If RTM expands coverage for Pahang FM in Gunung Ledang, Johor to cover Southwest Pahang (100.9MHz suggested frequency)

 

BY PHILIP YONG

philipyong0110@gmail.com

Recently I suddenly think if RTM Pahang FM launches Gunung Ledang transmitter for Southwest Pahang.

In West Pahang areas such as Bentong, Bera, Temerloh, Kuala Lipis, Pahang FM tuning frequency is 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, meanwhile Raub receives 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill. 

Keratong still receives Pahang FM either 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali or 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan, but it could be likely less clear there because interference from Gunung Ledang.

Although Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali has 200kHz frequency separation from Melody FM 107.3MHz Gunung Ledang and Negeri FM 107.7MHz Gunung Ledang, but it sounds ok because they're far enough. However, it has interference from Gunung Ledang when comes to Tembangau, Keratong, Bera Selatan and Kota Shah Bandar.

For FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan, it may be likely having interference from One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang in Keratong, the interference can be worse when comes to Keratong areas where just next to Johor border. In fact, Pahang FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan operation is much earlier than One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang.

To cover large part of Southern Pahang, Gunung Ledang is the strategic location. If Pahang FM launches in Gunung Ledang to cover southwestern Pahang  mainly Keratong, Felda Bera Selatan, Felda Tembangau and Kota Shah Bandar, its coverage is more strategic than FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan because it generates more coverage population due to higher elevation of the site.

In terms of frequency, FM 100.9MHz is most suitable and ideal one currently.

==Pahang FM Gunung Ledang parameter suggestion==

* Frequency: FM 100.9MHz

* Power: 1kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Ledang, Johor

* Coverage: Keratong, Muadzam Shah, Kota Shahbandar, Felda Tembangau, Felda Bera Selatan

==RF analysis==

100.9MHz: Selangor Gunung Ulu Kali

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

<0kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai

<200kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

101.1MHz: MY FM Bukit Pelindung

<200kHz, OK>

100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

<300kHz, OK>

If RTM adds Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang, here's the result:

1. Keratong, Muadzam Shah, Felda Tembangau, and Felda Bera Selatan listeners can receive Pahang FM on 100.9MHz from Gunung Ledang, clearer than FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (for Tembangau) and FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan (for Keratong).

2. RTM will have ten radio transmitters in Gunung Ledang, Johor.

3. Benefits to Pahang FM's listeners who often travel to state borders from Pahang. Example: 

 

* Felda Tembangau (Pahang) to Felda Serting Hilir (Negeri Sembilan)

* Felda Keratong (Pahang) to Felda Palong (Negeri Sembilan)

* Felda Selancar (Pahang) to Segamat/Labis (Johor)

4. Pahang areas where nearby Johor Segamat border can receive Pahang FM clearly from Gunung Ledang, this will solve interference between FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan and One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang.

5. Segamat, Gemas, Rompin, Felda Palong, Felda Serting Hilir and Bandar Seri Jempol can receive Pahang FM 100.9MHz from Gunung Ledang, despite they're not the main coverage and under Pahang states.

6. Currently all Pahang FM transmitters are located within Pahang state, so it breaks its history by "crossing" to Johor border and launching transmitter in Gunung Ledang.

For RF analysis, Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang transmission will not have co-channel interference with Selangor FM 100.9MHz in Melaka and Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan because Pahang FM only beams to southwest Pahang from Gunung Ledang (northeast direction from site). The only CCI locations can be likely in Teriang, and Bandar Bera.

Since it covers only southwest Pahang, it does not mean Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang will be available in Johor (Muar, Batu Pahat, Tangkak), Melaka and Negeri Sembilan (Tampin, Gemencheh, Rembau and Port Dickson) due to antenna direction.

While RTM has Pahang FM 100.9MHz in Gunung Ledang, RTM Pahang FM can maintain FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan frequency for Muadzam Shah as gap filler transmitter to cover blind spot of FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang.

For listeners who from Kemayan/Teriang/Bandar Bera travel to Keratong/Tembangau/Selancar via Felda Lui and Jalan Bahau-Keratong road, they can switch to FM 100.9MHz from Gunung Ledang loudly and clearly when the reception of FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is weak while on the journey to those locations.

Besides that, listeners in Keratong, FELDA Bera Selatan, Felda Tembangau can also tune to 100.9MHz if Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is interfered by Melody FM 107.3MHz and Negeri FM 107.7MHz from Gunung Ledang.

I may realize that Pahang FM 88.0MHz from Bukit Sembilan may have interference from One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang in FELDA Selancar, Keratong where not far from Johor border. With Gunung Ledang transmitter FM 100.9MHz, listeners in those locations can listen to Pahang FM on the frequency clearly.

As a result, RTM Gunung Ledang can have four state radio stations for different target locations, such as:

1. Johor FM 105.3MHz for North Johor

2. Melaka FM 102.3MHz for Melaka

3. Negeri FM 107.7MHz for East Negeri Sembilan such as Gemas, Felda Lui, Felda Palong, Gemencheh & Simpang Pertang

4. Pahang FM 100.9MHz for Southwest Pahang such as Keratong, Felda Tembangau and Muadzam Shah (proposal)

RTM can consider this suggestion if there is necessary.

