of new buyer, the frequencies will be returned to MCMC (Malaysia Communications Multimedia Commission), so the broadcaster cannot get back money from any party. Regardless analogue or digital transmission, the most valuable things of disposal TV stations are broadcasting license, then the frequencies (for analog).

Because analogue TV will be closed down by March 2019 in Malaysia, if Media Prima chooses to dispose NTV7 and TV9 after ASO (may be in next 3 years), I think their disposal TV stations cannot be acquired by anyone because previously acquisition of a loss-making TV or radio stations by new company is just to buy the frequencies and licenses to launch new stations, plus TV will go digitally. Since NTV7 and TV9 are under Media Prima, when Media Prima chooses to dispose them, it can transfer all remain asset of NTV7 and TV9 to other source, for the staffs, Media Prima could lay off or transfer them to other department, or even TV3 and 8TV, known as "merging". 

==Media Prima TV stations line-up 2019==

* TV3: Mass Malay

* NTV7: Chinese shopping TV (majority), Korean and Chinese rerun shows from 8TV

* 8TV: Mass Chinese

* TV9: Malay shopping TV (Majority), Indonesian and Malay rerun shows from TV3

==My analysis on Media Prima TV stations line-up post ASO and next 3 years==

* TV3: Mass Malay

* 8TV: Mass Chinese

* Drama Sangat: Malay dramas

* NTV7: <to be disposed if loss revenue although with Chinese CJ Wow Shop>

* TV9: <to be disposed if loss revenue>  

Another possibility is Media Prima can merge NTV7 and TV9 into CJ Wow Shop in Malay and Mandarin, which makes bilingual shopping TV station.

People nowadays are far away different to people in the past, because of digital platform, people's taste are hugely changed.

BFM 89.9 is available in Johor? Really?

BFM 89.9MHz is Klang Valley only English business radio station in Malaysia, it is transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali where covers Kuala Lumpur, whole Selangor, Southern Perak, Western Pahang, and part of Negeri Sembilan/Melaka, BUT some Johor areas still can receive BFM 89.9 from Klang Valley (Gunung Ulu Kali).

BFM 89.9 can be received in Johor? Yes, but it is available in certain areas only.

Batu Anam, Segamat and Labis still can receive BFM 89.9 with moderate reception quality, although it is not clear as Klang Valley and Southern Perak. In May 2016, I was used to travel Gemas and Rompin, Negeri Sembilan which located next to Johor border, the reception of BFM 89.9 was still available in Gemas, but when I stepped in Johor border, I still could listen to BFM 89.9 in Batu Anam, alongside with Lite FM 105.7MHz. Sorry for inconvenience because I did not capture the video of BFM 89.9 reception in Batu Anam as I was driving. 

Muar cannot receive BFM 89.9 actually as it is protected by Gunung Ledang (Mount Ophir), but Segamat, Batu Anam, and Labis can receive BFM 89.9 because there is no much terrain between Gunung Ulu Kali and them.

 

 

Another unexpected situation is few of people detected BFM 89.9 signal in further Johor areas, namely Yong Peng and Simpang Renggam, I feel surprised and freak over those reception videos.

First video above is my friend captured BFM 89.9MHz reception video in Hentian Sebelah Utara Yong Peng, Johor (Yong Peng northbound rest station), the reception is not too bad, but I believe the signal will be faded more when it is not in stationary condition. Distance between Gunung Ulu Kali and Yong Peng is 204km.

Second video is captured in Kampung Isnin Maarof, Simpang Renggam, Johor. Reception video is taken in the car, also stationary condition. Simpang Renggam is not far away from Kluang and Ayer Hitam, so I may guess BFM 89.9 can be received in Kluang and Ayer Hitam, but weak reception. Distance between Simpang Renggam and Gunung Ulu Kali is 246km!

Even I tried to receive 89.9 in Sri Gading and Parit Raja, there was nothing signal from BFM.

So, in conclusion, Batu Anam, Segamat and Labis can receive BFM 89.9 from Gunung Ulu Kali. I would like to thank to a YouTube user from Simpang Renggam for sharing reception video of BFM 89.9 there. For Johor radio listeners, please leave comment on this blog post if there is any feedback about this topic.

