RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh is not available in Langkawi and Satun, Thailand

RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz is a radio station to serve Perlis state, operated by RTM. Although Perlis is next to Satun Thailand and Kedah, also adjacent border with Langkawi Island, but Perlis FM is not receivable in Satun, Thailand and Langkawi.

For your information, Perlis FM 102.9MHz transmission site is located in RTM Perlis Padang Pauh office which is land based site, including tower, the height above sea level of its transmission site is 71m (60m tower height + 11m land above sea level).

This radio station is not receivable in Langkawi and Satun, Thailand actually by tuning FM 102.9MHz, however you will hear adjacent channel interference noise from Thailand radio station, named TP4 FM 103.0MHz Trang. Alternatively, RTM Perlis FM can be listened via Myklik RTM app outside of Perlis state.

RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz can be listened in some North Kedah areas, but it is interfered by Indonesia Boss FM 102.8MHz from Permatangsiantar, North Sumatra in Alor Setar, Kedah during tropospheric propagation, however it is also interfered by TP4 FM 103.0MHz from Trang, Thailand.

Technically, RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz is not available in Satun Thailand, despite Satun is next to Perlis, this is because there is a mountain located at the border between Satun and Perlis. Moreover, Perlis FM 102.9MHz begins interfered by Thor Por Sii TP4 FM Trang 103.0MHz which is high powered radio station from Trang in Satun, Thailand.

TP4 (4th Army Area) FM 103.0MHz Trang, Thailand that I received between Langkawi and Phuket Island at the sea

These are the videos that I listened and received Thor Por Sii FM 103.0MHz from Trang, Thailand when I was at the cruise between Phuket and Langkawi while the cruise was on the way going to Phuket Island, however I had the audio footage of this radio station signal when the cruise was going back from Phuket Island to Singapore which I recorded in between Langkawi and Phuket.

When I traveled to Phuket via cruise, I placed TP4 FM 103.0MHz as target radio check station because it is my favorite Thailand radio station.

For your information, Thor Por Sii FM 103.0MHz from Trang, Thailand was having co-channel interference from Mahogany VFM 103.0MHz Tambon Talat Yai, and it has interference from 102.75MHz or 103.25MHz nearby Phuket, however Thor Por Sii FM 103.0MHz is the strongest and most powerful Trang province radio station ever.

When the cruise was going back from Phuket, while I could receive RTM Langkawi FM 104.8MHz from Gunung Raya clearly, but Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh was fully locked by TP4 FM 103.0MHz Trang at the sea.

Extra footage of FM 103.0MHz that I received within Phuket Island on November 2017:

Station coverage of TP4 FM 103.0MHz (4th Army Area) Trang, Thailand

Satthani Witthayu Krajaisiang Kong Thap Phak Thi Sii Changwat Trang (สถานีวิทยุกองทัพภาคที่ 4 จังหวัดตรัง) FM 103.0MHz (4th Army Area) is my favorite Thailand radio station. Although I don't understand Thai language very much, but I love this radio station because it plays music. TP4 FM 103.0MHz Trang, Thailand plays Thai Lukthung, and classic songs, however it plays some Thai new songs by relaying Bangkok 103 LIKE FM in selected hours.

I was used to receive this radio station in Langkawi before, then Alor Setar and part of Penang via tropospheric propagation from 2018 to 2019. I noticed this radio station overlapped RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh in Langkawi, some areas in Kedah and Penang, but these locations are not Perlis FM coverage.

Hereby I will list down the station coverage in Thailand and Malaysia.

==Thailand==

* Whole Trang province

* Southern Krabi: Khlong Thom District (Sai Khao) and Ko Lanta

* Part of Nakhon Si Thammarat province: Bang Khan District (Wang Hin & Ban Nikhom)

* Part of Satun province: Thung Wa.

* Part of Phatthalung: West Phatthalung

==Malaysia==

* Part of Langkawi

TP4 FM 103.0MHz Trang, Thailand can be received in Satun, and some locations in Malaysia within Kedah and Penang state via overspill signal.

TP4 FM 103.0MHz has 7kW ERP, the most powerful Trang radio station ever.

Overall coverage indicates that TP4 FM 103.0MHz can be listened in whole Trang province, some areas in Phatthalung, Krabi, Satun and Nakhon Si Thammarat, as well as some Langkawi areas in Malaysia. As I mentioned before, TP4 FM 103.0MHz Trang overspill its signal to Alor Setar, Guar Chempedak, Tasek Gelugor, and Bukit Tambun in Malaysia, but Perlis FM 102.9MHz was not receivable in Penang Seberang Perai at all.