RTM Perak FM can expand its coverage to Pengkalan Hulu on FM 104.1MHz in Bukit Palong, considered as "Single Frequency Network" (SFN) for Perak FM in North Perak.

 

5 years ago, I highlighted my suggestion regarding Perak FM coverage in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak by proposing RTM to launch Perak FM in Bukit Palong, Baling, Kedah.

 

As this suggestion is 5 years anniversary today, so I decide to make frequency analysis regarding Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu frequency from Bukit Palong transmitter site.

 

In Pengkalan Hulu, only Bukit Palong is the ideal transmitter tower site to cover the Far North Perak town. Although Pengkalan Hulu can receive Gunung Jerai radio station, but Gunung Jerai is not ideal site for Perak FM to cover Pengkalan Hulu because not all locations in Pengkalan Hulu can receive radio signal from Gunung Jerai, Kelian Intan (a village between Pengkalan Hulu and Gerik) is the blind spot area of Gunung Jerai.

 

The proposal that I made is based on the concept of RTM state stations "crossover" to other state where some RTM state radio stations install transmitter in neighboring state which is not their intended coverage. Example:

 

1. Negeri FM 107.7MHz in Gunung Ledang (Johor)

Fact: Covering Gemas, Gemencheh, Felda Lui, Simpang Pertang and FELDA Palong.

 

2. Perak FM 94.7MHz in Gunung Brinchang (Pahang)

Fact: Covering Perak areas next to Cameron Highlands border

 

3. Mutiara FM 93.9MHz in Gunung Jerai (Kedah)

Fact: Covering Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, Tanjung Tokong and Teluk Bahang where are blind spot areas of FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara

 

4. Kelantan FM 107.1MHz in Bukit Bintang (Terengganu)

Fact: Covering East Kelantan nearby Besut

 

There are some vacant frequencies in Bukit Palong, can be recommended for Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu transmission, but frequency assignment is decided by MCMC at final stage. Hence, I make decision to do some analysis.

 

FM 103.9MHz/104.0MHz/104.1MHz, and FM 104.7MHz.

 

==Proposed parameter==

* Transmitter site: Bukit Palong, Kedah

* Transmitter power: 0.5kW OR 1kW

* Antenna type: Directional (Yagi/Log-Periodic/Panel)

 

==RF analysis==

1. FM 103.9MHz

 

103.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<200kHz, OK>

 

103.6MHz: Era FM Gunung Jerai

103.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

<300kHz, OK>

 

103.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.0MHz: Smart Radio Hatyai, Thailand

<100kHz, OK>

 

2. FM 104.0MHz 

 

104.0MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<100kHz, OK>

 

103.6MHz: Era FM Gunung Jerai

104.0MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

<400kHz, OK>

 

104.0MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.0MHz: Smart Radio Hatyai, Thailand

<0kHz, OK>

 

104.0MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<100kHz, OK>

 

3. FM 104.1MHz

 

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<0kHz, OK, SFN>

 

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.4MHz: Lite FM Gunung Jerai

<300kHz, OK>

 

104.0MHz: Smart Radio Hatyai, Thailand

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

<100kHz, OK>

 

4. FM 104.7MHz (as proposed in 2015)

 

104.7MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.9MHz: Melody FM Bukit Larut

<200kHz, OK>

 

104.4MHz: Era FM Gunung Jerai

104.7MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

<300kHz, OK>

 

104.7MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.8MHz: Langkawi FM Gunung Raya

<100kHz, OK>

 

104.7MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

105.1MHz: Kedah FM Bukit Dedap

<400kHz, OK>

 

Based on basic RF analysis above, all frequencies listed above can be used in Bukit Palong because they have no interference when Perak FM operates in Bukit Palong. However, it is interesting if Perak FM uses 104.1MHz in Bukit Palong, perhaps same frequency as Bukit Larut.

 

RTM still needs to do Thailand frequency studies before launching Perak FM in Bukit Palong because Pengkalan Hulu is under international coordination. Yala and Betong are the required locations to be studied by broadcaster.

 

Look back some existing RF analysis, there are some Bukit Larut radio stations are using same frequencies with Bukit Palong, but different radio stations, therefore they cause co-channel interference in Penang.

 

Hot FM and Suria FM in Bukit Larut Taiping are same frequencies with Kedah FM and Traxx FM in Bukit Palong Baling.

90.5MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut

90.5MHz: Kedah FM Bukit Palong

<0kHz>

91.7MHz: Suria FM Bukit Larut

91.7MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Palong

<0kHz>

When comes to Perak FM, if FM 104.1MHz is used in Bukit Palong for Pengkalan Hulu, it will not cause interference within the coverage areas because Perak FM operates FM 104.1MHz in two different sites for different targeted areas under SFN.