Can FM 102.1MHz be used in Gunung Telapak Burok?

In Negeri Sembilan and Southern Selangor, FM 102.1MHz is the only vacant frequency which can be used in Gunung Telapak Burok basically. Actually I listed FM 102.1MHz as Gunung Telapak Burok empty frequency since 2008, but until today FM 102.1MHz is not being used by any radio stations from Gunung Telapak Burok. Coincidentally, FM 102.0MHz is likely occupied in Bukit Tampin with signal, but without audio. I had highlighted this to Malaysia Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC) about this, but MCMC told that FM 102.0MHz has no transmission in Bukit Tampin by anyone, so the regulator chose to close case. In this situation, FM 102.0MHz sounds like unlicensed using of spectrum, neither public or commercial....

Since MCMC denied FM 102.0MHz is not occupied in Bukit Tampin, I planned to do research of FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Burok by rolling out antenna pattern drawing. Few surrounding radio stations nearby this frequency must be considered when I do this research.

Actually I planned to do research of FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Burok for BFM to expand its coverage in Seremban, but it is difficult to make decision as Pahang FM already occupied 102.2MHz in Fraser's Hill. Configuration of BFM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Burok studies by using directional antenna with lower power (about 0.75kW).

==RF analysis of FM 102.1MHz== (neglect FM 102.0MHz)

101.8MHz: MY FM Gunung Ulu Kali
102.1MHz: Gunung Telapak Burok (for BFM)
<300kHz, OK>

102.1MHz: Gunung Telapak Burok (for BFM)
102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang
<200kHz, OK because BFM does not beam to south direction>

102.1MHz: Gunung Telapak Burok (for BFM)
102.2MHz: Pahang FM Fraser's Hill
<100kHz, critical separation>

Pahang FM 102.2MHz Fraser's Hill mainly covers Raub and Lipis of Pahang, but the transmission of Pahang FM 102.2MHz maybe still accessible and receivable in Temerloh, Lanchang, Mentakab, Karak, Bandar Bera, Kemayan, Mengkarak, Tembangau, Manchis and part of Teriang, alongside with main transmitter FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.

I'm not certain that Pahang FM 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill is receivable with moderate reception in Bandar Bera, Teriang, Kemayan, Tembangau, and Mengkarak yet because I was used to travel there two years ago, but RTM Fraser's Hill radio stations were not active yet during that time. As I know, City Plus FM 106.0MHz and Lite FM 104.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok were still clear in Teriang, Bandar Bera, and Mengkarak, just only Kemayan town cannot receive these two Gunung Telapak Burok radio stations.

In Bera, Teriang, Mengkarak, Kemayan and Tembangau, Gunung Ledang radio stations can be received loudly and clearly (subject no co-channel or 100kHz adjacent-channel interference with Gunung Ulu Kali). Surrounding Pahang FM Gunung Ulu Kali frequency 107.5MHz, there are two radio stations from Gunung Ledang are allocated nearby Pahang FM Gunung Ulu Kali frequencies, Melody FM 107.3MHz and Negeri FM 107.7MHz, these two radio stations are loud and clear in Kemayan, Teriang, Tembangau, and Bandar Bera, then they went faded when reach Temerloh. Pahang FM listeners who tune this radio station on 107.5MHz in Teriang, Kemayan and Tembangau may receive some interference noise from Melody FM 107.3MHz and Negeri FM 107.7MHz where Pahang FM 107.5MHz becomes "burger" or "sandwich" of Melody FM 107.3 and Negeri FM 107.7. Because of this situation, the intention of RTM added Pahang FM in Fraser's Hill on 102.2MHz is not only to cover Raub and Lipis where are blind spot coverage of Gunung Ulu Kali, I guess Pahang FM 102.2MHz Fraser's Hill is also used to cover Bandar Bera, Teriang, Kemayan, Mengkarak, and Tembangau alternatively, plus Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang does not cover Pahang as it covers Melaka only, even 102.3MHz reception in Bera district of Pahang is weaker than Negeri FM 107.7MHz.

