My Thailand MW radio DXing log in Malaysia (as June 2020)

From 2017 and 2020, I had made many footage of Thailand AM (MW) DXing in Malaysia on YouTube, here are the list based on locations.

During MCO, I made a lot of Thailand MW DXing at home.

1. Balakong, Selangor (my residential home)

- Radio Thailand AM 891kHz (Bangkok)

- Radio Thailand AM 837kHz (Bangkok)

- Sor Wor Sor AM 1467kHz (Bangkok)

- Radio Saranrom/Voice of America AM 1575kHz (Si Ayutthaya)

- Thailand Parliament Radio AM 1071kHz (Bangkok)

- TU Radio (Mor Thor) AM 981kHz (Bangkok)

- Thai Meteorological Radio (Sor Or Tor) AM 1287kHz (Samut Prakan)

- Mor Thor Bor 11 AM 1053kHz Bangkok

- Mor Kor AM 1107kHz Bangkok

- Wor Sor Sor AM 1161kHz Bangkok

- Sor Sor Sor AM 1179kHz Bangkok

- Khor Sor Thor Bor AM 1269kHz Bangkok

- Or Sor AM 1332kHz Bangkok

- Chor Thor Lor AM 1197kHz Lop Buri

- Radio Thailand Betong AM 1026kHz

- Radio Thailand Pattani AM 1296kHz

- TP1 Thor Por Nueng (ทภ.1) Chanthaburi AM 1530kHz

- TP1 Thor Por Nueng (ทภ.1) Suphanburi AM 1404kHz

- Mo Kor AM 1269kHz Songkhla

- Voice of Navy 2 (สทร.2) AM 675kHz (Bangkok)

- Voice of Navy 3 (สทร.3) AM 1458kHz Phuket

- Voice of Navy 4 (สทร.4) AM 1170kHz Chanthaburi

- Voice of Navy 5 (สทร.5) AM 720kHz Chonburi

- Voice of Navy 6 (สทร.6) AM 1431kHz Songkhla

- Radio Thailand Phuket AM 1062kHz

- Radio Thailand Phangnga AM 1341kHz

- Radio Thailand Chumphon AM 1377kHz

- Radio Thailand Surat Thani AM 1215kHz

- Radio Thailand Songkhla AM 1404kHz

- Radio Thailand Krabi AM 963kHz

- Radio Thailand Chanthaburi AM 1125kHz

- Sor Wor Sor AM 1242kHz (Surat Thani)

- Radio Thailand Yala AM 981kHz

- Jor Sor 2 (จส.2) AM 1503kHz Surat Thani

- Wor Por Thor 15 AM 585kHz Chumphon

- Sor Wor Sor AM 621kHz Khon Kaen

- Sathani Witthayu Krachaisiang 919 AM 1521kHz Bangkok

- Mor Thor Bor 11 AM 630kHz Bangkok

- Phon Mor Song AM 963kHz Bangkok

- Wor Por Thor 1 AM 792kHz Bangkok

- Sor Wor Phor AM 990kHz Nakhon Si Ratchasima

- RTAF Thor Or 01 (ทอ.01) AM 945kHz (Bangkok)

- RTAF Thor Or 01 (ทอ.01) AM 1233kHz Bangkok

- RTAF Thor Or 02 (ทอ.02) AM 765kHz Lop Buri 

- RTAF Thor Or 04 (ทอ.04) AM 1224kHz Nakhon Sawan

- RTAF Thor Or 06 (ทอ.06) AM 1251kHz Bangkok

- RTAF Thor Or 07 (ทอ.07) AM 1323kHz Surat Thani

- RTAF Thor Or 11 (ทอ.011) Hat Yai AM 1512kHz

- RTAF Thor Or 16 (ทอ.016) AM 954kHz Chanthaburi

- Sor Wor Por AM 1098kHz Hat Yai

- Wor Thor Por 16 AM 1350kHz Trang

2. Teluk Intan, Perak

- Radio Thailand AM 891kHz (Bangkok)

- Radio Saranrom/Voice of America AM 1575kHz (Si Ayutthaya)

- Radio Thailand Betong AM 1026kHz

- RTAF Thor Or 11 (ทอ.011) Hat Yai AM 1512kHz

- Mo Kor AM 1269kHz Songkhla

3. Puchong, Selangor

- Radio Thailand AM 891kHz (Bangkok)

- Radio Thailand AM 837kHz (Bangkok)

- Sor Wor Sor AM 1467kHz (Bangkok)

- Radio Saranrom/Voice of America AM 1575kHz (Si Ayutthaya)

- Radio Thailand Betong AM 1026kHz

- Radio Thailand Pattani AM 1296kHz

- RTAF Thor Or 11 (ทอ.011) Hat Yai AM 1512kHz

- Mo Kor AM 1269kHz Songkhla

- Voice of Navy 6 (สทร.6) AM 1431kHz Songkhla

- Radio Thailand Surat Thani AM 1215kHz

- Sor Wor Sor AM 1242kHz (Surat Thani)

- Sor Wor Phor AM 1098kHz Hat Yai

- Radio Thailand Yala AM 981kHz

- Thai Meteorological Radio AM 1287kHz Samut Prakan

4. Kuala Lumpur

- Radio Thailand AM 891kHz (Bangkok)

- Radio Thailand AM 837kHz (Bangkok)

- Sor Wor Sor AM 1467kHz (Bangkok)

- Radio Saranrom/Voice of America AM 1575kHz (Si Ayutthaya)

- Thailand Parliament Radio AM 1071kHz (Bangkok)

- Radio Thailand Betong AM 1026kHz

- Radio Thailand Pattani AM 1296kHz

- RTAF Thor Or 11 (ทอ.011) Hat Yai AM 1512kHz

- Mo Kor AM 1269kHz Songkhla

- Voice of Navy 6 (สทร.6) AM 1431kHz Songkhla

- Wor Por Thor 4 AM 828kHz Nakhon Si Thammarat (Bukit Jalil footage)

For the videos, please visit on my YouTube channel Philip Yong DXer Malaysia, and don't forget to subscribe the channel for more new videos of DXing.