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<0kHz, OK>

According to the RF analysis above, this is considered as "Single Frequency Network" (SFN) on FM radio band. Single Frequency Network is same radio station uses a frequency in different site, actually this is a suitable configuration for digital terrestrial transmission (DVB-T2/ATSC/DTMB/ISDB/DRM/DAB+), meanwhile it is less suitable for analogue transmission.

 

Perak FM will have self interference in Penang on FM 104.1MHz from Bukit Larut and Bukit Palong, but Penang is not its broadcast coverage region.

 

Distance between Bukit Palong and Bukit Larut is 85km.

 

In addition, there is also SFN (single frequency network) in Penang, and Perak on FM radio.

 

102.7MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Genting

102.7MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Kledang

<0kHz, OK>

 

RTM Bukit Penara (except Mutiara FM 95.7MHz) and RTM Bukit Genting (except Mutiara FM 90.9MHz) are operating under Single Frequency Network (SFN). 

In addition, it matches with Perak FM's frequencies publications on its website and social media platform if Perak FM is assigned on FM 104.1MHz in Bukit Palong, Kedah because Taiping and Pengkalan Hulu are classified as Perak Utara (North Perak), meanwhile Pengkalan Hulu is Far North Perak (Perak Utara Jauh) where it is very far from Taiping.

Although Taiping, Selama, Parit Buntar and Pengkalan Hulu are often classified as North Perak, but Taiping, Selama and Parit Buntar are considered as "Lower North Perak", in the meantime Pengkalan Hulu, Lawin, Lenggong and Gerik are considered as "Upper North Perak" (I called it as Far North Perak; based on Australian English term where there is Far North Queensland FNQ in Queensland state, 1800km away from Brisbane).

In terms of frequencies publication, it sounds easier actually.

FM 104.1MHz Perak Utara (Taiping + Parit Buntar + Bagan Serai + Selama + Kuala Kangsar + Pengkalan Hulu)

By reading it above, some of people may thought Perak FM uses Bukit Larut transmitter to cover Pengkalan Hulu. In fact, it doesn't, instead Perak FM adds FM 104.1MHz in Bukit Palong to cover Pengkalan Hulu. For your information, Pengkalan Hulu can't receive any radio stations from Bukit Larut, even Gerik, Lawin, and Gunung Kledang.

 

If Perak FM launches in Bukit Palong, Pengkalan Hulu is covered, neighboring towns such as West Gerik, Klian Intan, Baling, Kedah and Betong, Thailand can receive Perak FM. In Betong, Thailand, there will have four RTM Malay language radio stations, this can attract Thai Malay listeners in Betong.

I hope RTM will consider to expand Perak FM coverage in Pengkalan Hulu from Bukit Palong which I proposed 5 years ago, they can release a tender for it.

RTM Perak FM has no Bukit Palong transmitter for Pengkalan Hulu, so what frequency do the listeners tune in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak?

 

In Pengkalan Hulu, the northenmost town, located in Far North Perak, bordered with Thailand and Kedah, usually the town is covered by RTM radio stations from Bukit Palong transmitter tower (Baling, Kedah).

As today, RTM Perak FM has no frequency in Pengkalan Hulu, even RTM did not expand Perak FM coverage to the town by using Bukit Palong transmitter tower as per I suggested 5 years ago.

I was wondering that how do listeners tune to Perak FM in Pengkalan Hulu through radio (neglect online listening).

There are some possible existing Perak FM frequencies which can be tuned in Pengkalan Hulu, but weak signal:

1. FM 96.2MHz Gerik: The only nearest transmitter can be listened, but it is likely interfered by 988 FM 96.1MHz from Gunung Jerai in Pengkalan Hulu, because Pengkalan Hulu can receive Gunung Jerai radio stations partially.

2. FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang: The most powerful Perak FM transmitter in the state as it transmits with 2kW power. Pengkalan Hulu elevation is high actually as it is hilly town, so 95.6MHz could be received there, just weak signal.

3. FM 104.1MHz Bukit Larut: It is impossible to be received in Pengkalan Hulu because the transmission power is only 0.25kW. Between Pengkalan Hulu and Bukit Larut, there are many terrains which block the transmitting signal from Bukit Larut to Pengkalan Hulu.

4. FM 102.9MHz Lawin: Low power transmitter to cover Lawin only, but signal is only available in high elevation areas in Pengkalan Hulu with poor reception.

It is impossible that Perak FM can be tuned in Pengkalan Hulu on 94.2MHz from Bukit Ladang Teh (Lenggong) as it covers only Lenggong. In terms of frequency status, 94.2 in Pengkalan Hulu is weak signal of Radio Thailand Yala FM 94.25MHz.

If Pengkalan Hulu listeners tune to Perak FM on Ipoh frequency 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang, it is considered very powerful. In fact, Gunung Kledang radio stations somehow can be received between Gerik and Jeli on East-West Highway (Titiwangsa). To reach Pengkalan Hulu from Gunung Kledang, mix polarized is the recommended antenna model for transmission. Back to November 2017, I was used to receive Perak FM 95.6MHz on the cruise between Penang and Langkawi at Malacca Straits which interfere Mutiara FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara when I was going from Penang to Phuket, Thailand.

