Christian shortwave radio stations received in Malaysia such as FEBC and KTWR.

On last week, I received two Christian radio stations in Malaysia via shortwave radio stations, there are TWR and FEBC.

TWR stands for Trans World Radio, its call sign is KTWR. Next, FEBC is Far East Broadcasting Company. Both are international Christian radio network to serve the Christians around the world. FEBC and KTWR are based in United States of America (USA).

FEBC and KTWR carry Christianity religion programs usually. In Malaysia, FEBC shortwave radio station transmitter site is based in Iba, Philippines, meanwhile KTWR is received from Agana, Guam Island.

The Christian radio stations that I received in Malaysia broadcast in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. FEBC SW 9400kHz Cantonese program is likely targeting Hong Kong, Macau, Southern China and Philippines Cantonese speaking listeners, meanwhile KTWR Mandarin programs target Taiwan and China listeners.

Here are the frequencies list of two Christian radio stations received in Malaysia:

1. FEBC SW 9440kHz (from Iba, Philippines)

2. KTWR Guam SW 11965kHz from Agana, Guam Island (English broadcast)

3. KTWR Guam SW 9910kHz from Agana, Guam Island (Mandarin broadcast)

4. KTWR Guam SW 12120kHz from Agana, Guam Island (Mandarin broadcast) 

All radio stations were received between 1900 hours and 2000 hours (UTC +8) in Malaysia.

KTWR Guam SW 11965kHz and FEBC SW 9940kHz radio receiving signal were quite strong in Malaysia, results higher field strength level on TECSUN PL-380 radio receiver.

On YouTube, there is a visitor leaving comment on my video of receiving KTWR Guam SW 12120kHz in Malaysia with the question below.

Mdm. Elizabeth Sabin question "The program was uploaded on April 1, but could you let me know the day the program was on the air?

Thanks for her question. Actually I did not have much idea of its program name as I randomly checked the shortwave radio stations signal in Malaysia, but I'm still able to answer the question. According to TWR radio schedule website, SW 12120kHz was airing The Straight Path Hui (s) on Wednesday evening around 1911hours (UTC +8). [01.04.2020]. It is an one hour program. 

Apart from English, and Chinese languages service, KTWR and FEBC also broadcast in other languages to serve Christians around the world. 

NHK World Japan radio frequencies and schedules in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (UTC +8)

Want to know more about Japan?

Want to learn Japanese by understanding the language through the radio, but don't decide to listen via internet?

Here are the frequencies and schedule list of NHK World Japan where are receivable in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, based on shortwave radio. (UTC +8)

Apart from Japanese, I will publish some receivable frequencies, but other languages services.

1. Japanese

- 9890kHz (0500-0700 hours)

- 17810kHz (1000-1300 hours)

- 15280kHz (1500-1800 hours)

- 11815kHz (1800-2300 hours)

Transmitted site: Ibaragi-Koga-Yamata, Japan

2. Indonesian

- 17830kHz (1915-2000 hours)

- 13865kHz (2115-2200 hours)

Transmitted site: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

3. Chinese

- 6190kHz (2025-2100 hours; 2130-2200 hours; 2230-2300 hours)

Transmitted site: Ibaragi-Koga-Yamata, Japan  

4. Korean

- 6190kHz (2100-2130 hours; 2200-2230 hours)

Transmitted site: Ibaragi-Koga-Yamata, Japan

To receive better signal in Malaysia, it is highly recommended to use high quality shortwave radio receiver such as TECSUN, Sangean and Sony. In addition, to avoid interference of statics, it is better to reach away from electric appliances which led high radiation exposure, cause interference to shortwave radio listening. 

Shortwave radio listening is not same as FM radio because it is subjective radio receiving signal which is variable, depends on the propagation and geographical condition.

 

North Korea radio station Voice of Korea SW 11735kHz opening interval signal, copied in Malaysia

On December 2019, I captured North Korea radio station signal in Malaysia on December 2019 via shortwave radio. 

Due to Covid-19 outbreak in Malaysia, the government implements control movement order (CMO) from 18th March 2020 to 14th April 2020. Therefore, every person has to stay at home. While I stay at home, I had managed to record completed version of Voice of Korea from North Korea radio station interval signal and its openings.