==Pahang FM 107.5 RF situation in Bera district of Pahang==

107.3MHz: Melody FM Gunung Ledang
107.5MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ulu Kali
107.7MHz: Negeri FM Gunung Ledang (covers Tampin and Jempol) 
<200kHz left right, could face adjacent channel interference from Gunung Ledang radio stations when cheaper radio receiver is applied>

==RF analysis of Pahang FM Fraser's Hill vs. Gn Ledang==
102.2MHz: Pahang FM Fraser's Hill
102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang
<100kHz, OK>

When Pahang FM operates 102.2MHz in Fraser's Hill, Melaka FM 102.3MHz from Gunung Ledang could be completely interfered in Temerloh, Bandar Bera, Teriang, Tembangau, Mengkarak and Kemayan when FM 102.2MHz is receivable in these areas with moderate signal quality. If I added BFM 102.1MHz in Gunung Telapak Burok, the interference may be going worse.

If Pahang FM 102.2MHz Fraser's Hill also covers Bera district interference areas alternatively, so FM 102.1MHz is not suitable to be used in Gunung Telapak Burok.

102.1MHz: Gunung Telapak Burok (for BFM)
102.2MHz: Pahang FM Fraser's Hill
<not suitable, INTERFERENCE in Bera, Teriang, Tembangau and Mengkarak>

Although Pahang FM frequency in Bandar Bera, Temerloh, Kerayong, Mentakab is 107.5MHz, but additional Fraser's Hill 102.2MHz may become alternative frequency to these areas. If BFM 102.1MHz is used in Gunung Telapak Burok, interference to Pahang FM 102.2MHz Fraser's Hill will be happened in these areas below:

- Bandar Bera
- Teriang
- Kerayong
- Mengkarak
- Temerloh
- Mentakab
- Karak
- Tembangau

Kemayan is not affected as Gunung Telapak Burok cannot be received there.

In conclusion, FM 102.1MHz is not suitable to be used in Gunung Telapak Burok. So, I choose to withdraw BFM Seremban frequency antenna pattern configuration drawing plan, but I need help for verification, for blog users who stay in Bandar Bera, Tembangau, Mengkarak, Kemayan and Teriang, please leave comments if you can get Pahang FM 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill in these areas or any feedback of this blog post.

Pahang FM 102.2MHz Fraser's Hill coverage in Bera

 

List of empty FM radio frequencies in Peninsular Malaysia (2018 update)

Empty FM radio frequencies in Peninsular Malaysia (as 2018):

- Gunung Raya (Langkawi): Not available
- Alor Setar Tower: 91.5MHz, 94.3MHz
- Gunung Jerai (Kedah, Penang, Perlis): Not available
- Bukit Penara (Penang): Not available
- Bukit Genting (Balik Pulau): 97.7MHz, 99.9MHz, 100.7MHz, 104.6MHz
- Bukit Larut (Taiping and North Perak): 93.1MHz, 105.7MHz
- Gunung Kledang (Ipoh and Central Perak): 93.9MHz (subject Bernama Radio 93.9 is not moved to Gunung Ulu Kali)
- Changkat Rembian (Tapah): 94.9MHz, 106.0MHz, 107.7MHz
- Gunung Ulu Kali (Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, South Perak, West Pahang): Not available
- Kuala Lumpur Tower (Klang Valley): Not available
- Bukit Sungai Besi (Klang Valley): Not available
- Gunung Telapak Burok (Negeri Sembilan): 102.1MHz (subject 102.0MHz Bukit Tampin is off permanently)
- Bukit Tampin (Melaka): 87.6MHz, 101.1MHz
- Gunung Ledang (North Johor, Melaka): 100.9MHz (subject 101.1MHz Bkt Tampin is not used), 103.9MHz
- Gunung Pulai (South Johor): Not available
- Bukit Pelindung (East Pahang): 96.5MHz, 101.6MHz, 102.2MHz, 106.5MHz
- Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu): 88.3MHz, 89.1MHz, 90.1MHz, 90.9MHz, 91.3MHz, 92.1MHz, 92.9MHz, 103.5MHz, 104.4MHz, 105.5MHz
- Bukit Panau/Bukit Bakar (Kelantan): 100.4MHz, 107.9MHz
- Bukit Tinggi (Mersing): 100.8MHz
- Fraser's Hill (Raub): 88.5MHz, 89.5MHz, 90.3MHz, 92.3MHz/92.4MHz, 93.5MHz