It is perfect if RTM installs Perak FM transmitter in Bukit Palong tower to cover Pengkalan Hulu and Klian Intan. In terms of frequencies, FM 104.7MHz, FM 103.9MHz/FM 104.1MHz are the recommended.

Imagine if Perak FM uses FM 104.1MHz in Bukit Palong for Pengkalan Hulu, the frequency allocation status is considered "single frequency network" because Perak FM operates 104.1MHz in Bukit Larut and Bukit Palong for North Perak (Taiping, Kerian, Parit Buntar, Pengkalan Hulu, Selama, Kuala Kangsar). It won't cause interference as FM 104.1MHz in different transmitter sites are same radio stations.

I'm curious about the reception of Perak FM in Pengkalan Hulu on existing frequencies. If I have chance to travel Far North Perak Pengkalan Hulu one day, I should try to receive (FM DXing) Perak FM on 96.2MHz, 95.6MHz, 102.9MHz and 104.1MHz. Then, I will publish a FM DX comparison footage on YouTube.

For Pengkalan Hulu listeners, please drop off comment here if you have feedbacks.

Unknown radio station AM 612kHz that I received in Malaysia is Vietnamese, the exact frequency is 610kHz. It is Voice of Ho Chi Minh (VOH-1)

 In July 2020, I recorded a radio signal footage on AM 612kHz at my home in Balakong, Malaysia at 1912H (UTC+8). I expected it was from Thailand, but it didn't sound like Thai, instead unknown language.

The language is likely within South East Asia region, likely Vietnamese. Until 2nd October 2020, I caught the station signal again on 612kHz and checked the database on Asiawaves.net, there is no any Vietnam radio station using 612kHz, but 610kHz.

The radio station on AM 610kHz is Voice of Ho Chi Minh City's People (VOH), it is transmitted from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and operating at 200kW transmitter power.

In Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, VOH operates four radio stations, 3 on FM, 1 on AM (MW).

* VOH-1 AM 610kHz

* VOH-2 FM 99.9MHz

* VOH-3 FM 95.6MHz

* VOH-4 FM 87.7MHz

Hence, I already receive VOH-1 AM 610kHz signal in Malaysia (Balakong, Selangor).

==VOH AM DX report==

* Frequency: MW 610kHz

* Power: 200kW

* Transmitter site: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

* Receiver site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

* Distance: 1035km

* Receiving date/time: 02.10.2020 2107hours (UTC+8)

* Receiver: TECSUN PL-380

List of Selangor areas where I performed FM DXing of Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang (as October 2020)

As October 2020, I have performed DXing of RTM Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang in Selangor since 2014, here is the list of Selangor locations.

1. Sabak Bernam

2. Sungai Ayer Tawar

3. Sungai Besar

4. Sekinchan

5. Tanjong Karang

6. Kuala Selangor

7. Jeram

8. Ijok

9. Rawang

10. Bukit Tagar

11. Sungai Buloh

12. Serdang

13. Balakong

14. Seri Kembangan

15. Puchong

16. Bukit Beruntung

Videos are available on my YouTube channel, Philip Yong DXer Malaysia or search" Perak FM 95.6MHz Selangor".

RTM Perak FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang received in Serdang, Selangor, furthest location ever.

 

Recently certain Gunung Kledang transmitted radio stations can be received in some Klang Valley areas. 

 

After I performed FM DX of Perak FM 95.6MHz in Kuala Selangor, Tanjong Karang, Sabak Bernam, Sungai Besar and Sekinchan during Hari Raya Aidiladha holiday on 31st July 2020, I also received Perak FM 95.6MHz in Jeram, Selangor (a small town between Kapar and Kuala Selangor), so I make decision to try to receive it in Serdang, Selangor.

 

Previously I received Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang with multiple locations such as Desa Serdang, and The Mines Exhibition Convention Center (MIECC). Recently I receive stronger signal of Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang along Jalan Hospital Serdang.

 

On weekdays, along SKVE highway, it has traffic congestion from IOI City Mall interchange until Kajang IUKL/UNITEN interchange in the evening. Hence, I decide to use Jalan Hospital Serdang to bypass SKVE traffic congestion. At the same time, there is also some traffic congestion at Jalan Hospital Serdang because there are about two traffic lights. While I stuck in traffic jam there, I take opportunity to record Perak FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang signal footage.

 

Three videos are recorded nearby MAEPS junction, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at UPM Universiti Putra Malaysia Campus as well as Hospital Serdang. 

 

Mantin, Negeri Sembilan is the furthest location where I received Gunung Kledang radio station signal.

Mantin is a small town in Negeri Sembilan, located between Nilai and Seremban, it is not far from Selangor Beranang border. In the town, I usually receive radio stations from Gunung Ulu Kali and Gunung Telapak Burok, also the weaker Bukit Sungai Besi, Gunung Ledang, Bukit Gun and Kuala Lumpur Tower.

