Indonesia FM radio stations detected in Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia?

On 31st August 2019, it was Malaysia national day, I traveled Alor Setar for personal vacancy. Around 6pm, I detected two Indonesia radio stations signal in Alor Setar, Kedah when I was driving along Alor Setar town, Kedah, Malaysia, these stations are:

1. Radio Boss FM 102.8MHz from Pematangsiantar, Indonesia
2. RPC FM 105.4MHz from Binjai, Indonesia

For Radio Boss FM 102.8MHz, I suddenly received the signal when Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh was facing interference while I was tuning the station. When Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh was interfered by another station, I tried to inspect Thailand 4th army radio station FM 103.0MHz from Trang province, but FM 103.0MHz was nothing. Next, I touched the radio dial, it stopped at FM 102.8MHz, the frequency was speaking in Indonesian language.

Two of them are transmitted from North Sumatra province of Indonesia, received during tropospheric condition on hot weather, but these Indonesia radio stations cannot be received anymore later, regardless nighttime or next day.

Again, I traveled to Alor Setar town on next day, Radio Boss FM 102.8MHz and RPC FM 105.4MHz cannot be received anymore.

Distance from two Indonesia radio stations to Alor Setar, Malaysia:

1. Radio Boss FM 102.8MHz Pematangsiantar, Indonesia: 379km
2. RPC FM 105.4MHz Binjai, Indonesia: 350km 

My QSL collection (2021): Radio Thailand World Service HSK 9

 After I received my very first two hard copy of QSL card from RFA (Radio Free Asia) and Voice of Indonesia (VOI) in 2020, here I get another QSL card hard copy from Radio Thailand World Service for 2021.

Here is my QSL card collection from Radio Thailand World Service. 

Radio Thailand World Service SW 9940kHz (Malay language), received between 1200H UTC or 2000H UTC+8 in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia. Transmitter site from Udon Thani, Thailand.

Thanks to Radio Thailand for sending me QSL card.

FM 107.6MHz unknown radio signal spotted in Kuantan? Is it RTM Bukit Kemuning transmission or simply "fake" signal?

 

I received a radio signal footage from my Kuantan friend just evening. He spotted there was silent radio signal on FM 107.6MHz in Kuantan, Pahang.

 

I feel curious of FM 107.6MHz that spotted in Kuantan, Pahang. It is impossible that the frequency is used in Bukit Pelindung tower by Kool FM or Bernama Radio because the frequency allocation is too close with RTM Radio Klasik FM 107.9MHz from Bukit Pelindung.

 

MCMC doesn't accept 300kHz frequency separation within same transmitter site proposal for FM broadcast nowadays. Existing Minnal FM 101.1MHz and Suria FM 101.4MHz in Gunung Pulai, then Melody FM 103.0MHz and Era FM 103.3MHz in Gunung Ulu Kali were old frequency allocations.

 

Think in another way, FM 107.6MHz may be used by RTM in Bukit Kemuning tower for Kemaman, Terengganu. I may predict FM 107.6MHz is from Bukit Kemuning because Kuantan is still able to receive RTM Terengganu FM 90.7MHz from Bukit Kemuning.

 

FM 107.6MHz can be either Nasional FM or Radio Klasik in Bukit Kemuning as gap filler transmitter for Kemaman, Terengganu. About transmitter power, FM 107.6MHz is likely 0.5kW, same as existing Terengganu FM 90.7MHz.

 

There is possibility that RTM launches either Nasional FM or Radio Klasik in Bukit Kemuning under test transmission on FM 107.6MHz, but it is not yet on air.

Usually RTM will involve Nasional FM, Radio Klasik and state radio stations when the broadcaster launches gap filler transmitters.

 

If RTM says that FM 107.6MHz does not belong the broadcaster, hence FM 107.6MHz in Kuantan could be "fake" signal or occupied by other services such as "short range devices (SDR)" or microphone like what I received FM 102.0MHz in Pedas and Linggi, Negeri Sembilan. 

 

From now, it is hard to judge who is operating FM 107.6MHz nearby Kuantan area, therefore we have to monitor the signal for few weeks.

IKIM FM can be received in Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia on 89.0MHz (Gunung Jerai) or 102.7MHz (Bukit Genting).

 

I know some of IKIM FM listeners are still looking for tuning frequency in Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia.