One FM Negeri Sembilan coverage directory 森美蘭州覆蓋範圍指南

中文: One FM 森美蘭州覆蓋範圍列表指南

English: One FM Negeri Sembilan coverage list directory

- FM 88.3MHz (Bukit Gan): Seremban 芙蓉, Senawang 森那旺, Labu 拉務, Pantai, East Lenggeng良冷東部, Tanjung Ipoh, Ulu Bendul, Mambau萬茂, Sendayan, North Pedas不叻士北部, Sungai Gadut, Kuala Sawah瓜拉沙娃, Ulu Klawang烏魯格拉旺

- FM 88.1MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali): Nilai汝來, Lenggeng良冷, Mantin文丁, Port Dickson波德申, Lukut盧骨, Silliau西廖, Rantau晏斗, Simpang Pertang葫蘆頂

- FM 88.1MHz (Gunung Ledang): Tampin淡邊, Gemencheh利民濟, Gemas金馬士, Rompin弄邊, Batu Kikir峇都基基, Kuala Pilah瓜拉庇勞, Jempol仁保, Sungai Lui雙溪鐳, Serting斯汀, Rembau林茂, Kota高島, Linggi寧宜, Johol柔河, Pasir Panjang老港, Palong巴弄, Seri Menanti神安池

Best FM coverage

Best FM coverage in Malaysia. A Johor based radio station can be heard outside Johor and Klang Valley.

==Johor==

* FM 104.1MHz Gunung Pulai: Johor Bahru, Kota Tinggi, Pontian, Simpang Renggam, Kulaijaya, Air Hitam, Benut, Rengit, Parit Raja

* FM 94.8MHz Gunung Ledang: Muar, Tangkak, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Segamat, Yong Peng, Pagoh, Gerisek, Chaah, Jementah, Semerah, Parit Sulong, Sri Gading, Bakri, Parit Jawa, Bekok, Tenang, Batu Anam

* FM 102.5MHz Bukit Tinggi: Mersing, Endau, Kahang

==Melaka==

* FM 94.8MHz Gunung Ledang: All

==Negeri Sembilan==

* FM 94.8MHz Gunung Ledang: Tampin, Rembau, Kuala Pilah, Bahau, Gemas, Gemencheh, Johol, Bandar Seri Jempol, Simpang Pertang, Juasseh, Pedas, Batu Kikir, Kota, Linggi, Rompin, Sungai Lui, Serting and FELDA Palong

* FM 104.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: Nilai, Mantin, Labu, Port Dickson, Rantau and part of Seremban

==Selangor, Putrajaya & Kuala Lumpur==

* FM 104.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: All

==Pahang==

* FM 104.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: Genting Highlands, Bentong, Raub, Karak, Temerloh, Bera, Lanchang, Maran, Jerantut, Teriang, Kuala Lipis, Jengka, Kemayan, Chenor, Benta, and Mentakab

* FM 94.8MHz Gunung Ledang: Gambang, Muadzam Shah, Keratong, Kota Shahbandar, and part of Pekan/Kuantan

* FM 102.5MHz Bukit Tinggi: Kuala Rompin, Tioman Island, Pekan and Kuantan

==Perak==

* FM 104.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: Tanjung Malim, Slim River, Terolak, Sungkai, Bidor, Tapah, Temoh, Mambang Di Awan, Kampung Gajah, Teluk Intan, Bagan Datoh, Hutan Melintang, Langkap, Sungai Sumun, Ulu Bernam, Tanjung Tualang, Lekir, part of Sitiawan/Manjung/Lumut

Best FM 104.1MHz from Gunung Pulai is available in Singapore and Batam of Indonesia.

Kool FM masih boleh memperluaskan frekuensi ke Kuantan untuk melengkapkan liputan di Pantai Timur

Di wilayah Pantai Timur, Kool FM telah memperluaskan liputan ke Kota Bharu dan Kuala Terengganu pada tahun 2016. Frekuensi Kuala Terengganu ialah 93.6MHz dari Bukit Besar dilancarkan pada Jun 2016, manakala Kota Bharu FM 88.6MHz dari Peringat dilancarkan pada Oktober 2016 bersama dengan Alor Setar 107.3MHz yang terletak di wilayah utara Semenanjung Malaysia.