On 4th April 2020 Saturday night, as Voice of Korea Chinese Mandarin language service broadcasts on SW 11735kHz at 2100 hours (UTC +8), so I started to record its station interval signal and openings at 2059 hours (UTC+8).

朝鮮之聲廣播電台, Voice of Korea in Chinese language.

SW 11735kHz is transmitted from Kujang, North Korea. The distance between Kujang and my home is 4773km. Apart from Chinese service, Voice of Korea also broadcasts in English, French and Korean (via KCBS Pyongyang).

The receiving signal of SW 11735kHz from North Korea is quite strong in Malaysia nowadays. I did not intend to receive it at first priority, but my first priority is to check NHK World English, Thai and Vietnamese radio service SW 11740kHz from Kranji, Singapore in Malaysia. Unfortunately, SW 11740kHz is not from NHK, but signal of Voice of Korea from North Korea.

In this video, here are the sequences of Voice of Korea station openings.

1. Interval signal
2. Voice of Korea station ID (in Chinese)
3. Interval signal
4. North Korea national anthem (Aegukka)
5. Song of Kim Il Sung
6. Song of Kim Jong Il
7. North Korea news (in Chinese) 

After that, it begins to play Kim's propaganda, and Moranbong band music.

SINPO code is 44454. 

As I experienced about DXing, this could be my very first time to copy a radio station signal from a highly isolated country in Malaysia. 

Another two furthest distant Thailand radio stations received in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia

After one of YouTuber captured the signal Thailand FM radio stations from Satun in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia (Radio Thailand Satun 95.5MHz/99.5MHz and MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz) on between January and March 2020, there are another two far distant Thailand FM radio stations captured in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia again.

Surprisingly, FM 103.0MHz Thailand radio signal is received in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia, it is transmitted from Trang province, Thailand.

The radio station is 4th Area Army Radio สถานีวิทยุกองทัพภาคที่ 4 FM 103.00 MHz ตรัง [ Satthanii Witthayu Kong Thap Phak Thi Si Changwat Trang FM 103.0MHz (Thor Por Sii 4)], operated by Royal Thai Army. Its transmitter site is located in Na Tham Nuea, the distance between Trang (Na Tham Nuea) and Taiping, Perak, Malaysia is 334km.
By listening to the audio, FM 103.0MHz is having co-channel interference between 4th Area Army Radio from Trang, Thailand and Melody FM 103.0MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia. I strongly believe that Thailand radio station that received in Taiping is just tropospheric propagation condition, because FM 103.0MHz is Melody FM from Gunung Ulu Kali at most of the time.

FM 103.0MHz from Trang, Thailand can also overspill its signal to Penang, Langkawi, Alor Setar and now Taiping, it already "breaks" RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh coverage.

Apart from FM 103.0MHz Trang, another Thailand radio station named PSU Radio FM 88.0MHz is captured in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia too. PSU Radio 88 is transmitted from Khao Kho Hong, Hatyai, Thailand, the distance to Taiping is 244km. If we receive FM 88.0MHz in Taiping, Malaysia, but use cheaper radio receiver, the adjacent channel interference from One FM 87.8MHz and Hot FM 88.2MHz from Gunung Jerai will be detected.




Note: Audio for both radio stations signals are credited to Kason Kong where I received his audio clip through message. Copyright content is credited and belonged to the copyright holder. 

Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz received in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia after MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz and Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz.

After a blog article where someone received Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz and MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz in Taiping, Perak during Chinese New Year festive season on January 2020, now finally someone received another Thailand FM radio station from Satun in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia on the frequency 95.5MHz.


According to video by Kason Kong on YouTube channel, Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz is finally received in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia, I may believe it is the most difficult FM radio DXing ever, compare to FM 93.25MHz and FM 99.5MHz. 

It is same situation as other areas such as Kedah and Penang. Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz is using same transmitting location with 99.5MHz and MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz where located in Khuan Khan hill, but the transmission of FM 95.5MHz is slightly weaker than 99.5MHz and 93.25MHz.