Back to 3rd April 2016, I received Red FM 106.4MHz from Gunung Kledang in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan. In my record of FM DXing, Mantin is the furthest location to receive Gunung Kledang radio station. 

==Red FM 106.4MHz Ipoh DX information==

* Frequency: FM 106.4MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Kledang, Ipoh, Perak

* Receiver site: Mantin, Negeri Sembilan

* Distance: 220km

In fact, initially I would like to receive MY FM 106.4MHz from Gunung Ledang (North Johor) in Mantin, but surprisingly I received Red FM 106.4MHz there.

Regarding the audio, I received Red FM 106.4MHz at Chinese Cemetery in Mantin which is not far from the catholic church when I had Ching Ming event. In 2016, Red FM was ceased broadcast and the radio station went automation mode until acquisition by Astro in September 2016. Now, Red FM frequencies become Zayan, a Malay language Muslim contemporary radio station.

Before this, I was used to receive ultra weak signal of Radio Klasik FM 88.3MHz from Gunung Kledang in Mantin (nearby now defunct BHPetrol Pajam) which was having co-channel interference from One FM 88.3MHz Bukit Gun. During that time, I only intended to receive One FM 88.3MHz from Bukit Gun (Seremban town) to test its reception quality in Mantin.

So, in the future, if possible, I can try to receive RTM Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang in Nilai and Mantin.

FLASHBACK: Radio Klasik Bukit Gantang transmitter FM 88.7MHz, now it is terminated.

 

In Taiping, RTM Radio Klasik tuning frequency is FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill). Many years ago, Radio Klasik had gap filler transmitter in Taiping too, alongside with main transmitter FM 103.3MHz. 

 

The gap filler transmitter was Bukit Gantang to target Changkat Jering, the transmitter was launched in 2008 during Bukit Gantang by-election, the frequency was FM 88.3MHz. It was launched during Klasik Nasional era. Generally the launch of Radio Klasik Bukit Gantang was political movement, but technically some say Bukit Gantang and Changkat Jering areas can't receive FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut clearly, so Bukit Gantang transmitter was launched.

 

The initial frequency for RTM Radio Klasik Bukit Gantang transmitter was FM 88.3MHz, and during that time Hot FM had no Taiping frequency FM 90.5MHz yet. Hence, Hot FM listeners in Taiping had to listen on 88.2MHz from Gunung Jerai. As result Radio Klasik FM 88.3MHz Bukit Gantang interfered Hot FM 88.2MHz Gunung Jerai in Taiping, so RTM Radio Klasik Bukit Gantang transmitter was changed from 88.3MHz to 88.7MHz.

 

RTM Radio Klasik FM 88.7MHz Bukit Gantang was last until 2017/18, then RTM terminated the transmission service.

 

Back to November 2015, when I went from Penang back to Kuala Lumpur, I received RTM Radio Klasik on 88.7MHz clearly in Changkat Jering, Perak along PLUS Highway. In Perak, Radio Klasik FM is using FM 88.7MHz in Changkat Rembian for Tapah and Bukit Palong for Pengkalan Hulu where Changkat Jering and Bukit Gantang can't receive signal from Changkat Rembian and Bukit Palong, but FM 88.7MHz was clear in Changkat Jering, so I think FM 88.7MHz is from Bukit Gantang.

 

After 4 years, I traveled Alor Setar and came back to Kuala Lumpur, FM 88.7MHz had no signal there, even former frequency 88.3MHz had nothing in Bukit Gantang too. Therefore, I believe RTM had terminated Bukit Gantang radio transmission. For now, Radio Klasik can be tuned on FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut or FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai in Bukit Gantang and Changkat Jering, Perak.

 

Gunung Jerai FM radio stations received in Kuala Selangor!

Today I travel to Kuala Selangor Bukit Malawati for FM DX hobby activity, in fact I traveled to this site 3 years ago. During that time, I only captured Bukit Larut radio station as the furthest signal there.

Now I receive three FM radio stations from Gunung Jerai in Kuala Selangor (Bukit Malawati), this breaks my record of FM DXing there as the furthest radio signal caught in Selangor.

I received RTM Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz, Suria FM 106.9MHz and Raaga FM 102.4MHz at top peak of Bukit Malawati nearby Baitul Hilal.

 

Baitul Hilal is the most ideal site to receive FM signal from Gunung Jerai and Bukit Larut in Kuala Selangor.

 

Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz is the most powerful Gunung Jerai radio station that I receive in Kuala Selangor today, following by Suria FM 106.9MHz, meanwhile Raaga FM 102.4MHz is hard to be received because of Asyik FM 102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

RTM Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz is using 5kW transmitter in Gunung Jerai. In Kuala Selangor Bukit Malawati, I can detect adjacent channel interference from Hitz FM 95.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok.

 

The distance from Gunung Jerai to Kuala Selangor is 286km. 

For current status, Kuala Selangor is the furthest Selangor location now to receive Gunung Jerai FM radio stations signal after Sungai Ayer Tawar.