 

"Frekuensi IKIM FM di Langkawi berapa?" (What is the tuning frequency of IKIM FM in Langkawi)

 

Do you know? IKIM FM can be listened via radio in Langkawi Island on either 89.0MHz from Gunung Jerai or 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting. In Langkawi, Gunung Raya is the transmitter site for broadcast service to cover the entire island, but not all radio stations invest there due to commercial reasons. Hence, some of radio stations can be tuned in Langkawi via Gunung Jerai transmitter, however it only applies in certain locations.

 

Some of locations cannot receive Gunung Jerai transmitted radio stations due to terrains.

 

For IKIM FM, according to its official website frequency list publication, Langkawi tuning frequency is FM 89.0MHz from Gunung Jerai. The frequency FM 89.0MHz is not only used by IKIM FM in Gunung Jerai, it is also used by Thailand Parliament Radio Station in Khao Pok Yo transmitter site for Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat province, Thailand. In Langkawi Island, Thailand Parliament Radio Station FM 89.0MHz is available in certain locations, this causes IKIM FM 89.0MHz signal is interfered by Thailand radio.

 

Listeners may receive Thailand Parliament Radio from Yala (which is overspill signal) in certain locations within Langkawi Island when they're tuning IKIM FM on 89.0MHz, and these locations will suffer co-channel interference between IKIM FM and Thailand Parliament Radio on FM 89.0MHz.

 

Alternatively, listeners can switch to FM 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting to listen to IKIM FM in Langkawi Island if FM 89.0MHz is interfered by Thailand radio stations. To provide evidence of IKIM FM reception in Langkawi, my Langkawi friend and I made few IKIM FM 89.0MHz and 102.7MHz Langkawi signal monitoring videos on YouTube, therefore listeners can find the answer easily.

 

According to the videos, IKIM FM 89.0MHz and 102.7MHz are receivable in Langkawi, but it is inconsistently clear. When I was in Langkawi Island 3 years ago, I usually received on 102.7MHz than 89.0MHz because 89.0MHz in the locations that I traveled was mostly null, weak and having interference from Thailand.

==My signal monitoring activity of IKIM FM in Langkawi (recorded by using Samsung Galaxy V Plus)==

- Kuah: FM 89.0MHz

- Cenang: FM 102.7MHz

- Langkawi International Airport: FM 89.0MHz/102.7MHz

- Telaga Tujuh Waterfall: FM 102.7MHz

 

IKIM FM 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting somewhat is clearer than 89.0MHz from Gunung Jerai in some areas within Langkawi Island.

In conclusion, IKIM FM listeners need to tune on 89.0MHz and 102.7MHz vice-versa in Langkawi Island, Kedah. For listeners who can't receive 89.0MHz in Langkawi as per published on IKIM FM website, please try FM 102.7MHz instead.

IKIM FM tuning frequency in Langkawi: 89.0MHz/102.7MHz (vice-versa)

Morib, Selangor is the furthest area that I received Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang after Semenyih.

 

After Semenyih, Balakong and Serdang, now Morib is the furthest location that I received RTM Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang.

 

On 14.03.2021, I was in Morib, Selangor actually. At the coast side, I could receive Perak FM 95.6MHz there. By using TECSUN PL-380, the reception quality was slightly better, meanwhile Perak FM 95.6MHz had more interference from Fly FM 95.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali if received on cheaper radio receiver like I caught on Samsung Galaxy V Plus radio.

 

Alongside Perak FM 95.6MHz, I also caught other Gunung Kledang transmitted radio stations in Morib, Selangor such as Traxx FM 90.1MHz and Nasional FM 90.9MHz. 

 

Here are the footage of Perak FM 95.6MHz, Traxx FM 90.1MHz and Nasional FM 90.9MHz receiving signal in Morib, Selangor.

 

 

==RTM Gunung Kledang FM DX in Morib, Selangor==

* Station name and frequencies: Perak FM 95.6MHz, Traxx FM 90.1MHz and Nasional FM 90.9MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmission site: Gunung Kledang, Perak

* Receiving site: Morib, Selangor

* Distance: 210km

Apart of Morib, I also could receive Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang in Teluk Panglima Garang, Banting and Jenjarom. For Teluk Panglima Garang, I received Perak FM 95.6MHz at SKVE Highway from R&R Tanjung Dua Belas to Teluk Panglima Garang toll exit.