From my view, Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz signal availability in Taiping, Malaysia is very rare because FM 95.5MHz is Perak FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang adjacent noise in Taiping at the most of the time. Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz received in Taiping is considered a tropospheric propagation.

Based on the video, Taiping receives very little signal of Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz. Besides that, the adjacent channel interference from Perak FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang is still detected. 

Although RTM Mutiara FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara has 200kHz frequency separation with Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz which Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz is facing interference from Mutiara FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara if receive in Penang, but Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz has no interference noise from Mutiara FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara in Taiping because RTM Mutiara FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara is weak there, somehow Mutiara FM 95.7MHz is interfered by Perak FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang in Taiping.

The receiving distance between Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz and Taiping is 213km.

Moreover, compare with Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz and MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz receiving signal condition in Taiping, Perak on January 2020, Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz is the weakest transmitter among all Satun radio stations (based in Khuan Khan transmitter site).

Apart from Taiping, I may predict that Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz will having some signal availability in other Perak areas following below, but I need to verify it by recording the signal if I go there in the future.

1. Parit Buntar
2. Tanjung Piandang
3. Kuala Kurau
4. Bagan Serai

These four locations are at Northwest Perak coastal areas, adjacent channel interference from Mutiara FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara is expected when receive Radio Thailand Satun on FM 95.5MHz.

繼MY FM在砂拉越詩巫設有頻道後, Astro電台應該為Melody FM在砂拉越詩巫設有頻道!

2019年4月29日, 我們已經發現到MY FM在砂拉越詩巫設有頻道FM 105.9MHz, 然後HITZ和ERA都有砂拉越詩巫頻道, 頻率分別為FM 105.1MHz和FM 96.3MHz, 這三家電台是從Bukit Lima發射.

在砂拉越詩巫(Sibu), 除了MY FM, 其實當地都有其他的中文電台如TEA FM 100.7MHz, 愛FM和Red FM, 砂拉越RTM的Red FM是雙語電台 (英語和中文).

MY FM和Melody FM是屬於Astro集團的電台. 身為一個大電台集團, 其實Astro應該要為Melody FM設有詩巫頻道.

在我的立場, Astro只為MY FM開設詩巫頻道, 那麼對Melody FM是不公平的. 另外一家Astro中文電台goXUAN因為廣播執照不是全國性是不能在雪隆區和檳城以外的地區設有更多頻道, 不擴大覆蓋範圍都無所謂. 砂拉越詩巫不需要goXUAN, 其實goXUAN和MY FM的內容很接近, 只不過前者打網紅Youtuber和Z時代市場多.

Melody FM雖然是播放中文經典好歌, 它也是唱K電台, 就是讓聽眾跟隨歌曲一起唱的電台. 

在東馬砂拉越, Melody FM其實有兩個頻道, 古晉Kuching 103.7MHz (Bukit Djin)和美里Miri 102.4MHz (Bukit Lambir). 另外, 在沙巴, Melody FM除了有亞庇Kota Kinabalu頻道FM 98.6MHz (Bukit Karatong), 這家電台都有在山打根Sandakan頻道102.2MHz (Bukit Trig).

Melody FM還沒開台的時候, 其美里頻道102.4和山打根頻道102.2之前是屬於Mix FM. 自從Melody FM開播後, 由於Mix FM在這兩個地區的收聽率不理想, Astro把Mix FM的美里頻道102.4和山打根頻道102.2改去Melody FM, 這意味著Mix FM已經退出美里和山打根市場. Astro的Lite FM也沒有打入這兩個地區市場.

Melody FM和其他姊妹電台Era, Hitz, MY, Sinar都有美里Miri和山打根Sandakan頻道.

詩巫目前有Era, MY以及Hitz, 雖然詩巫聽眾可以通過Syok手機應用程序和Astro頻道858收聽Melody FM, 但其實Melody FM應該通過FM電台平台在詩巫廣播.

 

Raaga FM 99.3MHz co-channel self interference detected in Taiping, Perak

According to this video, a YouTuber known as Kason Kong received FM 99.3MHz in Taiping, Perak. In this video, actually we can hear a lot of edge sound on FM 99.3MHz. It is Raaga (formerly known as THR Raaga), the edge sound from same station on a frequency is not known as co-channel interference (CCI), technically it is a self co-channel interference.