What happen to CityPlus FM in Penang if expand coverage to Penang by being given Bukit Larut frequency FM 105.7MHz by MCMC?

In the past from 2016 to 2019, Philip DXing Log highlighted about review and frequency analysis if CityPlus FM expands coverage to Penang with few likely suitable frequencies and sites.

In 2017, I suggested FM 93.1MHz Bukit Larut as CityPlus FM Penang frequency transmission. In fact, I realized that FM 93.1MHz cannot be used for Bukit Larut transmission because it interfered RTM Asyik FM 93.1MHz Bukit Ladang Teh coverage in Lenggong and Lawin, Perak. In terms of history, RTM Asyik FM already used FM 93.1MHz in Lenggong since 2015/16. During my suggestion of CityPlus FM Penang frequency with FM 93.1MHz Bukit Larut, actually I had no latest and updated frequency database. In addition, I had never been in North Perak before, hence I did not get any information. Until 2019, I got some information on FM 93.1MHz transmission in Lenggong, Perak. Back to 28th December 2019, I traveled to Taiping, when I was in Enggor and Salak Baru, I recorded the footage of Asyik FM 93.1MHz Bukit Ladang Teh signal.

Therefore, FM 93.1MHz is not a frequency can be used in Bukit Larut.

Back to 2014, I proposed FM 105.7MHz as IKIM FM Taiping frequency in Bukit Larut (0.5kW) to cover Northwest Perak as there could not receive IKIM FM on 89.0MHz from Gunung Jerai, meanwhile 102.7MHz signal was very bad.

Currently FM 105.7MHz is still a vacant frequency for Bukit Larut transmission (not medium and high power). If CityPlus FM is assigned on 105.7MHz by MCMC in Bukit Larut to cover Penang, actually FM 105.7MHz is not a suitable frequency to beam Penang from Bukit Larut as Penang listeners can get co-channel interference in Penang (Island) and some Seberang Perai areas when listen to CityPlus FM on FM 105.7MHz because RTM Kedah FM is using same frequency in Gunung Raya.

105.7MHz: CityPlus FM Bukit Larut

105.7MHz: Kedah FM Gunung Raya

Looked at RF analysis map photos (where I was given by MCMC personally in 2016. Disclaimer: Only frequency analysis, not for radio station), FM 105.7MHz Bkt Larut never gives interference to Kedah FM 105.7MHz Gunung Raya, but this applies only normal antenna pattern of standard Bukit Larut coverage without beaming directional to Penang direction much.

If CityPlus FM 105.7MHz Bukit Larut beams to Penang (0.5kW power), it can interfere Kedah FM 105.7MHz Gunung Raya coverage in Langkawi and Perlis coastal area as Bukit Larut elevation is higher than Gunung Jerai and hills in Penang. In addition, as Georgetown and some Seberang Perai can receive RTM Kedah FM 105.7MHz Gunung Raya (thus DX signal), but CityPlus FM 105.7MHz Bukit Larut still faces co-channel interference from Kedah FM 105.7MHz Gunung Raya in Penang Island (Georgetown), despite reception in Seberang Perai has no interference.

Listeners will feel uncomfortable to listen to CityPlus FM in Georgetown on 105.7MHz from Bukit Larut when it is interfered by Kedah FM 105.7MHz.

CityPlus FM can use FM 105.7MHz in Bukit Larut at 1kW power and beam to Penang if RTM Kedah FM migrates its Gunung Raya frequency to FM 105.5MHz, but it is not easy due to MCMC regulations and cost of migrating frequencies.

If Kedah FM migrates its Langkawi frequency from 105.7MHz to 105.5MHz, at least CityPlus FM 105.7MHz Bukit Larut and Kedah FM 105.5MHz Gunung Raya will not interfere each other in Penang and Langkawi anymore as wider frequency separation.

105.5MHz: Kedah FM Gunung Raya

105.7MHz: CityPlus FM Bukit Larut

<200kHz, OK>

For current situation, although FM 105.7MHz is suitable in Bukit Larut for only Taiping coverage (minus South Seberang Perai), thus lower power transmission, but FM 105.7MHz is not suitable for Bukit Larut transmission to cover Penang by beaming to northwest direction. Therefore, CityPlus FM Penang frequency proposal is not suitable by assigning FM 105.7MHz in Bukit Larut for Penang transmission coverage (beaming to northwest).

World Christian Broadcast KNLS from Anchor Point, Alaska, USA breaks my record to receive furthest distance of shortwave radio signal in Malaysia.

In the past, I never received any shortwave radio stations with the distance more than 10000km in Malaysia, but now I get a shortwave radio station which I receive the signal 10000km away from transmitter site.

It is USA Alaska based KNLS (World Christian Broadcast), I receive this radio station today and yesterday on these frequencies below:

- SW 9580kHz (Russian and English) on 1000-1200hours (UTC) and 1400-1500 hours (UTC)

- SW 9735kHz (Chinese) on 1100-1200 hours (UTC)

- SW 9795kHz (English) on 1200-1300 hours (UTC)

As my Thailand friend received KNLS from Alaska in Thailand, so I tried to check the signal, then I got it.