Kool FM masih belum mempunyai frekuensi Kuantan sampai sekarang. Kuantan hanya ialah kawasan Pantai Timur yang belum mempunyai liputan siaran Kool FM.

Setakat ini, saya memahami bahawa spektrum frekuensi di Semenanjung Malaysia sangat sesak, terutama Pantai Barat. Oleh itu, pemohonan spektrum frekuensi memang susah jika penuh. Sebelum ini, saya mengulas tentang Kool FM di wilayah selatan seperti Melaka, Johor dan Negeri Sembilan, serta wilayah utara Taiping Perak dengan mengemukakan pandangan saya (penerangan asas). Walaupun terdapat juga frekuensi kosong (berdasarkan pada "frequency scanning"), frekuensi tersebut boleh dijamin guna kerana boleh membawa gangguan kepada stesen radio lain yang sedia ada. Tambahan pula, jika ada siaran radio memperluaskan siaran ke kawasan koordinat antarabangsa dimana berhampiran dengan negara jiran seperti Thailand, Singapura, Brunei, dan Indonesia, ia boleh membawa gangguan siaran kepada liputan negara jiran apabila menggunakan frekuensi yang tidak sesuai, oleh itu pendengar siaran radio yang terlibat akan marah. Contoh: Negara Indonesia, dimana terdapat stesen radio Gunung Ledang berkongsi frekuensi dengan stesen radio Indonesia dari Bengkalis dan Dumai.

Gangguan siaran radio terhadap negara jiran juga boleh mengancam kedaulatan negara tersebut. (Rujukan: https://www.kominfo.go.id/content/detail/10706/jaga-kedaulatan-indonesia-melalui-frekuensi-radio/0/berita_satker)

Abaikan frekuensi Kool FM wilayah selatan dan Perak, tiada frekuensi setakat ini, oleh itu saya tidak akan mengulas lagi. Kembali kepada topik asal, iaitu Kool FM di wilayah Pantai Timur, Kuantan.

Pada pandangan saya, Kool FM perlu memperluaskan liputan siarannya ke Kuantan untuk melengkapkan liputan siaran Kool FM di Pantai Timur. Wilayah Pantai Timur mempunyai tiga bandaraya utama, iaitu Kuantan di Pahang, Kuala Terengganu di Terengganu dan Kota Bharu di Kelantan. Kool FM telah mempunyai frekuensi Kuala Terengganu 93.6, dan Kota Bharu 88.6, cuma Kuantan belum ada lagi.

Sebenarnya Kuantan mempunyai banyak frekuensi kosong, berbanding dengan Pantai Barat Semenanjung Malaysia, Bukit Pelindung ialah tempat pemancaran siaran TV dan radio untuk Kuantan dan Pahang Timur, saya tidak jelas terhadap menara pemancar Bukit Pelindung masih ada ruang untuk memasang pemancar atau tidak, tetapi tertakluk kepada pihak telekommunikasi. 

Bayangkan jika Kool FM berjaya memperluaskan ke Kuantan dengan memasang pemancar di Bukit Pelindung, pendengar bukan hanya sahaja mengikuti siaran ini di Kuantan dan Pantai Timur,  tetapi pendengar di Terengganu Selatan seperti Chukai, Kemaman, Kijal, Cerul, Cheneh dan Kemasik boleh menerima siaran Kool FM dimana kawasan tersebut tidak dapat menerima 93.6 dari Bukit Besar. Di samping itu, liputan Kool FM di bandar dalam negeri Terengganu akan dilengkapi sepenuhnya.

==Kool FM Terengganu==

* 93.6MHz Bukit Besar: Kuala Terengganu, Hulu Terengganu, Marang, Setiu dan Dungun Utara

* 88.6MHz TV3 Peringat: Kuala Besut dan Jerteh

* Bukit Pelindung: Kemaman, Kijal, Kemasik, Cerul, Chukai dan Cheneh

Kesimpulannya, saya harap Kool FM akan memperluaskan siaran ke Kuantan secepat mungkin bagi melengkapkan liputan di Pantai Timur.