Co-channel interference is two different radio stations interfere each other on a same frequency, but "self co-channel interference" is two same radio stations interfere each other on a same frequency. The listening impact is less on "self co-channel interference" than co-channel interference because listeners are able to listen to the radio station under same station interference, but the impact can be reduced with a proper broadcast transmission timing. Double edge sound is occurred when the transmission timing has 0.5-1 seconds different.

The self interference between Raaga same stations on FM 99.3MHz is come from two different transmission site, Bukit Penara (for Penang) and Gunung Ulu Kali (Klang Valley, large parts of Pahang and South Perak). 

99.3MHz: Raaga Gunung Ulu Kali
99.3MHz: Raaga Bukit Penara

Apart from Raaga same station on FM 99.3MHz, there is also self co-channel interference stations such as:

1. IKIM FM 102.7MHz (Bukit Genting and Gunung Kledang)
2. One FM 88.1MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali and Gunung Ledang)

For IKIM FM case study, FM 102.7MHz in Bukit Genting is for Balik Pulau, and Teluk Kumbar only, meanwhile Gunung Kledang is for Central Perak. Meanwhile One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is for Klang Valley and Gunung Kledang is for Melaka/North Johor, but as One FM Seremban frequency 88.3MHz is restricted only in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan (from Bukit Gan), the rest of Negeri Sembilan areas must tune to 88.1MHz, just there is self interference between Gunung Ulu Kali and Gunung Ledang, the listeners impact is not serious.

In Taiping, Raaga frequency is FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut, meanwhile 102.4MHz Gunung Jerai is still receivable.

Astro should expand Melody FM coverage to Sibu, Sarawak by having Sibu frequency.

On 29th April 2019, we already noticed that Astro Radio Sdn Bhd (ARSB) expanded Sarawak branch Era FM, MY FM and Hitz FM coverage in Sibu. 

Era FM 96.3MHz, My FM 105.9MHz and Hitz FM 105.1MHz, they're transmitted from Bukit Lima.

As Melody FM is Chinese classic hits radio stations, currently it has two frequencies in Sarawak, such as FM 103.7MHz in Kuching (Bukit Djin) and FM 102.4MHz Miri (Bukit Lambir), meanwhile Melody FM has the frequencies in Kota Kinabalu on FM 98.6MHz from Bukit Karatong and Sandakan on FM 102.2MHz from Bukit Trig too.

In my opinion, Melody FM should be expanded its coverage to Sibu, Sarawak. Notice that Sibu has many Chinese residents, so the town can have more Chinese radio stations apart from RTM Ai FM, RTM Red FM, Tea FM, MY FM...

Astro only expanded MY FM (Sarawak) in Sibu, it sounds unfair to Melody FM actually. Although Melody FM can be listened in Sibu, Sarawak via alternative platform such as Syok app, and Astro CH858, but traditional platform (FM radio) is needed actually.

Radio stations in Jerantut, Pahang list

Here is the list of radio stations where can be received in Jerantut, Pahang.

==RTM==

* 88.1MHz: Radio Klasik (Bukit Istana)

* 93.5MHz: Nasional FM (Bukit Istana)

* 92.7MHz: Pahang FM (Bukit Istana)

* 89.9MHz: Traxx FM (Bukit Istana)

* 90.7MHz: Ai FM (Bukit Istana)

* 91.9MHz: Minnal FM (Bukit Istana)

From the above, RTM has local repeater in Bukit Istana, meanwhile rest of radio stations may need to be received from Gunung Ledang or Gunung Telapak Burok when Jerantut cannot receive from Gunung Ulu Kali.