I was used to receive this radio station in Phuket Island, however it is interfered by Mahogany VFM 103.0MHz from a district within the Island, back to November 2017. When I was at the cruise, I could receive this station at the sea (between Krabi and Phuket) too, but mono signal.

Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali received in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia? Must have interference from goXUAN FM 107.6MHz Bukit Penara

On March 2020, my DXing friend from Taiping received RTM Pahang FM 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia.

In this video, I may believe the reception is set in force receiving mode because goXUAN FM 107.6MHz from Bukit Penara is quite clear in Taiping, Perak. By listening to this audio, you can hear adjacent interference noise from goXUAN FM 107.6MHz Bukit Penara on Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali which captured in Taiping, Perak. Previously, goXUAN FM 107.6MHz was carried by Capital FM and Red FM before Astro acquired them from Star Radio in 2016.

I was used to receive Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali from Taiping to Semanggol on highway, but interference signal can be detected much in the location.

In fact, goXUAN FM 107.6MHz Bukit Penara signal is fully dominating in Taiping and Kerian district, so it has lower chance to receive Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali there without interference signal condition.

Two Thailand FM radio stations are received in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia with Thailand National Anthem (May 2020)

In recent weeks, I have a friend from Taiping, Perak received again two Thailand FM radio stations in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia, but for this time, he recorded with Thailand National Anthem and station news jingle.

First radio station is Satthani Witthayu Kong Thap Phak Thi Sii Changwat Trang (สถานีวิทยุกองทัพภาคที่ 4 จังหวัดตรัง) FM 103.0MHz (4th Army Area) from Trang, Thailand. Its station call sign name is Thor Por Sii (TP4 FM). In Taiping, TP4 FM 103.0MHz is having co-channel interference from Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali. TP4 FM 103.0MHz from Trang, Thailand is the furthest FM radio station received in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia, it transmits at 7kW ERP (effective radiated power), 3.5kW ERP each for vertical and horizontal polarization antenna, therefore it results 7kW ERP with mixed polarization antenna. Thor Por Sii TP4 FM 103.0MHz Trang is the most powerful Trang radio station ever in terms of transmission.

Second radio station is Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz, also known as Sor Wor Thor Satun. In the video, it has some minor adjacent channel interference from MY FM 99.7MHz Gunung Jerai. Transmission power is 1kW, but with 6dBd gain mixed polarization antenna, results 4kW ERP. In terms of transmission, Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz is powerful as MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz, however it is more powerful than Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz. Meanwhile, Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz is the widest coverage Satun radio station in Northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, compare to MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz.

1. Satthanii Witthayu Kong Thap Phak Thi Sii Changwat Trang FM 103.0MHz
สถานีวิทยุกองทัพภาคที่ 4 จังหวัดตรัง

2. Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz

Verified: New Thailand radio station FM 97.5MHz is transmitted from Sungai Golok, to be launched soon.

On February 2020, we had highlighted regarding there is an unknown radio station FM 97.5MHz in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia, we suspected FM 97.5MHz is transmitted either from Amphoe Mueang Narathiwat or Sungai Golok.

To find out more, I organized a survey post regarding FM 97.5MHz unknown Thailand radio station on my YouTube channel Philip Yong DXer Malaysia to open for anyone to vote, majority votes are stating that FM 97.5MHz is from Sungai Golok.

By watching these two videos, uploaded by Senn Lens, actually FM 97.5MHz was playing Thai pop songs where he recorded on weekend. In Kota Bharu and Sungai Golok, the radio station FM 97.5MHz signal is very clear.

For your information, the new Thailand radio station in Sungai Golok FM 97.5MHz is expected to be launched by Q3 2020 or Q4 2020, currently it is still under trial transmission, FM 97.5MHz Sungai Golok is given trial transmission license by NBTC Thailand as I predict. Besides that, due to COVID-19 outbreak around the world including Thailand, so FM 97.5MHz Sungai Golok radio station launching will be delayed until COVID-19 pandemic is fully solved. As I predict Q3 or Q4 2020 will be the date for FM 97.5MHz official on-air in Sungai Golok, but the official launching of the radio station may be delayed much longer.

FM 97.5MHz maybe a low/medium power Sungai Golok radio station (0.5-1kW), as it has 200kHz frequency separation from RTM Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar which cover Central Kelantan, but I believe Sungai Golok FM 97.5MHz will not interfere the coverage of Kelantan FM 97.3MHz because it is using lower power transmitter system. Moreover, Kelantan FM can be tuned in Kota Bharu and North Kelantan loudly and clearly on FM 102.9MHz from RTM Kota Bharu when main transmitter FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar is interfered.