==Frekuensi kosong di Bukit Pelindung untuk Kuantan 2018== (berdasarkan pada jadual spektrum dan "frequency scanning")

* 96.5MHz

* 98.5MHz

* 101.6MHz

* 102.2MHz

* 106.5MHz

Fly FM coverage in Perak

==Fly FM coverage in Perak==

* 87.9MHz Gunung Kledang: Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, Padang Rengas, Beruas, Pantai Remis, Manjung, Sitiawan, Lumut, Teluk Intan, Tapah Road, Pangkor, Parit, Bota, Kampar, Simpang Pulai, Gopeng, Langkap, Bagan Datoh, Temoh, Hutan Melintang, Sungkai, Kampung Gajah, Chenderong Balai, Terolak, Selekoh, Sungai Sumun.

* 95.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: Bidor, Chenderiang, Tapah, Slim River, Tanjung Malim, Batu Hampar, & Terong (South)

* 89.9MHz Bukit Penara: Taiping, Terong, Parit Buntar, Semanggol, Batu Kurau, Kuala Kurau, Selama, Bagan Serai, Tanjung Piandang, Matang, Kuala Sepetang, Changkat Jering, Simpang, and Kamunting

Note: Fly FM has no Taiping frequency (Bukit Larut), but Taiping can receive Fly FM on 89.9 from Bukit Penara Penang.

Kool FM current coverage in Perak

In Perak, Kool FM has no frequency in Ipoh (Gunung Kledang) and Taiping (Bukit Larut) currently because no available frequencies, but Kool FM can be received in part of Perak on FM 90.2MHz from Bukit Penara which is Penang frequency.

==Coverage of Kool FM 90.2MHz in Perak from Bukit Penara==
* Parit Buntar, Semanggol, Kuala Kurau, Selama, Tanjung Piandang, Bagan Serai, Semanggol, Batu Kurau, Taiping, Kamunting, Matang and Kuala Sepetang

Kool FM 101.3MHz Bukit Sungai Besi current coverage

Despite Kool FM is unable to expand coverage in southern region because no available frequencies spectrum, listeners in southern region need to listen to Kool FM via mobile app streaming or online, but Kool FM can be received in part of Negeri Sembilan and Melaka via Klang Valley frequency FM 101.3MHz from Bukit Sungai Besi

==Kool FM 101.3MHz coverage==

* Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya

* Selangor: Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang, Kuala Selangor, Puchong, Serdang, Sepang, Cyberjaya, Cheras, Kajang, Hulu Langat, Semenyih, Beranang, Bangi, Sungai Buloh, Ampang, Gombak, Selayang, Sekinchan, Tanjung Karang, Jeram, Banting, Kuala Langat, Morib, Tanjung Sepat, Rawang

* Negeri Sembilan: Nilai, Mantin, Labu, Bukit Pelanduk, Tanah Merah, Lenggeng, Linggi, part of Port Dickson

* Melaka: Masjid Tanah, Kuala Sungai Baru, Lubuk Cina, Tanjung Bidara 

* Perak: Tanjung Malim (poor reception)

From now, I don't think this radio station can expand furthermore within Peninsular Malaysia, except Kuantan. Therefore, I hope Kool FM will expand its coverage to Kuantan and Eastern Pahang to complete the coverage of east coast Peninsular.

Personal research: MYTV DVB-T2 in Perlis

In Perlis, MYTV DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television viewers must receive from Gunung Jerai on UHF 666MHz by beaming antenna to south direction. There may have some blind spot coverage in Perlis because some of areas cannot receive MYTV DTTV from Gunung Jerai, so an additional transmitter may be needed to cover Perlis better.

Perlis has only 1 transmitter site currently, it is located in Padang Pauh, the tower is owned by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) where RTM broadcasts Perlis FM 102.9MHz, TV1 and TV2 currently. Padang Pauh is located beside Klinik Kesihatan Padang Pauh, the tower location is also the broadcasting office of RTM Perlis where also Perlis FM studio.

Another new transmitting site in Perlis is TM Kangar, located beside Masjid Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail.