==Astro (Gunung Telapak Burok/Gunung Ledang)==

* MY FM: 100.6MHz/106.4MHz

* Melody FM: 97.9MHz/107.3MHz

* Hitz FM: 95.0MHz/93.0MHz

* Mix FM: 94.2MHz/91.1MHz

* Lite FM: 104.6MHz/92.2MHz

* Era FM: 103.6MHz/90.3MHz

* Sinar FM: 96.9MHz/96.0MHz

* Zayan FM: 98.9MHz (Gunung Ledang) 

* Raaga FM: 101.5MHz/99.7MHz

==Media Prima (Gunung Telapak Burok/Gunung Ledang)==

* Fly FM: 98.6MHz/94.0MHz

* Hot FM: 99.5MHz/104.3MHz 

==STAR (Gunung Telapak Burok/Gunung Ledang)==

* 988FM: 93.3MHz/98.2MHz

* Suria FM: 107.0MHz/88.5MHz

==OTHERS==

* CityPlus FM 106.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok

* Best FM 94.8MHz Gunung Ledang

* RTM Negeri FM 107.7MHz Gunung Ledang

* Manis FM 103.8MHz Bukit Senggora 
* IKIM FM 102.7MHz Gunung Telapak Burok/89.5MHz Gunung Ledang

Please leave comment if you have any feedback regarding this blog article.

Hitz FM 92.7MHz Gunung Kledang can be received in Teluk Kumbar, Penang?

 
According to Senn Lens video, Hitz FM 92.7MHz from Gunung Kledang can be received in Teluk Kumbar, Penang (southern of Penang Island), but I strongly believe that Hitz FM 92.7MHz Gunung Kledang was received when Hitz FM 92.8MHz Gunung Jerai signal went weak. 

Between Teluk Kumbar and Gunung Kledang, there is no any terrain, so Gunung Kledang transmission can easily overspill to there. I doubt Mutiara FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara reception in Teluk Kumbar, but I may believe it is still clear. RTM Perak FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang may be received there with high sensitivity radio receiver, but I assume that FM 95.6MHz will be badly interfered by Mutiara FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara.

From Gunung Kledang to Teluk Kumbar, its adjacent distance is 115km.

In Teluk Kumbar, Hitz FM 92.8MHz Gunung Jerai was not clear because of terrain, same condition as Balik Pulau, however Hitz FM can be tuned loudly and clearly in Teluk Kumbar on 93.6MHz from Bukit Larut.

Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali received in Penang!!

Melody FM actual frequency in Penang is FM 106.5MHz from Gunung Jerai, meanwhile distant transmitter FM 104.9MHz Bukit Larut is still receivable in Penang, but just having interference from Langkawi FM 104.8MHz Gunung Raya, notably Georgetown. In addition, Melody FM 98.5MHz from Gunung Kledang Ipoh has some signal in certain areas of Penang. Based on my listening experience, FM 98.5MHz can be listened up to Nibong Tebal, but weak signal.

Surprisingly, Melody FM 103.0MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali signal can be detected in some areas of Penang. Previously I was used to receive Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in these areas below:

1. Nibong Tebal (237km)

2. Georgetown (272km)

3. Bukit Tambun (255km)

 

Moreover, a YouTuber named Senn Lens also receives Melody FM 103.0MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali at Penang Bridge and in Tanjung Sri Pinang. As Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh can be received in selected Penang Island areas because there is no terrains between Penang Island and Perlis which allows overspill transmission from Padang Pauh, therefore I may predict that Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali will be clashed by Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh.

From Gunung Ulu Kali to Tanjung Sri Pinang is 277km, meanwhile Padang Pauh to Tanjung Sri Pinang is 115km.

 

According to the distance of Perlis FM 102.9MHz and Melody FM 103.0MHz to Tanjung Sri Pinang, I may predict that Melody FM 103.0MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali will be interfered by Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh.

 
Inversely, I may expect Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh can be interfered by Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in South Penang (Nibong Tebal) and Northwest Perak (Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang, Kuala Kurau and Bagan Serai). 

==Melody FM signal condition in Penang (from best to worst)==
* 106.5MHz Gunung Jerai (Full signal)
* 104.9MHz Bukit Larut (OK)
* 98.5MHz Gunung Kledang (poor)
* 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (poor)

Radio Klasik FM 101.7MHz Bukit Genting has interference from MY FM 101.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in Taiping, Perak

In Taiping, apart from Bukit Larut, Bukit Penara and Gunung Jerai radio stations, actually Gunung Kledang, Gunung Ulu Kali and Bukit Genting transmission can be received in certain locations.