 

==Receiving distance==

* Teluk Panglima Garang: 195km

* Jenjarom: 199km

* Banting: 205km

 

Next, I also would like to share two footage of Perak FM 95.6MHz that I received in Semenyih when I visited my relative during Chinese New Year festival. (Receiving distance: 207km)

Raaga FM 102.1MHz Bukit Larut transmitter signal spotted in Banting, Selangor. Another furthest radio station caught in Banting, Selangor.

 

In Banting, THR Raaga tuning frequency is usually FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, meanwhile FM 101.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok is clear there. In addition, weak signal on FM 99.7MHz from Gunung Ledang is still available in Banting.

 

Surprisingly I could receive very far signal on FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut transmitter (Taiping, Perak) in Banting, Selangor.

 

Before Banting, I previously could receive THR Raaga FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut in several Selangor areas such as Kuala Selangor, Sekinchan, Sungai Besar, Sabak Bernam, and Puchong.

 

As I suddenly could receive Raaga FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut in Banting, so it became the furthest radio station that I caught in Banting. In addition, Banting is the furthest location that I caught Bukit Larut radio station signal.

 

I caught Raaga FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut signal in Banting, Selangor in the car when I was on my way to Morib in the morning.

 

According to the video, there was no interference from RTM Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser when I tuned to THR Raaga FM 102.1MHz Bukit Larut transmitter in Banting, Selangor because I realized that Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser transmitter was temporarily off-air due to maintenance or other reasons.

 

==Raaga FM 102.1MHz Bukit Larut DX report, in Banting, Selangor==

* Frequency: FM 102.1MHz

* Power: 0.5kW

* Transmitter site: Bukit Larut, Perak

* Receiving site: Banting, Selangor

* Distance: 241km

* Receiving date/time: 14.03.2021 0837H (UTC+8)

IKIM FM boleh diterima di Taiping, Perak pada 89.0MHz dari Gunung Jerai

Sudah puas mencari frekuensi IKIM FM di Taiping? 

IKIM FM, sebuah stesen radio Islamik di Malaysia boleh diterima di Taiping sejak Jun 2016 pada frekuensi FM 89.0MHz dari Gunung Jerai. Kepada pendengar IKIM FM yang berada di Taiping, Perak, sila mengalihkan frekuensi radio anda kepada FM 89.0MHz yang dipancar dari Gunung Jerai.

Tanpa pemancar di Bukit Larut, kini IKIM FM boleh diikuti di Taiping pada 89.0MHz.

Sebelum ini, IKIM FM 89.0MHz tidak dapat diterima di Taiping kerana tempat pemancarnya terletak di bawah Jerai (Lower Gunung Jerai), oleh itu pendengar terpaksa menerima IKIM FM yang lemah pada frekuensi FM 102.7MHz dari Gunung Kledang. Ia berlaku sama dengan di Pulau Pinang.

Setelah IKIM FM memindah pemancarnya ke Upper Jerai, penerimaan FM 89.0MHz lebih jelas daripada 102.7MHz di Taiping dan Pulau Pinang. 

Dua hari lalu, saya berada di Taiping, Perak untuk melawat tempat bersejarah di Perak. Pada masa yang sama, saya membuat pengujian isyarat radio di Taiping. Saya menyenaraikan IKIM FM dalam catatan saya sebagai sasaran stesen radio yang bakal diuji isyarat di Taiping.

Berdasarkan pada video yang saya memuat naik ke YouTube, penerimaan IKIM FM 89.0MHz masih jelas lagi di Bandar Taiping, cuma penerimaan di Matang dan Kuala Sepetang kurang jelas sedikit. Di samping itu, saya merakam penerimaan IKIM FM 89.0MHz Gunung Jerai dan FM 102.7MHz Gunung Kledang di Taiping untuk membuat perbandingan kuality isyarat antara dua frekuensi.

IKIM FM 102.7MHz dari Gunung Kledang tidak jelas di Taiping kerana Gunung Bubu yang terletak dekat Changkat Jering dan Beruas telah menghalang isyarat Gunung Kledang daripada memancar ke Taiping serta Perak Utara.

Kesimpulannya, IKIM FM 89.0MHz Gunung Jerai lebih jelas daripada FM 102.7MHz Gunung Kledang di Taiping.

Minnal FM 101.1MHz (Gunung Pulai) is the furthest radio station received in Tanjung Sepat, Selangor, Malaysia

 

On last Sunday 14.03.2021, I traveled to Kuala Langat district after a long hiatus of FM DX activities because of MCO lockdown 2.0. My main sites were Morib, and Banting, but I went to Tanjung Sepat was actually to have lunch after Morib.