I received KNLS at my home in Balakong, Malaysia (20km from Kuala Lumpur), the distance from Anchor Point, Alaska, United States of America (U.S.A.) is 10632km, the transmission power of KNLS is 100kW. Here are the footage:

This breaks my record of receive shortwave radio stations in terms of distance. KNLS, the furthest shortwave radio station that I captured in Malaysia.

Radio National of Kampuchea FM 105.7MHz received in Penang, Malaysia?

As we know that FM 105.7MHz received in Penang is either RTM Kedah FM from Gunung Raya (Langkawi) or simply weak signal of Lite FM from Gunung Ulu Kali (Penang), but someone receives an unknown language radio station on FM 105.7MHz in Penang.

It is not Thai language, but to me it sounds like Khmer or Burmese language. Here is the footage:

I checked the radio stations list via Asiawaves.net, no any Myanmar radio stations air on FM 105.7MHz, but I suspected FM 105.7MHz that Senn Lens caught in Penang is Radio National of Kamphuchea from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Radio National of Kamphuchea also broadcasts on AM 918kHz for South East Asia region except Bangkok, Thailand.

In addition, according to DXer, FM 105.7MHz is not Khmer language, but it is Russian language. He verified with his Kazakh friend who speaks Russian, his Kazakh friend identified the footage language is Russian, however a DXer claimed that the footage of FM 105.7MHz Russian language radio accent is very Asian, so it could be Russian service of Radio National of Kampuchea, to target Russian expats in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Seriously I may not know there are foreign languages services of Radio National of Kampuchea, other than Khmer which is Cambodia national language. Maybe Russian program on FM 105.7MHz Phnom Penh is minority language which relayed from shortwave broadcast.

Radio National of Kampuchea FM 105.7MHz also broadcasts in English and French as minority languages services, but Russian is still unknown yet.

Another possibility is FM 105.7MHz Russian language radio in Penang could be multi hop Sporadic E propagation from Siberian region of Russia.

Besides that, someone also suspects that the signal of FM 105.7MHz was rebroadcasted by somebody who are expats from online radio station because it is impossible to receive FM radio station from Cambodia in Malaysia, thus it is low power transmission by using FM short range device (PLL).

If FM 105.7MHz signal footage is confirmed that it is Radio National of Kampuchea from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, it is very amazing, and impressive. Therefore, the radio reception is Sporadic E.

==Radio National of Kampuchea in Penang, Malaysia==

- Frequency: FM 105.7MHz

- Power: 20kW

- Transmission site: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

- Receiving site: Bayan Baru, Penang, Malaysia

- Distance: 862km

Dear reader, what language that do you think on the footage of FM 105.7MHz?

Voice of Navy 3 AM 1458kHz from Phuket, Thailand received in Malaysia (Balakong, 20km from Kuala Lumpur)

On last week, I had finally caught Voice of Navy 3 AM 1458kHz from Phuket, Thailand at my home where located in Balakong, Malaysia.

It is not easy to receive this radio station most of the evening hours because adjacent channel interference from higher power Sor Wor Sor AM 1467kHz (Thailand National Education Network) from Bangkok, Thailand.

Here are the footage:

However, it is easy to catch the signal of Voice of Navy 3 AM 1458kHz from Phuket, Thailand in Penang, Langkawi and coastal areas of Kedah and Perak.

==So. Thor. Ror. 3 {สทร.3}==

- Frequency: MW 1458kHz

- Power: 10kW

- Transmission site: Tambon Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket province, Thailand

- Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia (20km from Kuala Lumpur)

- Distance: 655km

- Receiving date: 14.06.2020 1933H (UTC+8)

At my home, Voice of Navy 6 AM 1431kHz from Songkhla, Thailand is much easier to be captured its signal.

TP4 (Thor Por Sii) FM 103.0MHz from Trang, Thailand received in Teluk Bahang, Penang, Malaysia

Following TP4 FM 103MHz from Trang, Thailand received in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia, now this radio station can be received in Teluk Bahang, Penang, footage is recorded by Senn Lens on YouTube.

In Teluk Bahang, the receiving signal of Thor Por Sii FM 103.0MHz from Trang, Thailand is quite clear there, nothing interference from Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh transmitter, but I believe Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh is interfered by TP4 FM (4th Army Area radio station) 103.0MHz from Trang, Thailand in Teluk Bahang, Malaysia.

The distance from TP4 FM 103MHz transmission site in Na Tham Nuea to Teluk Bahang is 252km. In fact, TP4 FM 103MHz Trang is also the furthest Thailand radio station received in Teluk Bahang, Penang.

==Reception report of Thor Por Sii FM 103MHz in Teluk Bahang==

* Station name: TP4 FM Trang (สถานีวิทยุกองทัพภาคที่ 4 จังหวัดตรัง)

* Frequency: FM 103.0MHz

* ERP (Effective Radiated Power): 7kW

* Antenna polarization: Mixed (Vertical + Horizontal)

* Transmission site: Na Tham Nuea, Amphoe Mueang Trang, Trang province, Thailand

* Receiving site: Teluk Bahang, Penang, Malaysia

* Distance: 252km

According to the footage, TP4 FM 103.0MHz is airing commercial, then radio station ident and news intro, the recording time is 10am (UTC+8 Malaysia), 9am (UTC+7 Thailand).

Excellent radio signal catch footage ever! Thanks to Senn Lens for uploading the footage of TP4 FM 103MHz Trang, Thailand that he received in Teluk Bahang, Penang, Malaysia.

TP4 FM (Thor Por Sii) 103.0MHz Trang is the furthest Thailand radio station received in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

Georgetown is the perfect location in Penang state to receive many distant FM radio stations, including Thailand. For Malaysia, the furthest radio station that I receive in Georgetown was Melody FM 103.0MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali on November 2017.