Regarding FM 97.5MHz Thailand radio station actual content, we have to wait its official broadcast and check it out. As COVID-19 pandemic is not fully solved yet, let's pray that the virus will be killed and disappeared as soon as possible. To the readers, please stay safe. If there is no necessary or emergency matter, please stay at home.

RAAF Radio Butteworth MW 1445kHz, a radio station that Malaysians forget the most.

In Malaysia, everyone knows Hitz, Mix, Lite (Light & Easy), Traxx FM (RTM Radio 4), BFM 89.9, Fly FM and defunct radio stations such as Rediffusion, Red FM, Capital FM, Wow FM & Time Highway Radio (THR FM), but there was a radio station that Malaysians forget the most, it was RAAF Penang Butterworth.

RAAF Radio Butterworth was not well-known by many Malaysians because the radio station only broadcasted in Penang through mediumwave (MW) frequency, transmitted from RAAF Butterworth, Penang. This radio station carried Australia radio stations programs from ABC & Radio Australia, its target audiences were RAAF members, Australian soldiers in Malaysia as well as Penang listeners.

RAAF Radio Butterworth broadcasted on MW 1445kHz at 1kW power, from 1960 to late 1980s. This radio station was well-known among English speaking listeners in Penang actually, apart of RTM Blue Network (Traxx FM) and pay cable radio Rediffusion. 

In my opinion, RAAF Radio Butterworth transmission power at 1kW was actually low, meanwhile RTM MW radio stations operate at standard power 10kW or 20kW. What I look at RAAF is MW frequency in 1960s was not standardized as today where MW band is 9kHz per channel for rest of world, then 10kHz per channel for North America region. If RAAF Radio Butterworth is still alive today, frequency is no longer 1445kHz, it may change to standardized frequency such as 1449kHz or 1458kHz which is 9kHz separation per channel.

Here I will share with you some audio clips of RAAF Radio Butterworth from RAAF School Penang YouTube channel which recorded in the 1970s and 1980s. Hope you will enjoy and this will cruise down the memory lane.

 

Apart from relaying selecting programs from ABC and Radio Australia, RAAF Radio Butterworth relayed RTM programs sometimes.

If RAAF Radio Butterworth MW transmission tower was alive till 2010 or today, BFM is already available in Penang since 2009.

I was shared by my friend about his history of listening to radio in 1970s, he mentioned a Malaysia radio station that everyone forgets, but this radio station was only available in Penang, transmitted from Butterworth, and operated by Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF).

RAAF Radio Butteworth (Credit to RAAF School Penang)

It was RAAF Radio Butterworth, broadcasted on MW 1445kHz at 1kW transmission power for Penang from 1960 till late 1980s. This radio station broadcasted Australia radio program, it was Penang English speaking listeners' favorite radio station, alongside Rediffusion and RTM Blue Network (Traxx FM).

RAAF Radio Butterworth had ceased its transmission since late 1980s, its MW transmission mast was dismantled too, but let's imagine what happen if this radio station did not ceased its broadcast till 2010 or 2015 or now.

BFM 89.9 is English language business radio station in Malaysia which currently broadcasts in Klang Valley, South Perak, West Pahang, part of Negeri Sembilan and Melaka on FM 89.9MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali. BFM had done several Penang frequency application since 2009 until 2019, but the station frequency application was rejected by MCMC due to unavailable frequency spectrum.

We notice that FM frequency spectrum is very peak in Peninsular Malaysia, especially west coast region. If RAAF Butterworth did not dismantle its AM transmission mast, I believe BFM had already Penang frequency since 2009 by using RAAF Butterworth transmission infrastructure, but on AM broadcast.

Although AM broadcast sound quality is not good as FM radio, but as a talk radio station, AM broadcast is still suitable for BFM Radio. If BFM has Penang frequency, listeners have to tune the station on MW band. 
  
To make MW broadcast frequency application, more frequency studies are required because AM transmission can overspill to many locations outside the broadcast license area, especially nighttime transmission.

By keeping the transmission mast of RAAF Butterworth until today, this may benefit to BFM, RAAF and RMAF Butterworth in terms of business. RAAF can profit money by providing AM infrastructure to new broadcasters who are unable to expand coverage in Penang on FM frequency band.

Imagine if BFM broadcasts in Penang on AM band from RAAF Butterworth, by using at least 10kW AM transmitter, the whole Penang state can receive BFM. Same coverage with FM radio, Kerian district of Perak (Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, Tanjung Piandang, & Kuala Kurau), Selama and Kedah (Bandar Baharu, Kulim, & Sungai Petani) can receive BFM.