 

Before lunch break in Tanjung Sepat, I was at Lover's Bridge. Initially I would like to catch Perak FM 95.6MHz signal from Gunung Kledang, but 95.6MHz had nothing signal there.

 

Surprisingly I received Minnal FM 101.1MHz from Gunung Pulai in Tanjung Sepat, Selangor on my TECSUN PL-380 radio receiver at Lover's Bridge. 

 

Minnal FM Gunung Pulai transmitter (South Johor) 101.1MHz became the furthest radio station that I caught in Tanjung Sepat, Selangor in my DX signal monitoring history. In addition, it is the second Selangor location that I received Minnal FM 101.1MHz from Gunung Pulai after Balakong on 15.04.2020.

 

Balakong was my first Selangor location to catch Minnal FM 101.1MHz from Gunung Pulai, then following by recent Tanjung Sepat.

 

Here is the video:

 

According to the video, Minnal FM 101.1MHz Gunung Pulai signal reception is not really consistently receivable in Tanjung Sepat. The signal is fading in and out.

As TECSUN PL-380 has good filtering device in the unit to eliminate adjacent channel interference signal, so I did not really heard any interference noise from RTM Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali when I tuned to Minnal FM 101.1MHz.

 

==Minnal FM South Johor transmitter signal reception in Tanjung Sepat, Selangor report==

* Frequency: FM 101.1MHz

* Power: 5kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Pulai, Johor

* Receiver site: Lover's Bridge Tanjung Sepat, Selangor

* Distance: 250km  

* Receiving date/time: 14.03.2021 1100-1200H (UTC+8)

IKIM FM boleh didengari di Pulau Langkawi, Kedah pada frekuensi 89.0MHz (Gunung Jerai) atau 102.7MHz (Bukit Genting).

Siaran IKIM FM di Pulau Langkawi diliputi oleh frekuensi FM 89.0MHz dari Gunung Jerai, dimana FM 89.0MHz meliputi juga Pulau Pinang, Perak Utara serta sebahagian negeri Perlis. Di Pulau Langkawi, bukan semua kawasan boleh menerima siaran radio dari Gunung Jerai kerana terlindung oleh gunung-ganang. Bagi sesetengah stesen radio, terdapat juga frekuensi Gunung Raya untuk meliputi Pulau Langkawi. Sebenarnya terdapat stesen radio yang mempunyai pemancar Gunung Raya untuk menyasarkan pelancong yang berada di Pulau Langkawi.

Pulau Langkawi ialah tempat pelancongan terkenal di Malaysia, stesen radio yang mempunyai frekuensi Gunung Raya adalah stesen RTM dan radio hiburan, antaranya ialah Langkawi FM 104.8MHz, Kedah FM 105.7MHz daripada RTM, Raaga FM 101.9MHz, Hitz FM 92.4MHz, MY FM 100.1MHz, Era FM 90.7MHz dan Sinar FM 100.9MHz daripada Astro Radio.

IKIM FM ialah stesen radio agama Islam yang dikendali oleh Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM FM, kini di bawah naungan JAKIM sejak 2019). Pada pandangan saya, IKIM FM tidak akan melancarkan frekuensi di Gunung Raya untuk Langkawi kerana tiada nilai komersil. Tambahan pula, penduduk Langkawi lebih suka mendengar siaran hiburan yang terdiri daripada RTM serta Astro Radio. Di samping itu, frekuensi kosong Gunung Raya sangat terhad. Walaupun terdapat juga frekuensi yang mungkin sesuai, tetapi frekuensi tidak semesti digunakan dengan sesuai kerana pemancaran boleh membawa gangguan kepada stesen radio dari negara Thailand. Pelan spektrum FM Gunung Raya terlibat dengan Thailand seperti Satun, Trang, Yala, dan Songkhla dimana kawasan Thailand ini tidak terlalu jauh daripada liputan Gunung Raya.

Walaupun IKIM FM tidak mempunyai frekuensi Gunung Raya untuk Pulau Langkawi seperti Era FM 90.7MHz, Kedah FM 105.7MHz, Langkawi FM 105.7MHz dan Sinar FM 100.9MHz, tetapi siaran IKIM FM masih boleh didengari di Pulau Langkawi pada FM 89.0MHz dari Gunung Jerai atau FM 102.7MHz dari Bukit Genting.