In Georgetown, I usually receive Thailand radio stations from Yala, Satun, and Betong, also Songkhla (Hat Yai) at top peak of Penang Hill. Songkhla (Hat Yai) is not the furthest Thailand radio station received in Georgetown, in fact the furthest Thailand FM radio station received in Georgetown is from Trang province.

It is considered very rare to receive Thailand FM radio station from Trang. A YouTuber named Senn Lens uploaded a footage of receiving Thailand radio station on FM 103.0MHz at the roof top parking of Prangin Mall, it is Thor Por Sii Trang (TP4 FM), also known as Satthanii Witthayu Krajiasiang Kong Thap Phak Thi Sii Changwat Trang สถานีวิทยุกองทัพภาคที่ 4 จังหวัดตรัง (4th Army Area radio station Trang province), operated by Royal Thai Army. Here is the footage:

According to the footage that he recorded, although the signal is weak, but there is no adjacent channel interference (ACI) from RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh transmitter. It is very impressive.

Georgetown is the third Penang location where Thor Por Sii Trang FM 103.0MHz signal is captured after Tasek Gelugor and Bukit Tambun (14100 Simpang Ampat).

==Reception report of Thor Por Sii FM 103MHz in Georgetown==

* Station name: TP4 FM Trang (สถานีวิทยุกองทัพภาคที่ 4 จังหวัดตรัง)

* Frequency: FM 103.0MHz

* ERP (Effective Radiated Power): 7kW

* Antenna polarization: Mixed (Vertical + Horizontal)

* Transmission site: Na Tham Nuea, Amphoe Mueang Trang, Trang province, Thailand

* Receiving site: Prangin Mall roof top parking, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

* Distance: 260km

In conclusion, Trang is the furthest Thailand FM radio station site received in Georgetown and Penang, following by Songkhla (Hat Yai), Yala, Satun and Betong. TP4 FM 103MHz is the only Trang based Thailand FM radio station received in Penang.

MYTV myFreeview can install transmitter in BM Hill (Bukit Mertajam) to replace existing Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya to cover Penang.

In Penang, MYTV is covering the state with 4 transmitter sites currently such as:

1. Penang U4 for Georgetown

2. Seberang Jaya for Seberang Perai

3. Gunung Jerai (Kedah) for North Penang

4. Bukit Larut (Perak) for South Penang such as Nibong Tebal

Excluding Bukit Larut and Gunung Jerai, actually MYTV has 2 transmission site to cover Penang. In my opinion, I may think it should not be a necessary to operate two transmission sites to cover Penang (Island + Mainland). Both are operating same frequencies under SFN (single frequency network) together with Bukit Larut and Gunung Jerai (CH43 UHF 650MHz and CH45 UHF 666MHz).

In Penang, there is a better transmission site for MYTV, rather than lower sites Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya, it is BM Hill (Bukit Mertajam hill, also known as Bukit Tokun).

BM Hill is located in Bukit Mertajam, also known as Bukit Tokun. On the top of the hill, there is Telekom Malaysia transmission tower. When you drive from Penang Island to Seberang Perai via Penang Bridge, you will see this hill.

In terms of elevation, BM Hill is almost same height as Bukit Penara, but for the coverage to cover whole Penang state (Island + Mainland), it is more cost effective to install DVB-T2 transmitter in BM Hill than Seberang Jaya and Penang U4 in terms of transmission fees and maintenance costs.

Just my amateur opinion, current MYTV Penang digital terrestrial television transmission from TM Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya along with main site Gunung Jerai is not really cost effective because MYTV pays double transmission fees to Telekom Malaysia for Penang (Seberang Jaya and Penang U4). Nevertheless, the coverage of Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya are not strategic at all.

For my recommendation, I suggest MYTV to install DVB-T2 transmitter in BM Hill where located in Bukit Mertajam, Penang to replace Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya sites for covering Penang (except Balik Pulau). If MYTV launches DVB-T2 transmitter in BM Hill, rather than Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya, I believe this would be cost effective for the broadcast infrastructure company because MYTV does not need to pay double transmission fees to Telekom Malaysia (TM) for Penang digital terrestrial TV.

There may have another question which likely asked by my readers one day.

Why don't I suggest MYTV to install DVB-T2 transmitter in Bukit Penara, instead BM Hill for Georgetown, Bayan Lepas and Seberang Perai?

According to the coverage of Bukit Penara UHF band TV transmission, Bukit Penara has more blind spot coverage in east Penang Island and Seberang Perai than BM Hill. Somehow Bukit Penara FM radio transmission has blind spots in these region, which result weaker reception in some locations in Penang Island and Seberang Perai.

My friend receives RTM Mutiara FM in Sungai Dua where located nearby Gelugor, the receiving signal of low power transmitter FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai is clearer than FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara.

I don't really know about the minimum field strength of DVB-T2 transmission coverage, hence I visit ITU website to read more as my amateur knowledge. The minimum field strength of DVB-T2 coverage is 42dBuV/m (50%), but better coverage is 58dBuV/m (70%).

So, there are two coverage map that I generate via Nautel free RF Tookit to compare between Bukit Penara and BM Hill DVB-T2 coverage, I set minimum field strength at 42dBuV/m which is ITU standards for DVB-T2 transmission. Yellow shaded region is 42-57dBuV/m, meanwhile green shaded region is 58dBuV/m and above.

As exact transmission parameter of existing MYTV transmitter is P&C technically, hence I just randomly place a simulation parameter with 3kW transmitter and 4 bay OMNI directional UHF antenna (SIRA UTV-11) for simulation coverage of DVB-T2. [Disclaimer: The coverage map information is unofficial and it is for simulation purpose and prediction only]

Compare between BM Hill and Bukit Penara DVB-T2 coverage, actually MYTV BM Hill coverage is better than Bukit Penara for Penang Island (except Balik Pulau) and Mainland Penang digital terrestrial television service because it has less blind spot coverage.