If BFM operates AM transmitter WITH the power above 100kW, I believe Alor Setar, Perlis, Langkawi, Perak and Thailand can receive the signal from RAAF Butterworth, but radiation exposure to human health must be taken under consideration as mediumwave radio frequency radiation is quite harmful to human body. In addition, interference to bordering AM radio stations (notably Thailand and Indonesia) must be considered because AM transmission can overspill to border country during nighttime transmission.

As the broadcast license area of BFM is Penang only from RAAF Butterworth, I believe 10kW power transmission is very sufficient to cover Penang state. Here is the simulation parameter of BFM Penang frequency if using RAAF Butterworth AM transmission tower infrastructure once it is still alive today.

==BFM Radio Penang frequency on AM band (Simulated proposal)==
* Frequency: MW 666kHz (formerly operated by RTM Radio 3 Penang/Mutiara FM)
* Power: 10kW 
* Transmitter model: Nautel NX10
* Transmitter site: RAAF Butterworth, Penang
* Coverage: Penang Island, Seberang Perai, Perak: Kerian & Selama, and Kedah: Sungai Petani/Kulim/Bandar Baharu
* Nighttime coverage: Sik, Baling, Taiping, Alor Setar, Perlis, Langkawi, Thailand: Betong, Satun & Songkhla

Note: The parameter above is only a simulation, not real purpose.

As BFM broadcasts in Penang on AM band, for Penang, BFM shall rename "BAM" (Business AM), but no such station would have AM suffix as their name, maybe "Business Radio". 

If RAAF/RMAF provides AM broadcast transmission infrastructure, it is considered to break monopoly of Telekom Malaysia (TM) in terms of broadcast transmission infrastructure provider market in Malaysia.

While FM frequency band is full in Peninsular Malaysia nowadays and DAB+ is still not relevant and practical yet in Malaysia due to consumer marketing and infrastructure, Malaysia shall practice to use MW radio. In my opinion, MW radio band is alternative platform to FM radio, it can ease new radio broadcasters who are unable to expand their broadcast coverage on FM frequency band.

Shortwave is not a relevant platform to be relaunched for urban location, and most of radio receivers are no longer featuring SW band, unless you purchase TECSUN, Sangean and high level Sony receiver. The radio receivers in most of electrical appliances shop only feature FM and MW band, some of cheaper China made radio receivers have only FM band.

Sadly, it did not happen until today because RAAF already dismantled its AM tower since early 1990s. Positively, due to growing of technology nowadays with high speed and cheaper internet package, as well as 5G is to be landed in Malaysia, therefore listeners can listen to BFM via mobile app, however cars nowadays are equipped with Bluetooth, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, so it is much easier to access radio station by using alternative platform. 

In conclusion, I hope BFM will get Penang frequency successfully one day when an appeal is done. Wish the radio station all the best.

Note: RAAF Butterworth photos in this article are credited to RAAF School Penang and its Facebook page.

FM DXing in Kerian district (PART 2): Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali received in Alor Pongsu, Bagan Serai, Perak (2nd September 2019)

After I bring up a video of receiving IKIM FM 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting in Parit Buntar, Perak on PART 1 of FM DXing in Kerian district, Perak post, now I'm going to start Part 2 of the article, it is also throwback DXing too, but different location within Kerian district, Perak.

Previously I had highlighted just now about my prediction of signal availability and condition of Perlis FM 102.9MHz and Melody FM 103.0MHz in Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, Semanggol, Tanjung Piandang and Kuala Kurau, but here I have the receiving signal video of Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in Bagan Serai, Perak. 

Throwback 2nd September 2019, while I was on the way going back from Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur, I captured Melody FM 103.0MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in Alor Pongsu, 34300 Bagan Serai, Perak on PLUS Highway.

According to the video, the signal of Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in Alor Pongsu (Bagan Serai) was not really weak actually, its signal quality had same level as Gunung Kledang station which received in same location. No interference from Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh was detected, hence this shows that Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh is not receivable in Bagan Serai at all.

For your information, Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh transmission site height elevation is very low, it is build on a flat land with 11m height above sea level, meanwhile its overall height including tower is just about 71m. Perhaps Padang Pauh signal is completely blocked by Mount Jerai terrains between transmission site and Bagan Serai, so Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh has completely no signal in Parit Buntar and Bagan Serai (including Alor Pongsu).

By tuning FM 102.9MHz in Bagan Serai, basically it was full of static, but it has adjacent frequency noise from Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in Bagan Serai when comes to high quality receiver. 