Tanpa frekuensi Gunung Raya, IKIM FM di kawasan Langkawi perlu bergantung pada 89.0MHz atau 102.7MHz.

Di sesetengah kawasan Pulau Langkawi, IKIM FM 89.0MHz dari Gunung Jerai diganggu oleh siaran radio dari Thailand, iaitu Radio Parlimen Thailand FM 89.0MHz yang dipancar dari Khao Pokyo, daerah Bannang Sata, wilayah Yala, Thailand. Walaupun IKIM FM 89.0MHz telah dipindah ke Upper Gunung Jerai (sebelum ini CELCOM Jerai) pada Jun 2016 sudah meningkatkan mutu penerimaan IKIM FM 89.0MHz di wilayah utara Semenanjung Malaysia, serta meliputi Pulau Pinang dan Perak Utara dengan jelas, tetapi gangguan dengan siaran radio dari Thailand masih ada lagi, terutama di Pulau Langkawi, cuma gangguan tersebut dikurangkan sebanyak 80%.

Bagi kawasan Langkawi yang tidak menerima IKIM FM 89.0MHz dari Gunung Jerai, terdapat 1 frekuensi lagi boleh dicuba, iaitu FM 102.7MHz yang dipancar dari Bukit Genting, cuma penerimaan 102.7MHz lemah sikit.

IKIM FM Langkawi 102.7MHz

Untuk siaran IKIM FM di Pulau Langkawi, frekuensi kawasan di Pulau Langkawi berubah-ubah.

Pada 15 Julai 2018, saya telah melancong Pulau Langkawi, IKIM FM masih boleh diterima, hanya penerimaan siaran kurang jelas.

==Frekuensi IKIM FM di Langkawi==
* Kuah: 89.0MHz
* Cenang/Pulau Langkawi Barat: 102.7MHz
* Lapangan Antarabangsa Langkawi: 89.0MHz/102.7MHz
* Telaga Tujuh: 102.7MHz

 
Frekuensi IKIM FM 102.7MHz dipancar di Bukit Genting yang meliputi terutamanya Barat Daya Pulau Pinang (Balik Pulau), kekuatan pemancarnya ialah 0.5kW.

==RF analisa IKIM FM 102.7MHz==

102.7MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Genting
102.7MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Kledang
<0kHZ, OK>

102.4MHz: Raaga FM Gunung Jerai
102.7MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Genting 0.5kW
<300kHz, OK>

102.7MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Genting
102.7MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Dedap
<0kHz, OK>

102.7MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Genting
102.9MHz: Perlis FM Padang Pauh
<200kHz, OK>

Kekuatan pemancar IKIM FM 102.7MHz Bukit Genting sebanyak 0.5kW dikira cukup. Saya mungkin kurang setuju untuk meningkatkan kuasa pemancar IKIM FM 102.7MHz kepada 0.75kW atau 1kW kerana frekuensinya terlalu dekat dengan THR Raaga 102.4MHz Gunung Jerai yang meliputi Kedah, dan Pulau Pinang. Selain itu, penambahan kuasa IKIM FM 102.7MHz Bukit Genting kepada 0.75kW atau 1kW boleh menyebabkan gangguan kepada liputan IKIM FM 102.7MHz Gunung Kledang yang meliputi barat Perak seperti Pantai Remis dan Lumut, kecuali arah antenna dipancar ke utara sahaja.

Untuk pendengar IKIM FM di Pulau Langkawi, selain daripada FM 89.0MHz. Jika siaran 89.0MHz tidak dapat diterima atau "lompat" ke siaran Thailand, sila tala frekuensi kepada FM 102.7MHz. Selamat mencuba.



Frekuensi IKIM FM di Pulau Langkawi: 89.0MHz atau 102.7MHz

Future radio broadcasting in Malaysia: AM (MW) radio broadcast should be relaunched in Malaysia!

Until today, MCMC is still not giving FM frequencies and considering new frequency apparatus assignment as MCMC is still doing FM frequency re-planning study.

 

Not sure what is the outcome later, sadly I received same replied by stating "no frequencies will be given at the moment".

 

Certain radio stations already want to apply FM frequencies, but rejected multiple times by MCMC due to unavailable frequencies. Hence, they have to shelve their frequency expansion plan.

 

I already feel frustrated to hear such bad news as I joined my part to help a radio station to fight for getting frequency together for 5 years, unfortunately there are no any outcome.