Radio Klasik has a gap filler repeater for Balik Pulau in Bukit Genting on the frequency FM 101.7MHz, meanwhile rest of Penang areas receive from Gunung Jerai on FM 94.9MHz.

Although the adjacent distance from Bukit Genting to Taiping is only 75km, but Radio Klasik FM 101.7MHz is interfered by MY FM 101.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.

Alongside Taiping, Radio Klasik FM 101.7MHz in some of Perak areas such as Semanggol, Bagan Serai, Tanjung Piandang, Alor Pongsu, Kuala Kurau and Parit Buntar may also receive interference from MY FM 101.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.

MY FM 101.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali has 198km distance to Taiping, meanwhile the distance between Gunung Ulu Kali and Bukit Genting is 271km. 

When I travel to Alor Setar, I could hear interference noise from MY FM 101.8MHz in Semanggol and Alor Pongsu when tuned to Radio Klasik FM 101.7MHz from Bukit Genting. 

101.7MHz: Radio Klasik Bukit Genting
101.8MHz: MY FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<100kHz>

Astro Wah Lai Toi 華麗台 will be ceased and merged with TVB Jade on 1st April 2020, in conjunction with Astro reallocates channel numbering system.

Starts from 1st April 2020, Astro will reallocate new channel numbering system, the high definition (HD) channels will be moved to front, meanwhile standard definition (SD) channels will be the back of HD channel by adding +40. Example: Astro AEC HD CH306, SD CH346.

With this channel numbering system reallocation, and after DIVA CH702 and E! CH718 exited from Southeast Asia, Astro will further cease another three TV channels, first two are TVB Asian Action Channel CH327 and TVB Classic Movies CH328. They will be ceased on 5th April 2020, according to the some sources. Astro Jade Package will be discontinued, then TVB Jade will join Dynasty Package.

In addition, there is a long established Astro Cantonese in-house general entertainment channel to be ceased on 1st April 2020, it is Astro Wah Lai Toi.

Apparently Astro does not cease Wah Lai Toi, instead merge it with TVB Jade, but technically Astro Wah Lai Toi is going to be ceased broadcast.

Currently Astro Wah Lai Toi broadcasts on CH310 as HD feed, then CH311 as SD feed.

From 1st April 2020 onwards, TVB Jade will broadcast on CH310 by rebranding as "Astro Wah Lai Toi | TVB Jade". In my opinion, the discontinuation of Wah Lai Toi by Astro has several reasons, such as:

1. Low viewership
2. Cantonese viewers prefer watching their favorite Cantonese programs via OTT (over-the-top) platform.
3. For latest TVB drama, the consumers shift towards Astro AOD (On Demand).
4. High frequency repeating same content.

Besides that, apart from local produced TV programs, Astro Wah Lai Toi technically simulcasts TVB Jade content majority, while TVB Jade is launched on Astro since 2016 (but both are under different package), then TVB Jade viewership in Malaysia is still low. Therefore, merging both into 1 channel can make win-win situation.

Astro Wah Lai Toi SD channel CH311 will be replaced by Astro AOD. Astro AOD CH311 is HD feed, meanwhile SD feed will be on CH351. 

As TVB Jade joins CH310 to replace Wah Lai Toi technically, regarding Astro Wah Lai Toi local produced programs, I doubt whether they will be continued or not, somehow Wah Lai Toi local Cantonese programs will be transfer to other channels, we don't know.

Wah Lai Toi has famous local produced Cantonese programs, such as flagship "Miss Astro Chinese International" (國際華裔小姐), and "Astro Star Quest" (新秀大賽), also now defunct dancing competition "Battleground" (舞極限). 

In conjunction with farewell to long established Astro Wah Lai Toi, I would like to share the history and my moments of this channel.

Astro Wah Lai Toi is established on June 1996, now it has been 23 years in transmission. As Malaysia government did not allow foreign investor to operate TV station in Malaysia, so TVB and Astro are joint venture to establish Wah Lai Toi.