No adjacent channel interference from IKIM FM 102.7MHz Bukit Genting on FM 102.9MHz in Bagan Serai because 102.7 signal is quite weak there.

As FM DXing in Kerian district, Perak series in PART 1 and PART 2 are throwback DXing in the district, but PART 3 and above will be issued anytime once if I traveled there and videos are made on YouTube in the locations.

Kerian district is just sit beside Larut, Matang & Selama district, it is located in Northwest Perak, bordered with Penang (Nibong Tebal) and Kedah (Bandar Baharu). Here are the locations under Kerian district, Perak:

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

I will expand this series of FM DXing in Kerian district by launching more radio reception videos when I traveled the locations in the district one day after COVID-19 pandemic is completely solved.

FM DXing in Kerian district (PART 1): IKIM FM 102.7MHz Bukit Genting received in Parit Buntar, Perak (December 2013)

As the whole world is suffering COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic including my country Malaysia, a lot of working operations and personal activities (including holiday vacancy traveling) are cancelled and delayed, hence everyone must stay at home to break COVID-19 chain.

I had a plan to travel to Betong, Thailand with my mother personally on 1st May 2020, but I revoke the plan due to COVID-19 outbreak, then I attempted to plan for Kerian trip (Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, Tanjung Piandang and Kuala Kurau) on May 2020 or June 2020, but because COVID-19 chain is not broken yet, so I can't plan the trip at short moment. 

I understand that it is very disappointing, even I feel disappointed with the situation, however our health and safety are the top priority. Our life is the most important than everything, because there is no "Take Two" of our life. For Kerian district trip, I can go after COVID-19 pandemic is fully solved, initially target 31st August 2020, 2 days 1 night trip, subject to the condition.

Coincidentally, I suddenly search one of my old FM DXing video today where I recorded in Parit Buntar town, Perak on December 2013 (uploaded on February 2014) by using Sony Xperia Tipo (poor camera quality smartphone, only 3.2 megapixels.

It was IKIM FM 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting that I received in Parit Buntar, Perak while my family and I went back to KL from Penang. 

According to the video, in fact the receiving signal of IKIM FM 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting (Balik Pulau, Penang) was not clear in Parit Buntar town, Perak, then I tried to receive FM 89.0MHz (Celcom Lower Jerai tower in 2013), no signal is available.

IKIM FM 102.7MHz signal had static in Parit Buntar, but IKIM FM is now available in Parit Buntar loudly and clearly by tuning newly upgraded FM 89.0MHz from Gunung Jerai (Upper peak tower) since June 2016. Therefore, the receiving signal of IKIM FM 89.0MHz from Gunung Jerai (Upper peak tower) is much clearer and louder than 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting in Parit Buntar.

==IKIM FM DXing in Parit Buntar, Perak (2013)==
- Frequency: FM 102.7MHz 
- Power: 500W (equal to 0.5kW)
- Transmission site: Bukit Genting, Penang 
- Receiving site: Parit Buntar, Perak 
- Distance: 36km 

In Parit Buntar, Bukit Larut, Gunung Jerai and Bukit Penara radio stations are available, also with weaker Bukit Genting, Gunung Ulu Kali and Gunung Kledang stations. 

Kerian FM DXing prediction (PART 3): Thailand FM radio stations

Following that my friend and I suddenly received Thailand FM radio stations in Taiping, Perak such as MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz, Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz & 99.5MHz, then my friend captured Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz signal in Taiping 4 years ago.

Hence, I predict Thailand FM radio stations signal availability in Kerian district, Perak.

==Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz==
* Semanggol: Not available
* Bagan Serai: Very weak
* Parit Buntar: Very weak
* Kuala Kurau: Very weak
* Tanjung Piandang: Very weak

Note: 200kHz adjacent channel interference from RTM Mutiara FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara will be occurred. 

==Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz==
* Semanggol: Very weak
* Bagan Serai: Weak
* Parit Buntar: Weak
* Kuala Kurau: Weak
* Tanjung Piandang: Weak

Note: 200kHz adjacent channel interference from MY FM 99.7MHz Gunung Jerai will be occurred. 

==MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz==
* Semanggol: Not available
* Bagan Serai: Weak
* Parit Buntar: Weak
* Kuala Kurau: Weak
* Tanjung Piandang: Weak

Note: No interference from other radio station is occurred.
Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz may not be available in Kerian district, Perak, but adjacent channel interference from Hitz FM 92.8MHz Gunung Jerai.