Online streaming and mobile app listening are the platform to bypass FM transmission restrictions, but the challenge is the internet coverage quality. Poor internet connectivity makes listeners pissed off of listening to a radio station on mobile app/online streaming such as long buffering. Moreover, internet data quota can be finished quickly when listen to radio via streaming. Therefore, I highly recommend to subscribe unlimited data internet package to avoid data to be finished instantly. DiGi Infinite 100 Postpaid is the best internet subscription package actually (RM100 per month), ideal for many purposes.

 

People nowadays can listen to a radio station via mobile app outdoor and in the car because the car audio system nowadays is equipped with Bluetooth, AUX jack, and newer Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. In addition, for those car stereo have no such features, people can at least buy a low power FM repeater to re-transmit sources from mobile app to the car radio.

Back to conventional platform, as FM frequency spectrum is very full in Malaysia, and I don't think MCMC will do fully overhaul on frequencies allocation much because this is costly enough to do frequency refarming, instead migrate certain frequency under interference studies. In my opinion, Malaysia should relaunch AM radio broadcast (MW) to bypass FM frequency on conventional platform.

 

AM broadcast is actually divided into three:

- Mediumwave (MW): The most common band for domestic and region based broadcast

- Shortwave (SW): Usually international broadcast

- Longwave (LW): The oldest radio broadcast technology in Europe which is to be obsoleted in the future.

Why AM, but not DAB+, DRM? This is because:

1. Most of our radio receivers at home and car are having AM band (which is MW), so people can listen to the radio on AM frequency, meanwhile many radio receivers in the market are not having DAB+ band, also DRM.

2. In developed countries such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, United States, United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, also neighboring ASEAN countries like Indonesia and Thailand are still operating AM radio broadcast. Hence, Malaysia can relaunch AM broadcast.

If Malaysia relaunches AM broadcast to bypass FM frequency, it is ideal for talk radio stations such as BFM, CityPlus FM, and Bernama Radio as talk radio stations don't require much high audio quality sources. Meanwhile, AM radio is not ideal for music format radio stations as listeners don't like to listen to music on AM radio due to poor audio quality, compare to FM.

I spotted that BFM made multiple tries of applying FM frequencies for Penang and Johor Bahru, but the radio station was rejected by MCMC as the frequencies spectrum are fully occupied. 

If BFM expanded coverage to Penang and Johor Bahru on AM frequencies, at least listeners can tune straightforward through radio receiver by switching to MW band without involving mobile phone or internet in these urban areas in Malaysia.

 

My suggestion of future radio broadcasting in Malaysia by relaunching AM broadcast is only applied to medium wave radio (MW), meanwhile SW shortwave and LW long wave are irrelevant for domestic radio broadcast in Malaysia.

However, there are three biggest challenges, also limitations if Malaysia relaunches AM broadcast in Malaysia. 

1. Lack of AM broadcast transmission infrastructure by telecommunication provider in Malaysia as we had ceased AM broadcast completely in 1994.

 

Note: FM and AM broadcast infrastructure are not same. It is impossible to share with existing FM radio transmission tower infrastructure by AM radio at the same time due to different structure, design and propagation. 

2. Lack of Malaysia broadcast equipment company who sells AM broadcast transmission and solutions, including antennas because Malaysia has no AM broadcast.

3. Listeners response when tuning to AM radio over reception quality, audio quality and other factors.

 

Another challenge of relaunching AM broadcast in Malaysia also involves listeners preference.

 

AM radio vs. Mobile app listening

 

In fact, they are having advantages and disadvantages of AM radio broadcast.

 

==Advantage==

* Act as alternative radio platform to FM, even can bypass FM frequency when radio broadcasters are unable to get FM frequencies due to heavily occupied by other stations.

* Can reach more listeners directly as many radio receivers are having AM band, even latest Perodua, Honda and Toyota car radios have AM broadcast band.

* As MW band can transmit further after sunset, the radio broadcaster will gain more listeners in distant areas during evening and nighttime. Example: If BFM launches AM frequency in Penang, listeners can receive BFM in Thailand (including Phuket, Krabi, Trang) and Indonesia on MW band during nighttime.

* Can bypass the areas who have poor internet coverage

==Disadvantages==

* Poor audio quality, compare to FM, DAB+ and online streaming platform.

* Interference from street light and electric appliances

* Poor reception when listen under the flyover/bridge, despite within broadcast license coverage area.