Current existing MYTV Penang digital terrestrial TV sites Seberang Jaya and Penang U4 does not cover Balik Pulau, so I will not include Balik Pulau as MYTV Penang coverage. In terms of saving cost to prevent from paying double transmission fees to TM for MYTV Penang DTTV service, for better coverage and cost, from my amateur view, I would nominate BM Hill as the all new MYTV digital terrestrial television transmission site to replace Seberang Jaya and Penang U4.

If MYTV launches DVB-T2 transmitter in BM Hill, MYTV can shut down its Seberang Jaya and Penang U4 digital terrestrial television transmission.

I may know some of readers will think it is easy to do a job task based on the suggestion in this article, but in the reality, it is not easy to replace MYTV existing Seberang Jaya and Penang U4 with BM Hill (Bukit Tokun) because it involves many factors. Money (Transmission fees, hardware costs) is the biggest factors, then following by politics and regulator (MCMC) approval.

To migrate the transmission system from old site to new site, it costs a lot of money, some of equipment cannot be reused when come to new site, but transmitters, antenna, filters and combiners are likely suitable to be reused. Besides that, the costly thing needs to be replaced when moving transmission system to new site is the cables (coax cables, connectors) due to different height of the tower. Next, after moving the transmission system to new site, the engineer needs to re-tune everything on the equipment because the transmission antenna system will be out of parameter when coming to new site.

The suggestion of launching MYTV transmitter in BM Hill to replace Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya is "happiness comes after toughness" (idiom) because broadcaster infrastructure provider pays lesser transmission fees than double after the pay extra cost to move transmission site to BM Hill.

Unless TM charges cheaper transmission fees to MYTV when MYTV uses two existing sites in Penang, so launching BM Hill transmitter to replace Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya is not a necessary.

Penang U4 + Seberang Jaya >> BM Hill (Bukit Tokun)

In conclusion, based on the suggestion, MYTV Penang digital terrestrial television coverage is only covered by Gunung Jerai, BM Hill and Bukit Larut. It means MYTV has 3 transmitter sites for Penang, from 4 sites to 3 sites, meanwhile 1 site was cut down.

Mix FM is still receivable in Balik Pulau, Penang via FM 91.3MHz from Bukit Larut, despite its main frequency FM 91.0MHz is "blocked" by RTM Mutiara FM 90.9MHz (Bukit Genting)

In the past blog articles, I mentioned about the interference between Mix FM 91.0MHz (Gunung Jerai) and RTM Mutiara FM 90.9MHz (Bukit Genting) in some Penang areas (notably Balik Pulau, and Teluk Kumbar), then I rolled out my recommendation to refrain from listening to interference signal for the listeners who tune in affected location by recommending FM 91.3MHz as alternative tuning frequency.

However, I finally see someone who named Senn Lens recently published his video of receiving Mix FM 91.3MHz from Bukit Larut in Balik Pulau, Penang on YouTube 2 days ago. Here is the video clip:

According to the video, it is same signal quality like what I received Mix FM 91.3MHz (Bukit Larut) in Balik Pulau on December 2013, but unfortunately I did not record the video. The receiving condition of Mix FM 91.3MHz from Bukit Larut is less clear in Balik Pulau as it consists with some statics, nevertheless at least it is much better than receiving Mix FM main Penang frequency FM 91.0MHz there which is "blocked" by RTM Mutiara FM 90.9MHz local transmitter (Bukit Genting).

Better than nothing.

I was told that currently there is no any complaints from Mix FM listeners to MCMC about receiving issues in Balik Pulau, Penang because I may believe that they already tuned to Mix FM on 91.3MHz from Bukit Larut in Balik Pulau for outdoor (in the car), meanwhile Astro/NJOI DVR CH855 (Satellite TV service) for indoor.

==Mix FM 91.3MHz Balik Pulau receiving signal report==

* Frequency: FM 91.3MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmission site: Bukit Larut, Perak

* Receiving site: Balik Pulau, Penang

* Distance: 82km

* Receiving date: 31 May 2020

* Signal condition: Average

* SINPO: 35333

ntv7 Chinese Mandarin news is to be discontinued on 8th June 2020. Next: Will Media Prima plan to dispose NTV7 and TV9?

I believe that many viewers who have been following ntv7 Mandarin news will feel disappointed because ntv7 Mandarin news is to be discontinued on 8th June 2020.

Currently ntv7 Mandarin news airs daily from 1700 hours to 1800 hours as 1 hour news. Previously, ntv7 Mandarin news airs two slots, each slot consists 30 minutes, first is at 1730 hours, then second slot is at 2230 hours.

ntv7 Mandarin news will be merged to 8TV Mandarin news, however 8TV Mandarin news slot will be extended to 1 hours, from 8pm to 9pm daily. In my opinion, the discontinuation of ntv7 Mandarin news is also part of commercial reason by Media Prima.

Seriously Media Prima suffers loss since 2014 until today due to market changes and consumers habits. Digital platform is a trend nowadays and consumers love to find their things that they want via digital platform such as watching videos via OTT, reading news via online, and listening to music via digital music platform such as Spotify/KK Box/JOOX/Deezer/YouTube. So, the conventional media platform is less preferred by consumers.

About Media Prima TV stations, it owns TV3, NTV7, 8TV, TV9, CJ Wow Shop and Drama Sangat, traditionally Media Prima operates TV3, NTV7, 8TV and TV9, meanwhile CJ Wow Shop and Drama Sangat are new channels as shopping and Malay drama content respectively.