Kerian FM DXing prediction (PART 2): RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz & Melody FM 103.0MHz

Next, I will predict the signal availability and condition of RTM Perlis FM and Astro Melody FM 103.0MHz in Kerian district, Perak.

==Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh==
* Parit Buntar: No signal
* Bagan Serai: No signal, but may have adjacent channel noise from Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali
* Kuala Kurau: To be determined, but adjacent channel interference from Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali may be occured.
* Semanggol: No signal
* Tanjung Piandang: Signal may be available, but adjacent channel interference from Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali may be happened. 

In Kerian district, Melody FM can be listened loudly and clearly on 104.9MHz from Bukit Larut, then following by FM 106.5MHz Gunung Jerai, as well as two weak frequencies such as FM 98.5MHz Gunung Kledang and FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali, but I choose FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali as frequency prediction.

==FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali==

* Parit Buntar: Weak signal, no interference from Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh

* Bagan Serai, Kuala Kurau: Signal is average, no interference from Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh

* Semanggol: Weak signal

* Tanjung Piandang: Weak signal, but likely facing interference with Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh.

Kerian FM DXing prediction (PART 1): RTM Mutiara FM

As I'm unable to travel Kerian district of Perak on this month and June 2020 due to Covid-19 outbreak, so I'm not able to perform FM DXing there, but I can still make some prediction regarding selected radio stations availability in the district.

1. Mutiara FM  (95.7, 93.9 and 90.9)

2. Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh

3. Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali

4. Thailand radio stations 

Let's begin with the signal availability and condition of RTM Mutiara FM in Kerian district locations by starting from 95.7MHz Bukit Penara, 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai and 90.9MHz Bukit Genting, then following by rest stations.

1. MUTIARA FM

==FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara==

* Parit Buntar: Clear

* Tanjung Piandang: Very clear

* Bagan Serai: Clear

* Kuala Kurau: Clear

* Semanggol: Less clear

==FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai==

* Parit Buntar: Less clear, but no co-channel interference from RTM Nasional FM 93.9MHz Bukit Genting

* Tanjung Piandang: To be determined, but less co-channel interference from RTM Nasional FM 93.9MHz Bukit Genting

* Kuala Kurau: To be determined, but less co-channel interference from Nasional FM 93.9MHz Bukit Genting as Nasional FM 93.9MHz operates at only 100W power

* Semanggol: Not clear

* Bagan Serai: Less clear, but no co-channel interference from RTM Nasional FM 93.9MHz Bukit Genting

==FM 90.9MHz==

* Kuala Kurau, Parit Buntar, Semanggol, Bagan Serai: No signal, adjacent noise from powerful Mix FM 91.0MHz Gunung Jerai 

* Tanjung Piandang: Signal may be available, but low possibility, instead adjacent noise from Mix FM 91.0MHz Gunung Jerai

IKIM FM frequencies and locations directory in Perak state. (Direktori frekuensi dan lokasi IKIM FM di negeri Perak)

IKIM FM frequencies and locations list in Perak state. (Senarai lokasi dan frekuensi IKIM FM di negeri Perak)

- FM 102.7MHz Gunung Kledang: Ipoh, Lahat, Menglembu, Kampar, Malim Nawar, Kuala Kangsar, Enggor, Manong, Sungai Siput (U), Padang Rengas, Lenggong, Sauk, Parit, Bota, Seri Iskandar, Tanjung Tualang, Jeram, Gopeng, Simpang Pulai, Tronoh, Pusing, Langkap, Chenderong Balai, Mambang Di Awan, Air Kuning, Teluk Intan, Bagan Datuk, Selekoh, Hutan Melintang, Kampung Gajah, Beruas, Sitiawan, Lumut, Pulau Pangkor, Changkat Keruing, Ayer Tawar, Pantai Remis, & Temoh.

- FM 91.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: Tapah, Bidor, Sungkai, Chenderiang, Terolak, Slim River, Behrang & Tanjung Malim. 

- FM 89.0MHz Gunung Jerai: Taiping, Changkat Jering, Batu Kurau, Semanggol, Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Kuala Kurau, Terong, Tanjung Piandang, Selama, Matang, Simpang, Kamunting, Kuala Sepetang, & Pengkalan Hulu (sebahagian).

- FM 102.7MHz Bukit Genting: Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang, & Kuala Kurau.

Negeri FM 107.7MHz from Gunung Ledang received in Raub, Pahang.