* Causing interference to other radio stations coverage during nighttime propagation. If there was poor MW frequency planning, our AM radio station can overspill to bordering countries mainly Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia during nighttime broadcast. So, frequency studies on international coordination and transmitting power planning must be conducted.

In conclusion, relaunching MW radio broadcast in Malaysia can provide another alternative platform for radio broadcasting in Malaysia, but the choice is from listeners.

Malaysia biggest telecommunication company TM (Telekom) can invest AM broadcast transmission infrastructure market by building MW mast, offering MW transmission equipment (such as transmitters and antennas) to the broadcasters who are interesting to broadcast on AM band in Malaysia.

Now, I plan to conduct a survey from you. Between two platforms, which is your listening preference?

1. AM radio (MW)

2. Mobile app/online streaming

(Update, Analysis and Commentary) Media Prima says ntv7 is still alive by claiming ntv7 has been transformed to education channel for a year under MOE and Media Prima 12 months term broadcast contract

 

 

Yesterday on 16.02.2021 (Tuesday), before a day of DidikTV KPM launches officially. There were many speculations about ntv7 was about closedown as Ministry of Education launches DidikTV KPM on CH107 (MYTV), and CH147 (Astro) which are ntv7 channel number.

 

The rumor news of ntv7 closedown was everywhere since last week. Until Tuesday night, Media Prima made clarification by denying such speculation, and said ntv7 is still alive. In addition, the company also said that there is no change in ownership of ntv7.

During that time, many people including artists and former ntv7 staffs shared their memories and moments of ntv7. Hence, ntv7 "farewell" was a trend on social media.

Ok, for today's update, ntv7 has been transformed as education channel as DidikTV KPM, but ntv7 logo montage still remains on the TV screen. Generally Media Prima already says ntv7 is still alive, but technically all of its current ntv7 program lineup had been ceased or transferred.

Certainly some of ntv7 staffs go to host DidikTV KPM instead.

According to Malaysian Reserve, ntv7 becomes DidikTV KPM for a year. In my opinion, Media Prima doesn't cease ntv7, but in fact DidikTV expands its broadcasting hours on ntv7. 

I believe Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) and Media Prima have tied up with a broadcast contract of airing DidikTV KPM on ntv7, the broadcast contract duration is 12 months (1 year). So, Media Prima has to make further decision when the broadcast contract is about the due.

Either....

1. If KPM renews the broadcast contract with Media Prima for using ntv7 platform to broadcast DidikTV KPM and make it permanently, ntv7 is already ceased operation technically.

or 

2. If KPM does not decide to continue the broadcast contract with Media Prima (can be under the reasons such as COVID-19 pandemic fully disappeared and all schools are reopened), ntv7 can set a return to broadcast with its original programs lineup.

When KPM launches DidikTV KPM on ntv7 platform as full fledged channel, KPM pays rental fees to Media Prima for using ntv7 platform to broadcast DidikTV KPM.

In addition, I referred to a theory of Astro Wah Lai Toi (now defunct Astro in-house Cantonese channel).

Astro Wah Lai Toi was ceased operation on 01.04.2020, and the channel itself was replaced by TVB Jade Southeast Asia feed. Hence, Astro Wah Lai Toi was merged into TVB Jade. On the TV screen, TVB Jade and Astro Wah Lai Toi logo montages were aired together, but Astro Wah Lai Toi logo was withdrawn after few months.

 

By using Astro Wah Lai Toi theory, I believe ntv7 logo is still appeared on DidikTV KPM channel screen for first few months, but ntv7 logo montage can be withdrawn later. If ntv7 logo montage is gone, technically this can mean Media Prima ceases ntv7 completely.

 

Just like Astro Wah Lai Toi completely ceased from satellite channel, but continue as Video On Demand feed.

The closedown speculation of ntv7 is already denied by Media Prima, but comeback or cease operation completely? It is unknown for 2022 and 2023.

ntv7 goes "farewell" on 16th February 2021 and rebranded completely as DidikTV KPM, but Media Prima denied of shutting down ntv7.

 

On 12nd February 2021, Malaysia Ministry of Education announced that a standalone education television channel, known as Didik TV KPM will be launched on terrestrial TV platform by 17.02.2021.

 

Didik TV KPM broadcasts everyday from 7am to 12am, so the broadcast duration is 17 hours.This Malaysia education TV station will be broadcasted on Astro CH147, MYTV digital terrestrial TV CH107, and ntv7 feed on UniFi TV.