In terms of performance, TV3 is Malaysia's no.1 TV station, meanwhile 8TV is Malaysia no.2 TV station. For segment by language, TV3 is no.1 Malay TV station in Malaysia, 8TV is no.1 Chinese TV station in Malaysia.

NTV7 and TV9 ratings are less than 4% each actually. From 2018 till now, I notice that both TV stations have poor performance.

Former Media Prima TV Networks CEO Johan Ishak implemented "1 TV Station, 1 Language" policy, and transformed ntv7 to Modern Malaysians channel. It sounded good apparently, but technically it destroyed TV9.

FYI, Johan Ishak left Media Prima since April 2020 after his contract is expired.

From 5th March 2018, NTV7 Chinese content moved to 8TV, except Mandarin news, meanwhile TV9 most programs were moved to TV3, left the channel to air CJ Wow Shop.

Although ntv7 had transformed to Modern Malaysian channel, but the rebranding was unsuccessful due to low viewership, caused the entire Malay and English programs were discontinued since 30th December 2018, then ntv7 returned Chinese slot since that day too, but most of the Chinese contents on ntv7 are rerun programs from 8TV.

The discontinuation of ntv7 Mandarin news on 8th June 2020 is part of hints that Media Prima closes down NTV7 and TV9 due to poor performance of ratings. Besides that, the entire ntv7 other than news gains poor ratings actually.

Low ratings will result no advertising. No advertising will cause no money profit. No money profit will cause loss making.

It is not easy to operate and maintain TV stations because it involves money for everything. Other than paying staff salary, TV stations needs to pay operation costs, however transmission fees are the most expensive thing when comes to TV operation. Media Prima pays a lot of money for transmission fees annually to MYTV, Telekom, and Astro Measat, I believe the minimum cost for transmission fees is about RM15million (predicted) per platform.

Media Prima launches CJ Wow Shop shopping TV programs on NTV7 and TV9 are just to extend and keep the stations alive. CJ Wow Shop on NTV7 and TV9 prevents the TV stations from being closed down, it is also an attempt to gain back the profit from loss by Media Prima via CJ Wow Shop.

In my opinion, to cut down operation of Media Prima traditional platform, and because ntv7 and TV9 don't profit from advertising as TV3 and 8TV during these 3 years, I may think Media Prima will dispose or sell NTV7 and TV9 within 3 years.

It is good to dispose NTV7 and TV9 by Media Prima to stop loss making of the company, but some of people suggests Media Prima to sell NTV7 and TV9 to new company, rather than simply dispose the channels.

Yes, suggest new company to buy acquire ntv7 and TV9, but in fact the deal to acquire ntv7 and TV9 by new company from Media Prima is not easy as what everyone thinks because it involves a lot of money and rules regulations.

It is better to sell them than simply dispose when comes to cover the loss.

Referring the past acquisition deals, Media Prima purchased Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd Ultra FM and Pi Mai FM at RM 20 millions (rebrand to Kool FM), then Astro Radio Sdn Bhd purchases Capital FM and Red FM from Star Media Radio Group at RM 42 millions. Those deal prices stated here include transmission equipment (transmitter, antennas, combiners, filters etc), frequencies and licenses.

In the past, Media Prima acquired Metrovision, Channel 9, Natseven (ntv7 and Wa FM) and WFM 88.1MHz, the deal prices also included the transmission equipment, frequencies and licenses..

As Malaysia has done digital switchover, all the TV stations regardless RTM, Media Prima or Bernama transmission equipment and frequencies are belonged to MYTV Broadcasting Sdn Bhd. So, if a new company acquires NTV7 and TV9 from Media Prima, the deal price is no longer including transmission equipment, but just buy the entire company.

If ntv7 and TV9 are disposed or sold, Media Prima will only remain TV3, 8TV, CJ Wow Shop and Drama Sangat.

ntv7華語新聞在2020年6月8日停播, 八度空間華語新聞增加時段為1個小時. 首要媒體Media Prima未來是否會關閉ntv7和TV9??

從2020年6月8日起, 每天下午5點至6點的ntv7華語新聞會停播並走入歷史, 然後八度空間華語新聞時段會變成一個小時.

我希望大家不要政治化這個課題因為ntv7關閉華語新聞是跟首要媒體(Media Prima)的商業考量有關. 這個課題也跟新冠肺炎COVID-19疫情打擊一樣無關. ntv7華語新聞停播並加入八度空間華語新聞時段. 根據首要媒體集團的消息, 行動管制令期間, 八度空間華語新聞的收視率是全國冠軍, 有100萬觀眾收看. 

其實首要媒體Media Prima從2014年至今虧損連連, 因為市場和消費者方向大大轉變和數碼化, 使到傳統平台受到很大的打擊. 現在的消費者全部通過數碼平台閱讀新聞, 收看短片/電影/電視劇, 和收聽音樂. 2016年, Media Prima首要媒體推出購物平台CJ Wow Shop, 購物台其實很賺錢, CJ Wow Shop並可以跟其他的購物平台如Lazada, Shopee和Zalora產生部分競爭, 只不過前者有產品示範, 比如: 在電視台播放CJ Wow Shop來介紹, 示範和宣傳產品.

首要媒體目前有7家電視台, 四家是傳統電視台TV3, NTV7, 八度空間和TV9, 2家購物電視台 (CJ Wow Shop 馬來語, 華語)和1家馬來劇電視台Drama Sangat. 不談CJ Wow Shop和Drama Sangat, 首要媒體主要四家電視台, 收視率和表現最佳的電視台是TV3和八度空間.

TV3是全馬來西亞收視率冠軍的馬來語電視台, 八度空間是馬來西亞收視率冠軍的中文電視台.