RTM Negeri FM is a radio station to serve Negeri Sembilan state with three frequencies, FM 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok (Seremban/Jelebu/Port Dickson/Kuala Pilah/Central Jempol), FM 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin (Rembau/Tampin), and FM 107.7MHz Gunung Ledang (Melaka/Segamat/Tangkak/Gemas/Gemencheh/Simpang Pertang/Felda Lui Jempol).

This radio station can be received in Selangor, and part of Kuala Lumpur on FM 92.6MHz, however it can be received in Pahang on FM 92.6MHz and FM 107.7MHz.

Negeri FM 107.7MHz can be listened in Jerantut, Kemayan, Bera, Keratong, Muadzam Shah and Teriang, meanwhile FM 92.6MHz is for Temerloh, Manchis, Simpang Pelangai, Mentakab, Lanchang, Bandar Bera, Kuala Krau and Chenor. 

Surprisingly Negeri FM can be listened in Raub on FM 107.7MHz. On 30th November 2019, I attended my relative's wedding ceremony in Raub, Pahang. At the same time, I could receive Negeri FM 107.7MHz signal from Gunung Ledang there.

 

For your information, although it was receivable, but the signal was not clear in Raub. The distance between Raub and Gunung Ledang is 181km, nevertheless Negeri FM 107.7MHz had no adjacent channel interference from Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.

In fact, Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is weak in Raub, but Pahang FM has gap filler transmitter there on 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill.  

RTM has three states radio stations in Gunung Ledang such as Melaka FM 102.3MHz, Johor FM 105.3MHz and Negeri FM 107.7MHz. In Raub, only Negeri FM 107.7MHz could be received weakly, meanwhile the rest were not receivable. FM 105.3MHz is weak Suria FM signal from Gunung Ulu Kali, meanwhile FM 102.3MHz is an adjacent signal of Pahang FM 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill.

Thailand Parliament Radio FM 87.5MHz received in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia?

A YouTuber named HBC 101 received a Thailand Parliament Radio channel on FM 87.5MHz in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia via Sporadic E propagation.

 

On YouTube video, it stated FM 87.5MHz was received from Udon Thani, Thailand, but technically it was transmitted from Bangkok, not Udon Thani.

Udon Thani is much further than Bangkok. In my opinion, FM 87.5MHz that HBC 101 received in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia was from Bangkok due to higher ERP.

On Asiawaves.net, Thailand Parliament Radio operates on FM 87.5MHz in Bangkok, Ubon Ratchathani, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Ratchasima, but FM 87.5MHz Bangkok is the highest ERP which is 15.2kW.

Therefore, FM 87.5MHz is likely from Bangkok, Thailand due to its high ERP, meanwhile Udon Thani ERP is 3.4kW only.

Distance from FM 87.5MHz Phaya Thai, Bangkok (Thailand Parliament Radio transmission site) to Segamat, Johor, Malaysia is 1279km. 

Another possibility is FM 87.5MHz in Segamat, Malaysia received from Surat Thani, Thailand, distance is 823km, but its ERP is only 4kW.

This FM DXing is a rare catch in Malaysia. From my DXing experience in Malaysia, the furthest radio stations that I received in Malaysia were:

1. AL-Falah Radio FM 93.8MHz from Sigli, Aceh, Indonesia received in Kuala Kedah, Malaysia.

2. Radio Boss FM 102.8MHz from Permatangsiantar, Indonesia received in Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia.

3. RPC FM 105.4MHz from Binjai, Indonesia received in Alor Setar, Kedah Malaysia.

4. Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz, Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz and MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz received in Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia.

5. MCOT Phatthalung FM 95.75MHz received at Gunung Jerai top peak, Kedah, Malaysia.

6. Thor Por Sii (4th area army radio) Trang FM 103.0MHz received in Penang, Malaysia.

7. Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz received in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia (highway)

8. MY FM 101.1MHz Bukit Pelindung received in Putrajaya, Malaysia (SKVE Highway)

9. Mix FM 99.1MHz Gunung Pulai received in Balakong, Malaysia

10. Suria FM 96.1MHz Bukit Pelindung received in Balakong, Malaysia.

11. Minnal FM 101.1MHz Gunung Pulai received in Balakong, Malaysia.

These radio stations had distance less than 500km between transmitting and receiving locations.

Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang is no longer available in Northeast Negeri Sembilan and Central Pahang due to interference from Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser.

RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz is a radio station for Melaka state, transmitted from Gunung Ledang. Apart from Melaka state, this radio station can be received in North Johor (Tangkak, Muar, Segamat, Batu Pahat and Kluang), Negeri Sembilan (Gemas, Tampin, Port Dickson, Kuala Pilah and part of Rembau/Jempol), part of Selangor (Sungai Pelak, and Bagan Lalang) and some part of Pahang (Keratong and Kota Syahbandar).