My first time to touch Astro was in 1999 (5 years old) at my late grandmother house, Astro Wah Lai Toi was my late grandmother favorite Astro channel ever. During that time, I did not understand and speak every single word of Cantonese, but I liked the channel actually, especially imported TVB dramas. When I came to my grandmother's home in Teluk Intan, I watched Wah Lai Toi together with her.  Wah Lai Toi was very nice in the 1990s and 2000s, but the channel was getting boring since 2010s due to high frequency repeating content.

Back to 1990s and early 2000s, Astro Wah Lai Toi carried 90% of Hong Kong TVB content, meanwhile 10% was local content (Star Quest). Then, local content on Wah Lai Toi was increased since 2004 after the successful of Astro Ben Di Quan本地圈 on AEC. 

Astro Ben Di Quan is local produced Chinese programs by Astro, first was on AEC, then expanded to Wah Lai Toi, Hua Hee Dai, and Xiao Tai Yang later.

Actually Astro Wah Lai Toi is just Malaysia version of TVB Jade because it simulcasts TVB Jade content majority.

Wah Lai Toi was used to air latest TVB drama from 1996-2007, then all the latest TVB dramas were transferred to Astro On Demand (Astro AOD). Consumers who want to watch latest TVB drama, they needed to pay extra to subscribe Astro AOD.

About Wah Lai Toi channel number, I remembered the first Wah Lai Toi numbering was located on CH2 in 1999, meanwhile Astro RIA (Malay channel) was on CH1, AEC (Mandarin channel) was on CH9. Until 2002, Wah Lai Toi was reallocated its channel number to CH30, then CH311 in 2007. 

In 2010, Wah Lai Toi launched HD feed, known as Zhi Zun HD on CH310, later renamed to Wah Lai Toi HD in 2013/14. 

Moreover, here are the logo history of Astro Wah Lai Toi. 

1996-2003

2003-2008

2008-2020

 

==Wah Lai Toi successor (from April 2020)==

* CH 310: TVB Jade

* CH 311: Astro AOD (HD) [SD on 351]

Astro進行頻道號碼重組, 已經成立23年的Astro華麗台即將停播, 跟TVB翡翠台合併?

 

由2020年4月1日起, Astro將對200個電視頻道和100個高清HD電視頻道進行號碼重組. 高清頻道會放在前面, 標清則是在HD頻道號碼+40, 例如: Astro AEC HD 306, SD 346.

頻道號碼重組的同時, 也有幾家粵語電視台因為收視率不佳會停播, 尤其是TVB武打戲劇Asian Action Channel CH327和TVB粵語片台CH328.

Astro還有一家已經成立了23年的"華麗台"也跟隨兩家電視頻道一起停播. Astro華麗台是Astro最悠久的粵語電視頻道, 成立於1996年, 也是Astro開台的時候. 另外一個焦點是TVB翡翠台會加入至尊配套並與華麗台合併, 所以翡翠配套自動解散.

依據我個人觀點, 基本上Astro說是不會停播華麗台(Wah Lai Toi), 只不過是Astro華麗台跟TVB翡翠台合併, 但技術上Astro華麗台是將要停播. 我看Astro的頻道號碼重組宣傳短片, 指TVB翡翠台會加入至尊配套CH310, 看起來會取代華麗台.

華麗台原本的標清頻道CH311將會被Astro On Demand AOD高清頻道取代.

另外一個說法是Astro華麗台是已經"解體", 華麗台播放的內容是70%來自TVB, 然後30%是來自本地製作的粵語節目. 因為華麗台播放的TVB內容都是來自翡翠台, 為了避免重複性內容, 華麗台就跟翡翠台合併, 然後本地製作的廣東話電視節目會搬去Astro AOD (HD CH311, SD CH351).

停播後又跟翡翠台合併的華麗台, 其本地廣東話內容是否保留就成為焦點, 華麗台有招牌本地電視節目<新秀大賽>, <國際華裔小姐比賽>不知道未來會在哪一個頻道播放?

為了告別Astro華麗台, 讓我們一起緬懷它.