Here are the coverage between Padang Pauh and TM Kangar (testing based on FM radio)

 

Based on coverage between Padang Pauh and TM Kangar, both of them are almost same, just different of tower owner. So, of course the transmission fees between both towers are different. Hmmm.. It makes me hard to make judgement.

At the same time, I perform my personal research of MYTV DVB-T2 in Perlis. The frequency UHF 546MHz is just only my tested parameter (subject to be changed).

Over October 2018, few MYTV DVB-T2 transmission sites were taken down due to a payment dispute between MYTV and Telekom Malaysia (TM), but this controversy was highly concerned by Malaysia Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC). In my opinion, for Perlis site, because of this dispute with TM over transmission fees, this issue can affect MYTV to expand in Perlis by putting transmitter in TM Kangar if MYTV does not choose Padang Pauh as transmission location for Perlis.

I do hope the payment dispute between MYTV and TM issue will be solved immediately, they shall put digital terrestrial television viewers at the first priority. 

Talk back about the transmission sites in Perlis that I mention for MYTV, between Padang Pauh and TM Kangar, due to same transmission coverage of these two towers, I cannot judge both of them that which tower has better and wider coverage, so MYTV needs to make decision to use which transmitter site to cover Perlis for DTTV services.

TM Kangar tower

TM Kangar tower beside the mosque

BBC World Service is available in part of Malaysia on FM radio

BBC World Service has FM radio platform in South East Asia, it broadcasts on FM 88.9MHz from Bukit Batok, Singapore.

Singapore is the only South East Asia country to broadcast BBC World Service on FM radio, but the transmission is handled by MediaCorp. BBC World Service FM 88.9MHz is not only available in Singapore and Batam, it is also available in part of Malaysia.

In Malaysia, BBC World Service was used to be available in Malay language, but Malay broadcast transmission was ceased since 1991. BBC World Service is available in part of Malaysia, notably Johor state, such as:

- Johor Bahru

- Kota Tinggi

- Ulu Tiram

- Kulai

- Kangkar Pulai

- Pontian

- Benut
- Tanjung Piai 

- Pengerang

- Bandar Penawar

- Skudai

- Kluang

- Simpang Renggam

- Yong Peng (weaker signal)

- Batu Pahat (weaker signal)

- Sri Gading (weaker signal)

- Kukup

- Ayer Hitam

- Senggarang

- Nusajaya

- Gelang Patah

- Kota Iskandar

- Seri Medan (weaker signal)

- Senai

- Pekan Nenas

- Masai

- Paloh

- Chaah

- Bekok

- Bandar Tenggara

- Gugusan Taib Andak

- Layang-Layang

- Pasir Gudang

- Rengit

- Ayer Tawar
- Parit Raja
- Renggam

The coverage of BBC World Service FM 88.9MHz from Singapore

Besides than Central and South Johor, Northern Johor and some Melaka areas still can receive BBC World Service FM 88.9MHz from Singapore, but reception is weaker.

Should Malaysia relaunch AM radio to solve FM frequency spectrum congestion in Peninsular Malaysia?

Since 2014, FM radio spectrum was getting congested in Peninsular Malaysia, especially west coast. This causes many new radio broadcasters are not able to expand their radio stations coverage wider.

Somebody are suggesting to implement digital switchover for radio stations by using DAB+, I'm strongly against DAB+ technology because:

1. Higher cost to buy the DAB+ receiver
2. Expensive to broadcaster because need to add gap filler transmitter to cover blind spot
3. Malaysia geographical locations are not suitable for DAB+ broadcast
4. More listeners prefer listen to radio station digitally such as online streaming, mobile app.

Never expect all listeners to listen via online actually. Many people need to listen via radio platform.

In order to settle FM frequency spectrum congestion without performing radio spectrum refarming, I suggest that MCMC to relaunch or reopen tender applications of AM radio to new broadcaster. If new radio broadcasters want to expand coverage, but no FM radio frequencies, so they can go for AM radio platform, just depends on their decision.

RTM and TM are the most important role of relaunching AM broadcast in Malaysia as TM is broadcasting tower infrastructure provider, meanwhile RTM had experienced AM broadcast before.

For current situation, TM (Telekom Malaysia) does not make AM radio tower infrastructure yet because TM focuses on FM and digital broadcasting. So, from my view, I don't think TM will make AM radio infrastructure.