Few years ago, RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz could be received in Simpang Pertang, Felda Pasoh, Felda Serting Ulu, Kemayan, Teriang and Bandar Bera, but RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz is no longer available in Northeast Negeri Sembilan (except Bandar Seri Jempol areas such as Felda Lui, Felda Palong), and Bera district of Pahang due to RTM Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser.

RTM Pahang FM 102.2MHz was launched in Bukit Fraser on 2017, it mainly covers Raub where it is a blind spot location of FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali transmission. 

From Gemas to Temerloh which is Federal Route 10, RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang is only available until Felda Sungai Lui, then signal goes faded when enter Kemayan and interference by Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser in Teriang and Bandar Bera.

From Tampin to Karak which is Federal Route 9, RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz can be listened clearly up to Batu Kikir, meanwhile it starts having some interference signal from Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser in FELDA Serting Ulu, Simpang Pertang and Simpang Durian.

For your information, when I drove from Bahau to Gemas while tuning Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang, I could detect interference noise from Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser between Bahau and Rompin in the car. 

In Simpang Pertang, Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser and Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang are interfering each other actually.


Next, Pahang FM 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill receiving signal is not too bad in Bandar Bera, Teriang, and Temerloh. This results Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang is no longer available in these locations, including Chenor, but listeners can listen to Melaka FM via RTM Mobile app.
 

As RTM Pahang FM is operating on FM 102.2MHz in Bukit Fraser, therefore the coverage availability of RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz from Gunung Ledang in Pahang and Negeri Sembilan is reduced about 30-35% by minus Simpang Pertang, Simpang Durian, Kemayan, FELDA Pasoh, Teriang, and Bandar Bera, may involve Bahau and Serting Ulu.

Previously I wrote an article which related to Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser with Gunung Telapak Burok radio transmission, since Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser is on-air now, although FM 102.1MHz sounds vacant frequency for Negeri Sembilan state, likely can be used in Gunung Telapak Burok, but FM 102.1MHz is not a suitable frequency for Gunung Telapak Burok transmission because it could cause interference with Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser transmission in Bentong, Karak, Temerloh, Lanchang, Mentakab, Chenor, Bandar Bera, Manchis and Teriang. Meanwhile FM 102.0MHz may be likely suitable frequency for Gunung Telapak Burok transmission, but not exceed than 1kW power (TRP only).

Temerloh can receive Bukit Fraser and Gunung Telapak Burok radio stations loudly and clearly.

Hot FM 92.4MHz, strongest and most powerful Kuantan transmitter from Bukit Pelindung, received in West Pahang.

Do you know? Hot FM 92.4MHz is the most powerful Kuantan radio station ever in Pahang state, transmitted from Bukit Pelindung.

Commonly Bukit Pelindung transmission is limited in Kuantan, Pekan, Gambang, Balok, Cherating, Kemaman, and Chukai, but Hot FM 92.4MHz from Bukit Pelindung somehow can be received in other Pahang areas such as Chenor, Raub, Temerloh, Bandar Bera and Manchis via overspill signal.

Back to 2019, I went to Chenor, Temeloh, Bandar Bera, Manchis and Raub. These locations are not able to receive any radio stations from Kuantan (Bukit Pelindung), except Hot FM 92.4MHz.

Surprisingly I could receive Hot FM 92.4MHz in Chenor, but it is in STEREO mode, but reception signal is not well as FM 97.6MHz Gunung Ulu Kali. (TECSUN PL-380 receiver) 

Alongside Chenor, actually Temerloh can still receive FM 92.4MHz, signal is not too bad. In addition, here are the videos of Hot FM 92.4MHz that I received in Bandar Bera, Raub, and Manchis.

1. BANDAR BERA
 

2. RAUB
 

3. MANCHIS (Small town in Bentong district, not far from Negeri Sembilan Simpang Durian border)
 

Hot FM 92.4MHz Bukit Pelindung operates at 2kW power, but I believe it has higher antenna gain by having more bay array antenna at the tower which results higher ERP. So, it could overspill to Central and West Pahang, even some locations in Johor and Negeri Sembilan states.

Extra footage of Hot FM 92.4MHz which I received in Genting Highlands on October 2016:
 

In Johor, someone received Hot FM 92.4MHz in Simpang Renggam and Kluang from Kuantan.

 

Note that Hot FM 92.4MHz Bukit Pelindung transmission is facing co-channel interference with Mediacorp Symphony FM 92.4MHz from Singapore in Johor.