Senarai liputan kawasan siaran RTM Radio Klasik di negeri Perak

 

- FM 88.3MHz (Gunung Kledang): Ipoh, Kampar, Tanjung Tualang, Teluk Intan, Sitiawan, Manjung, Langkap, Manong, Lahat, Menglembu, Pusing, Teronoh, Batu Gajah, Simpang Pulai, Parit, Beruas, Pantai Remis, Chenderong Balai, Lumut, Pulau Pangkor, Chemor, Tanjung Rambutan, Bota, Hutan Melintang, Bagan Datuk, Selekoh, Seri Iskandar, Changkat Keruing, Ayer Tawar, Ulu Bertam, Jeram, Sauk, Lenggong & Malim Nawar.

 

- FM 103.3MHz (Bukit Larut): Taiping, Sauk, Padang Rengas, Kamunting, Kuala Kangsar, Enggor, Lenggong, Simpang, Kuala Sepetang, Semanggol, Batu Kurau, Selama, Rantau Panjang, Matang, Changkat Jering & Terong

 

- FM 94.9MHz (Gunung Jerai): Bagan Serai, Kuala Kurau, Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang, Selama, & Pantai Remis

 

- FM 88.7MHz (Bukit Palong): Pengkalan Hulu, Klian Intan, Gerik Barat & Lawin

 

- FM 98.3MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali): Bidor, Sungkai, Terolak, Slim River, Behrang, Tanjung Malim, Bagan Datuk, & Hutan Melintang.

 

- FM 88.7MHz (Changkat Rembian): Tapah, Chenderiang & Temoh

 

- FM 97.8MHz (Memplam Sari): Gerik

 

- FM 90.7MHz: Sungai Siput (U)

 

- FM 90.3MHz: Felda Terolak Timur

 

- FM 90.7MHz: Ulu Slim

MYTV myFreeview is not available in Far North Perak (Hulu Perak) via DTT, but Far North Perak must gets MYTV via DTH.

Malaysia digital terrestrial television infrastructure provider, MYTV has two DTT transmitters in Perak. Gunung Kledang and Bukit Larut on UHF 666MHz (CH45) and 650MHz (CH43). In terms of transmission coverage, both reaches 10 out of 12 districts within the state, except Hulu Perak and Muallim.

Muallim district can receive MYTV via DTT from Gunung Ulu Kali, this involves Tanjung Malim and Slim River.

For Bukit Larut transmission, it covers Larut Matang Selama, Kerian and Kuala Kangsar districts, but MYTV DTT signal from Bukit Larut is unavailable in Far North Perak.

 

Lenggong and Southern Lawin are likely the maximum Far North Perak locations to receive Bukit Larut signal, but DTT signal may be unstable ones (<35%), depends on the antenna conditions.

The term "Far North Perak" defines as Hulu Perak district. In the districts, most locations are hilly areas. It is impossible to cover the "Far North Perak" areas by using DTT for MYTV with a strategic transmitter site. If MYTV wants cover Far North Perak areas (Hulu Perak), the TV infrastructure provider requires to install more gap filler transmitters such as Bukit Ladang Teh (Lenggong), Memplam Sari (Gerik), Lawin and neighboring site Bukit Palong (Pengkalan Hulu). Therefore, it costs more to launch gap filler transmitters for Far North Perak areas (Hulu Perak).

 

The existing gap filler transmitter sites which used by RTM in Far North Perak are not strategic at all because small coverage generated.

In fact, DTH (Direct-To-Home) is more economical than DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) to reach households in Far North Perak areas. So, MYTV viewers in Pengkalan Hulu, Lawin, Gerik and Lenggong must install MYTV satellite dish to watch their favorite local TV channels via DTH, rather than using UHF antenna.

List of Perak districts by classifying with north and south

 

- South: Muallim, Batang Padang, Hilir Perak & Bagan Datuk

- Central: Manjung, Perak Tengah & Kampar

- North: Larut Matang Selama, Kerian & Kuala Kangsar

- Far North: Hulu Perak

 

Bukit Larut transmitted North Perak and Taiping FM radio station does not mean to cover Hulu Perak.

Some of radio stations which have Bukit Larut transmitter will classify it as frequency for Taiping and North Perak, example 988 FM 101.0MHz: Taiping and North Perak.

In northern side of Perak, the district covers Larut Matang Selama, Kerian, Kuala Kangsar and Hulu Perak.

Technically, Bukit Larut radio stations cover only the districts of Larut Matang Selama, Kerian and Kuala Kangsar. Apart from Larut, Matang & Selama where Taiping is the main town of the district, actually Kerian and Kuala Kangsar are classified as North Perak.

Hulu Perak is not under "North Perak" frequency radio coverage because it is far north enough, compare to Taiping, and Parit Buntar.

Here are the areas of North Perak where covered by Bukit Larut transmitter stations for FM radio.