13年前, 不提其他競爭電視台, ntv7是首要媒體收視率亞軍的電視台, 八度空間則是第三, 但ntv7如今的收視率不到2%, 反而第九電視TV9的收視率不到4%.

ntv7華語新聞停播的傳聞其實已經很久, 2017年未的時候已經有, 導致熱烈討論. Media Prima電視網的前CEO Johan Ishak當時事實"一個電視台, 一個語言"的政策, 就計畫把所有的ntv7中文節目搬家去八度空間, 然後ntv7在2018年3月5日(也是元宵節後)轉型為比較urban feel的馬來語和英語電視台 (Modern Malaysia channel), 但華語新聞依然獲得保留.

當時NTV7也播放韓國電視劇, 和部分的泰國電視劇.

其實ntv7轉型為現代馬來語電視台也害到TV9, 當時TV9的節目全部搬家去TV3, 然後TV9幾乎播放購物節目CJ Wow Shop. 由於ntv7的馬來電視節目大部分是重播八度空間和TV9早期的電視劇, 無法吸引馬來觀眾, 最終失敗收場. 從2018年12月30日後, ntv7開始恢復中文節目時段, 但80%的電視劇和節目都是重播八度空間的節目. 比如: 少年包青天 (2013), 逆行者 (2019). 除了重播八度空間節目以外, ntv7的時段也重播已經在八度空間播放的台灣閩南語電視劇和中國古裝劇, 然而大部分時段播放CJ Wow Shop.

雖然ntv7在2019年恢復大部分的中文時段, 但也無法挽回華裔觀眾因為超過80%都是重播八度空間已經播放的內容, 除了ntv7在2000年代中後製作的中文電視劇 ("情牽南苑"和"情牽南洋"). TV9方面, 除了CJ Wow Shop, 大部分的節目幾乎重播TV3的清談節目和重播播放過的卡通片 (Upin & Ipin 第一/二季). ntv7在2018年3月5號當時的內容轉型使到自己和TV9產生兩頭不到岸的局面, 也是兩敗俱傷.

ntv7停播華語新聞的課題, 或許證明首要媒體運作ntv7和TV9已經非常吃力因為這兩家電視台沒有賺錢和廣告收入.

上個月, 首要媒體電視網的總裁CEO Johan Ishak已經離開此公司, 因為合約屆滿並不被獲新合約, 他已經加入新媒體Awesome TV.

ntv7推出中文CJ Wow Shop其實是在延長和保住ntv7的運作, 不讓ntv7面臨關閉. 跟TV9一樣, 他們兩者依靠CJ Wow Shop維持生命, 猶如哮喘病人依靠呼吸器維持生命.

在我的看法, 首要媒體旗下的ntv7和TV9在這三年(2018-2020上半年)的表現其實都是很差, 收視率大大低於八度空間和TV3. 運作電視台現在已經不容易, 不止關於消費者收看平台的轉變, 全部幾乎涉及的是金錢.

沒有收視率, 就沒有廣告收入. 沒有廣告收入, 導致電視台虧損.

電視台除了還要付錢給員工之外, 傳輸費(transmission fees)是最貴的費用, 電視台每年都要付MYTV, TM和Astro Measat傳輸費, 每年的傳輸費幾乎至少有幾千萬馬幣 (全國), 然後還涉及operation和maintenance cost.

個人覺得ntv7華語新聞停播雖然可惜, 但因為整家電視台虧損, 停播是永遠避開不了. 我個人建議首要媒體Media Prima最好還是關閉虧損連連的ntv7和TV9, 把心機全部專注在TV3和八度空間就好了.

談到關閉ntv7和TV9的建議, 或許我的意見會充滿爭議, 但全部都是關於商業考量. 如果這兩家電視台關閉, 首要媒體就不需要為這兩家電視台付MYTV, Telekom, Measat傳輸費.

朋友也建議Media Prima脫售ntv7和TV9給新公司. 表面上, 脫售會比直接關閉好很多, 因為首要媒體可以通過脫售交易填補虧損, 但這種交易並不容易, 全部也涉及到錢.

參考當時首要媒體Media Prima購買Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd的電台Ultra和Pi Mai FM, 此交易大概有2000萬馬幣. 然後Astro從星報集團買下Red FM和Capital FM的交易是4200萬馬幣, 包括電台發射器材.

現在電視台數碼化, ntv7和TV9的發射器跟TV3, GO SHOP和八度空間共用, 全部都是MYTV公司包辦. 如果新公司收購NTV7和TV9, 交易數額已經不包括發射器材.

不再像過去Media Prima收購Metrovision, Channel 9, WFM 88.1, Natseven (NTV7和嘩FM)的交易, 都是包括發射器材.

談回去ntv7和TV9的未來去向, 我認為Media Prima會在三年內會關閉或脫售這兩家電視台, 只不過是時間的問題. 若ntv7和TV9被脫售或關閉, Media Prima剩下八度空間, TV3和CJ Wow Shop.

Can Malaysia (North Kedah and East Perlis) receive Thailand DAB+ radio from Songkhla?

Nearby Malaysia border, there is Thailand DAB+ radio trial transmission in Songkhla province, transmitted from Khao Kho Hong (Hat Yai) on the Channel 9C (VHF 206.352MHz) and 9D (VHF 208.064MHz).

A question here. Can Malaysia bordering areas such as North Kedah (Bukit Kayu Hitam and Changlun) and East Perlis (Chuping and Padang Besar) receive Thailand DAB+ radio stations from Khao Kho Hong, Songkhla?

Let's find out by showing Nautel RF Toolkit map with inserting some technical data from NBTC official website.