In my opinion, RTM is not only Malaysia's public broadcaster, but RTM can become broadcast tower infrastructure tower for AM broadcast, this means that RTM can provide infrastructure of AM radio to new broadcaster by opening tower rental to new players. If new broadcasters want to broadcast on AM radio in strategic transmitting site, so they can rent RTM MW (AM) tower. With this suggestion, RTM can make money by receiving transmission fees from AM broadcasters. So, both have win-win situation.

MW radio is still relevant in most of the world, but SW shortwave becomes irrelevant as people moves digitally, except for those DXers, meanwhile long-wave LW is super-irrelevant. Until today, most of radio receivers only have FM and MW radio band, SW band becomes obsoleted unless purchasing expensive receivers, LW was obsoleted many years ago.

Although MW audio is not good as FM radio, but MW is more suitable for talk radio stations, rather than music radio stations. In most of the countries, MW radio band is usually used by talk radio stations.

For talk radio station in Malaysia such as BFM, this radio station would like to expand coverage in Johor Bahru, but unfortunately FM radio frequencies are not available, so BFM can go on MW broadcast for Johor, Singapore, Batam and Melaka if infrastructure is available. Use 300kW transmission power on MW, so all Johor areas can receive BFM on MW, but the transmission can travel to Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Selangor and Sumatra Indonesia during nighttime broadcast.

In conclusion, I hope Malaysia government will reopen MW radio spectrum tender for all radio broadcasters, and radio telecommunication players will rebuild MW tower infrastructure in Malaysia.

RTM former mediumwave (MW) frequencies list

==RTM Rangkaian Nasional former MW frequencies (later used by state radio stations from early 1980s till 1992)==
* Teronoh: 576kHz at 100kW (Perak FM)
* Kuala Lumpur: 594kHz at 200kW
* Johor Bahru: 576kHz at 50kW (Johor FM)
* Batu Pahat: 603kHz at 10kW (Johor FM)
* Kangar: 612kHz at 10kW (Perlis FM)
* Segamat: 621kHz at 100kW (Johor FM)
* Kuala Lipis: 648kHz at 20kW (Pahang FM)
* Penang: 666kHz at 20kW (Mutiara FM)
* Kota Bharu: 702kHz at 20kW (Kelantan FM)
* Kuala Terengganu: 765kHz at 10kW (Terengganu FM)
* Sungai Petani: 774kHz at 10kW (Kedah FM)
* Kuala Lumpur: 802kHz (Radio Malaysia Ibu Kota)
* Kuantan: 810kHz at 10kW
* Jerantut: 846kHz at 10kW (Pahang FM)
* Melaka: 1008kHz at 10kW (Melaka FM)
* Mersing: 1053kHz at 10kW (Johor FM)
* Kuantan: 1143kHz at 10kW (RTM Pahang FM)
* Dungun: 1260kHz at 5kW (Terengganu FM)

==RTM Blue Network (Traxx FM) former MW frequencies==
* Penang: 864kHz at 10kW
* Kuala Lumpur: 882kHz at 200kW
* Johor Bahru: 945kHz at 50kW
* Teronoh: 945kHz at 100kW
* Melaka: 1161kHz at 10kW 

==RTM Green Network (Chinese Ai FM) and Red Network (Tamil Minnal FM) former MW frequencies==
* Kuala Lumpur: 720kHz at 200kW
* Ipoh: 837kHz at 10kW
* Segamat: 1017kHz at 100kW
* Johor Bahru: 1224kHz at 50kW
* Teronoh: 1224kHz at 100kW
* Melaka: 1278kHz at 10kW
* Mersing: 1314kHz at 20kW 

==East Malaysia==
* Kuching: 729kHz at 20kW (Sarawak FM)
* Tawau: 747kHz (Tawau FM)
* Sandakan: 783kHz (Sandakan FM)
* Sibu: 621kHz (Ai FM)
* Sibu: 909kHz (Rangkaian Kuning)
* Sibu: 1065kHz (Rangkaian Hijau; Iban)
* Limbang: 873kHz (Limbang FM Lun Bawang)
* Limbang: 648kHz (Limbang FM Perkhidmatan Melayu)