==Larut, Matang, & Selama==

* Taiping

* Kuala Sepetang

* Matang

* Changkat Jering

* Batu Kurau

* Bandar Selama

* Terong

* Simpang

* Kamunting

* Rantau Panjang

==Kerian==

* Parit Buntar

* Semanggol

* Bagan Serai

* Kuala Kurau

* Tanjung Piandang

==Kuala Kangsar==

* Kuala Kangsar

* Padang Rengas

* Sungai Siput (U)

* Enggor

* Sauk

For Hulu Perak district, it is classified as "Far North Perak". This far northern Perak consists Lenggong, Lawin, Gerik, Klian Intan, Pengkalan Hulu, Belum and Temenggor.

In fact, Hulu Perak district is not covered by any radio stations from Bukit Larut or Gunung Kledang where are main transmitter sites for Perak radio stations. For commercial radio stations, Bukit Larut can cover only up to Lenggong and Southern Lawin, then signal goes off after the locations when going northbound to Gerik and Pengkalan Hulu.

For RTM, as government broadcaster in Malaysia, the "Far North Perak" Hulu Perak is covered with three local gap filler transmitter sites and one neighboring TX site, namely:

1. Bukit Ladang Teh for Lenggong

2. Lawin

3. Memplam Sari for Gerik

4. Bukit Palong, Kedah for Pengkalan Hulu

Although Far North Perak (Hulu Perak district) can't really receive any radio stations from Bukit Larut (Taiping and North Perak), but the district can receive few Thailand FM radio stations from Yala and Betong partially.

IKIM FM boleh "memasuki" negara Brunei dengan menambah pemancar di Bukit Mas, Sarawak (Limbang)

 

Pada masa ketika ini, Radio IKIM FM boleh didengari di sebahagian Brunei dengan frekuensi Miri pada FM 104.0MHz yang dipancar dari Tanjong Lobang.

 

Bandar Seri Begawan ialah ibu kota negara Brunei. Di bandar tersebut, siaran radio Malaysia masih boleh diterima di Brunei dari Bukit Mas, Sarawak (Limbang). Selain itu, Brunei adalah negara Islam di Asia Tenggara.

 

Pada pandangan saya, untuk menyasarkan pendengar Brunei (Bandar Seri Begawan), IKIM FM boleh memperluaskan siarannya ke kawasan Limbang dan negara Brunei dengan melancarkan satu pemancar di Bukit Mas. Jika IKIM FM mempunyai frekuensi Limbang, saya mempercayai bahawa terdapat persaingan baru bagi stesen radio Islamik antara Malaysia dan Brunei di negara tersebut.

 

Di negara Brunei, terdapat dua buah stesen radio Islamik iaitu RTB Nur Islam FM 93.3MHz dan Al-Quran Radio FM 89.1MHz. IKIM FM boleh bersaing dengan kedua-dua stesen radio tersebut.

 

==Cadangan mengenai IKIM FM untuk Brunei dan Limbang==

- Frekuensi: FM 105.6MHz atau FM 106.4MHz

- Kuasa pemancar: 2kW

- Tempat pemancar: Bukit Mas, Sarawak

- Kawasan liputan: Sarawak (Limbang & Lawas), Brunei, Sabah (Sindumin) dan sebahagian Labuan. 

 

 

IKIM FM can enter Brunei market by launching Bukit Mas transmitter in Limbang, Sarawak.

 

At current moment, IKIM FM can be tuned in Western Brunei such as Kuala Belait and Seria on Miri frequency FM 104.0MHz from Tanjung Lobang, Sarawak.

In fact, as Brunei capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan can receive Malaysia radio stations from Limbang (Bukit Mas), Sarawak. In addition, Brunei is a Muslim majority country in South East Asia. From my view, there is a potential market for IKIM FM in Brunei.

To reach Brunei listeners, IKIM FM can launch a transmitter in Bukit Mas, Limbang, Sarawak to cover Brunei (Bandar Seri Begawan). If IKIM FM expands its coverage to Limbang, Sarawak (thus mainly for Brunei), I believe there is a new competition of Islamic radio stations between Malaysia and Brunei.

In Brunei, currently there are two Islamic radio stations, such as RTB Nur Islam (FM 93.3MHz Bandar Seri Begawan) and Al-Quran Radio FM 89.1MHz. IKIM FM can compete against them with having Limbang frequency.

Apart of it, I love to scan vacant frequencies at the same time. Here's my personal proposed parameter:

==IKIM FM Limbang frequency==

* Frequency: FM 105.6MHz or FM 106.4MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmitter site: Bukit Mas, Limbang, Sarawak

* Targeting locations:

- Sarawak: Limbang, and Lawas

- Sabah: Sindumin

- Brunei: Bandar Seri Begawan

- Part of Labuan

As a result, with Limbang frequency, Brunei gets covered by IKIM FM transmission with two frequencies from Miri and Limbang of Sarawak.

RTM Radio Klasik signal reception status in Kerian district, Perak.

On 30th August 2020, I traveled to Bagan Serai, Kuala Kurau, Tanjung Piandang, and Parit Buntar. These four locations are under Kerian district, Perak.

Generally Kerian district of Perak is under coverage of Bukit Larut FM radio transmission, but technically it is not broadcast coverage of RTM Bukit Larut radio stations except Perak FM.

In Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Kuala Kurau and Tanjung Piandang, basically RTM Radio Klasik stated that the frequency there is FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut, but the reception is not really clear in Bagan Serai, Tanjung Piandang, and Parit Buntar on FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut.

The actual coverage of Radio Klasik FM 103.3MHz Bukit Larut is Taiping, Changkat Jering, Batu Kurau, Semanggol, Matang, Kuala Sepetang, Padang Rengas, Kuala Kangsar, Enggor, Selama and Kamunting. Transmission power for this frequency is only 0.25kW.

When I was in Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang and Bagan Serai, I tested few Radio Klasik frequencies such as FM 103.3MHz Bukit Larut, FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai, FM 88.7MHz Bukit Palong, FM 101.7MHz Bukit Genting and FM 98.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali. 

In these locations, Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz from Gunung Jerai was much clearer than FM 103.3MHz Bukit Larut.

I believe Radio Klasik listeners in Tanjung Piandang, Parit Buntar, and Bagan Serai usually tune to the station on the frequency FM 94.9MHz from Gunung Jerai which is much clearer than FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut.

For your information, FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai transmits at 5kW power.

Here is the coverage of Radio Klasik in Northwest Perak.

==FM 103.3MHz Bukit Larut (0.25kW)==

- Taiping, Changkat Jering, Batu Kurau, Semanggol, Matang, Kuala Sepetang, Padang Rengas, Kuala Kangsar, Enggor, Selama and Kamunting.

==FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai (5kW)==

- Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Kuala Kurau, Tanjung Piandang

 

On my TECSUN PL-380 radio receiver, among all frequencies signal strength measurement, Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz is the highest one, tested in Parit Buntar. Therefore, this means that the exact tuning frequency for Radio Klasik FM in Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang and Bagan Serai is FM 94.9MHz from Gunung Jerai.

For Nasional FM, the reception of FM 107.1MHz Bukit Larut is not clear as FM 100.5MHz Gunung Jerai in same areas. In Parit Buntar and Tanjung Piandang, I could detect interference from Suria FM 106.9MHz Gunung Jerai when tuned to Nasional FM 107.1MHz, but I could even receive clearer signal on 100.5MHz from Gunung Jerai. 

Review of Nautel RF Toolkit, the free broadcast frequency coverage planning tool, but for prediction only!

For a small radio station, to get a frequency license from regulator, the authority requires the broadcasters to do frequency planning and interference analysis by making coverage report. The coverage report may be a mandatory if apply a frequency license.

Some say that it is very expensive to get a radio frequency planning and coverage report, but in fact those reports are done by professional engineers. Inversely, some say that they want to get coverage report of radio transmission for FREE! It is impossible to ask professional engineers to provide RF coverage report for FREE. Besides that, the RF coverage report is generated by using software, it also costs you for the software license.

 

I may understand that some of broadcasters may not afford to get FM coverage studies report by professional engineers due to the costs. A RF toolkit may help them, but for only coverage map of their transmitting station.

Want to do a basic RF coverage by your own without cost? Here is one of my favorite tool, it is Nautel RF Toolkit which is my favorite RF coverage tool since September 2016 until today.

Nautel RF Toolkit is a free radio coverage tool. To access it, you must create an account. Here are some screenshots of Nautel Radio Coverage Tool:

In my opinion, Nautel RF Coverage Tool is quite amazing. As FM DXer (amateur), I can check the coverage of existing radio stations' transmitter sites by using this toolkit because it can generate estimated coverage of a transmitter site by inserting site parameters and antenna system information.

 

This Nautel RF Radio Coverage Tool only generates coverage with only OMNI-directional antenna form. It won't generate directional antenna coverage, despite I set the directional antenna gain and TX line loss, this is because it has no antenna beaming angle configuration.

 

I usually publish a radio coverage map on blog by using Nautel RF Toolkit to show a roughly coverage of a radio station. For the field strength, I follow ITU recommendation which minimum field strength of stereo signal is 54dBuV/m (green), meanwhile lowest field strength (mono signal) is 30dBuV/m (yellow). In terms of accuracy, I can rate 89 out of 100.

This free toolkit will not generate any interference analysis like what professional series RF software company does. Moreover, it will not detect the vacant frequencies by performing FM band scanning. Therefore, we need to use FM band scanner toolkit (example: DEVA Band Scanner). To get only your radio station coverage map, Nautel Radio Coverage Tool is my recommendation. Please sign up account to generate your own radio station coverage map.

 

In addition, as Nautel also states that the coverage tool is not meant to replace the coverage studies and other works done by professional RF engineers. So, please consult with a qualified engineer before applying license or buying equipment. 

Although I'm former junior broadcast engineer now, BUT I continue as non-profit broadcast transmission journalist cum enthusiast. As I'm RF enthusiast, I love to use Nautel Radio Coverage Tool to discover the coverage of Malaysia, Singapore and Southern Thailand radio stations.

Disclaimer: The review of Nautel RF Toolkit is come out from my personal opinion, also my personal experience of using the toolkit.