華麗台成立於1996年. 當時馬來西亞政府不允許外資經營電視台, 所以TVB和Astro推出華麗台. <本地圈>還沒推出之前, 華麗台以前都是100%播放TVB的電視內容, 也是"馬來西亞版"的TVB翡翠台. Astro華麗台是我已經去世的外婆最喜歡看的粵語電視頻道, 我首次接觸Astro是1999年, 當時我才5歲, 那時候我跟隨外婆觀看華麗台. 小時候的我真的完全不會聽和說廣東話, 但華麗台的內容當時是很好看.

10-15年後, 因為Astro推出很多廣東話電視頻道如Astro On Demand (AOD), 華麗台所播放的最新港劇就搬家去AOD, 所以如今的華麗台內容不比1990年代和2000年代來得好看, 甚至節目重複率高.

華麗台目前依靠本地節目生存, 以前有舞蹈比賽<舞極限>.

由於華麗台收視率漸漸下滑, 然後在翡翠配套裡的翡翠台收視率也不多, 導致兩頭不到岸的情況, 所以Astro就把華麗台和翡翠台合併.

在我的看法, 華麗台收視率下滑有幾個原因:

1. 消費者不再通過傳統平台收看港劇

2. 內容重複性高

3. 大部分追看港劇的觀眾都簽購AOD (Astro On Demand)

我還記得早期的華麗台是要按頻道CH2, 過後華麗台的頻道號碼在2002年就放在CH30, 2007年重組號碼頻道去CH311. 華麗台在2010年推出高清頻道, 名為Astro至尊HD, 過後改為"華麗台HD".

1999年至2001年之間, 外婆收看Astro華麗台, 直接按2號就可以看. 

Astro華麗台在2020年4月停播與跟翡翠台合併, 這裡我也向大家分享華麗台的歷年台標.

1996-2003

2003-2008

2008-2020

告別了, 華麗台.

Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali can be received in Penang and Northwest Perak (Alor Pongsu). If Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh can be received in Kerian, Perak, so interference with Melody FM occured?

Astro Melody FM 103.0MHz is the strongest Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter among all the radio stations. In Northwest Perak, its actual frequency is FM 104.9MHz from Bukit Larut, but it can be received on FM 106.5MHz Gunung Jerai, FM 98.5MHz Gunung Kledang and FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali. So, Melody FM can be received on four frequencies from different sites from Taiping to Nibong Tebal.


When I was departing from Kedah to Kuala Lumpur, I could receive Melody FM 103.0MHz in Alor Pongsu, Bagan Serai, Perak.

 
The distance between Alor Pongsu and Gunung Ulu Kali is 223km, receiving condition is not too bad. In addition, Melody FM 103.0MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali can be received in part of Taiping, Nibong Tebal, and Bukit Tambun.

The biggest surprise was I received Melody FM 103.0MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in Penang's Nibong Tebal, and Bukit Tambun, as well as Bandar Baharu, Kedah.

 

As Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang, Bagan Serai and Kuala Kurau are located in Perak coastal area, I may believe Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali can be received there. Besides that, I was used to listen to RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz via online. A DJ claimed that Perlis FM 102.9MHz can be tuned in Perlis, North Kedah, part of Penang and some Northwest Perak areas (Parit Buntar/Tanjung Piandang/Kuala Kurau), I felt shocked over such statement, but technically there is no terrains between RTM Padang Pauh transmission site and these four Perak towns via adjacent distance, therefore RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh can be received in Kerian district, Perak with weaker signal.

If Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh and Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali can be received in Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang and Kuala Kurau of Perak, as well as Nibong Tebal of Penang, I may expect that there is interference between both stations, but the verification will be made if I travel in these four locations and to be published on next blog article. 

102.9MHz: Perlis FM Padang Pauh
103.0MHz: Melody FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<100kHz>

It is quite interesting if Kerian district of Perak (Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang and Kuala Kurau) can receive both radio stations. If I travel to these locations by early May 2020, I will perform an interference study between Perlis FM and Melody FM by recording few radio reception videos, the videos will be published on YouTube.

==Distance between both stations sites and Kerian district== 

* Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: 230km-250km
* Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh: 150km-170km