==Parameter of Thailand DAB+ in Songkhla==

- Frequency: VHF 206.352MHz (CH 9C) & VHF 208.064MHz (CH 9D)

- ERP: 200W (CH 9C) & 100W (CH 9D)

- Transmission site: Khao Kho Hong, Hat Yai, Songkhla province, Thailand

- GPS Coordination: 7.037696N, 100.518640E

- Antenna height: 80m

- Receiving antenna height: 10m

For the field strength, the minimum is 42dBuV/m for DAB+, compare to 30dBuV/m for FM transmission.

Here is the exact coverage of DAB+ trial transmission in Songkhla at maximum ERP 200W.

According to the coverage map which generated via Nautel RF Toolkit (presumed only), with the parameter of DAB+ transmission in Songkhla, Thailand at 200W ERP, Malaysia areas (North Kedah and East Perlis) cannot receive Thailand DAB+ stations from Khao Kho Hong, unless operates at 1kW transmitter power with 4.3dBd antenna (result 2.7kW power), so DAB+ from Thailand could be received in East Perlis and North Kedah of Malaysia, but weaker signal (42-59 dBuV/m).

If I increase the transmission power of DAB+ radio station, here are the coverage.

If I compare with FM radio coverage of Khao Kho Hong at 1kW, North Kedah and Perlis can receive it, but I can't receive the transmission on DAB+ platform. This is because FM and DAB+ operate at different frequency band, FM is on VHF Band II, meanwhile DAB+ is on VHF Band III, so DAB+ frequency is higher than FM, the coverage of DAB+ is smaller than FM.

In conclusion, for current situation, North Kedah and East Perlis of Malaysia cannot receive Thailand DAB+ radio from Songkhla (Khao Kho Hong) due to low ERP.

DAB+ radio frequencies list in Thailand.

NBTC Thailand has started DAB+ radio trial transmission officially since 2018 in these locations below:

1. Bangkok

2. Chiang Mai

3. Pattaya

4. Sriracha

5. Khon Kaen

6. Nakhon Ratchasima

7. Nakhon Si Thammarat

8. Phuket

9. Prachuap Khiri Khan

10. Songkhla (Hat Yai)

Here are the coverage map of DAB+ radio transmission in Bangkok, Thailand (source: NBTC broadcast website)

Based on the coverage map and according to NBTC website (https://broadcast.nbtc.go.th/news/preview.php?news=NjEwNTAwMDAwMDAy&type=NTYwNDAwMDAwMDAx), Bangkok DAB+ radio is tested on Channel 6C (VHF 185.36MHz) with maximum power at 10kW, the antenna height of the DAB+ trial transmission in Bangkok is 185m, and its antenna polarization is vertical. Transmission site is located at Royal Thai Army signal department office.

As I'm a former junior broadcast engineer, despite I'm not from telecommunication engineering background, but I personally understand that it is not easy to launch DAB+ radio, even to replace FM radio with DAB+ radio (digital switchover).

DAB+ technology has its pros and cons actually, the advantage of this radio technology is to ease the FM frequency spectrum congestion by persuading some broadcasters to use DAB+ platform, DAB+ increases the frequency spectrum efficiency.

It is successful in Western Europe countries such as United Kingdom, Ireland and Norway, but moderate successful in Central and East Europe. However, DAB+ has its disadvantages too, but DAB+ is a failure in Singapore and Hong Kong, consumers' habits, budget and marketing are the biggest reason of DAB+ is unsuccessful in some countries.

Although DAB+ helps to improve the frequency spectrum efficiency by reducing usage of frequency band through a frequency carry multiple radio stations (MUX), but DAB+ requires more gap filler transmissions site than conventional FM and AM radio. Example: Songkhla province only needs 1 transmitter from Khao Kho Hong to cover whole province on FM, but the province needs more additional gap filler transmitter site to cover whole province when comes to DAB+.

DAB+ carries higher frequency band than FM. In basic theory, the lower the frequency band, the further of the transmitting distance. Meanwhile, the higher the frequency band, the lesser of the transmitting distance.

Moreover, most of the consumer's radio receivers have no DAB+ band. It is expensive to own DAB+ receiver. In Malaysia, to purchase a DAB+ receiver, the minimum price is RM 600 (approximate THB 4400). Due to growing of 5G technology, DAB+ is facing the challenge from alternative competitor because people can easily access listening to their favorite radio station digitally via high speed internet with 5G technology. Before launching of 5G, 4G/LTE is quite perfect for listening to radio stations via online as they run high speed too (but lesser than 5G). For car radio, most of the vehicles have no DAB+ band, but Apple Car Play/Android Auto, consumers use Apple Car Play/Android Auto to listen to radio stations via online by connecting Internet, even with conventional Bluetooth/AUX connectivity, therefore smartphone also "kills" DAB+ technology badly.

For Thailand, I believe DAB+ implements in the locations where has highly congested FM frequency bands such as Bangkok.

Here are the DAB+ frequencies list in Thailand. For Songkhla province where next to Malaysia border, its DAB+ broadcast has two MUX such as Channel 9C (VHF 206.352MHz) and Channel 9D (VHF 208.064MHz), transmitted from Khao Kho Hong (Hat Yai park site), same locations as Voice of Navy 6 FM 94.5MHz and TP4 FM 107.75MHz.

For the transmission coverage, as DAB+ in Songkhla operates only at ERP 0.2kW (9C) and 0.1kW (9D). Unlike FM broadcast which can transmit to Malaysia border, the DAB+ radio from Khao Kho Hong is not receivable in Malaysia region such as Padang Besar, Bukit Kayu Hitam, and Changlun, unless you receive Thailand DAB+ radio station in Malaysia with high sensitivity radio receiver, or capture the signal at higher elevation areas.