 

We understand that school is not opened due to COVID-19 pandemic, so students have to learn from home via online class, but some of students suffer poor internet connectivity, hence they need education channel on terrestrial TV.

Not surprise if Malaysia government launches education TV channel because we were used to have TV Pendidikan in 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Not a new initiative in Malaysia... In Thailand, there are Thai PBS ALTV on terrestrial platform, and DLTV on satellite platform by Thai Royal, even National Broadcasting of Thailand also has education network radio station, known as Sor Wor Sor (AM 1467kHz in Bangkok area). China CCTV also has education channel, known as CCTV-10 Science and Education.

Technically DidikTV KPM will broadcast on ntv7 channel numbering such as Astro CH147, and MYTV CH107. After reading press release statement from Ministry of Education Malaysia, this indicates ntv7 will be ceased broadcast on 16.02.2021 and the channel will be entirely rebranded as DidikTV KPM on 17.02.2021.

 

Currently DidikTV is a slot on ntv7, broadcast for 11 hours per day, but after 17.02.2021, DidikTV will become full fledged education channel.

 

Rest in peace, ntv7. Thanks for entertaining fellow Malaysians for 23 years (1998-2021).

 

I don't feel surprise and shocked over the disposal of ntv7 by Media Prima because I already expected such happen in 2019 after I read its performance. From 2018 to 2021, Media Prima already performed three times on ntv7 rebranding, but unsuccessful rebrand because ntv7 is not able to get much revenue from 2018 to 2021, instead relying on Wow Shop revenue.

First attempt: Rebrand as Modern Malaysians content (5th March 2018 to 29th December 2018)

Second attempt: Revert back to Chinese content (30th December 2018 to 31st October 2020)

Third attempt: Rebrand again to Malay content, but more to magazine and talk show (1st November 2020 to 16th February 2021).

In terms of viewership rating performance, ntv7 is behind TV9 with 1%-3% audience share. Look at Media Prima TV network performance, TV3 and 8TV are having good performance, meanwhile ntv7 and TV9 performance are not good.

 

TV3 is Malaysia no.1 Malay TV channel, meanwhile 8TV is no.1 Chinese TV channel. In terms of performance ranking within Media Prima channels, here are the chart:

 

1. TV3 (30-50%)

2. 8TV (20-30%)

3. TV9 (2-3%)

4. ntv7 (1-2%)

 

On June 2020, ntv7 had ceased Chinese Mandarin news which was already aired for 21 years in ntv7's history because Media Prima merged ntv7 Chinese news into 8TV Chinese news. During that time, it also indicated Media Prima still faced difficult time to operate ntv7, although attempt to switch back to Chinese content to attract Chinese viewers, but those Chinese content are rerun of 8TV.

The rebranding of ntv7 to DidikTV KPM seems like Media Prima sold ntv7 to Ministry of Education due to loss making commercially and Media Prima does not decide to continue broadcasting ntv7. Sounds like speculation!

If it is not acquisition, Media Prima could directly switch off ntv7 and the feed will be carried by DidikTV KPM, same as Singapore Mediacorp OKTO (Arts Central + Kids Central) took over SPH Channel i frequency.

In my opinion, it is also good when Media Prima decides to dispose ntv7 as the TV channel is now a liability to the company since 2018. Besides that, people nowadays are less having demand to have more TV stations as they move to digital platform, so it is sufficient to Media Prima for focusing only TV3 and 8TV.

TV3 and 8TV are important channels to Media Prima as they're flagship. TV3 is Malay mass flagship channel, meanwhile 8TV is Chinese mass flagship channel.

 

ntv7 is likely be closed down on 16th February 2021 2359H (UTC+8) in conjunction of DidikTV KPM.

After disposal of ntv7, next will be TV9?? Still unknown yet. When DidikTV KPM takes over ntv7 channel multiplex, certain remaining programs on ntv7 will be affected or simply going to farewell such as Topik @ 7, Edisi Siasat, 7Edition.

(Update 16.02.2021) Media Prima denies of ceasing ntv7. (Source: NST)

(Update 17.02.201) NTV7 rebrands into DidikTV KPM for a year (Source: The Malaysian Reserve)

My commentary:

- It is likely a broadcast contract between KPM and Media Prima for 12 months. Further decision to continue Didik TV KPM or return ntv7 is unknown.

- When Media Prima says ntv7 is continuing operation, in my opinion, this means DidikTV KPM rent ntv7 platform. Hence, Ministry of Education pays rental fees to Media Prima for using ntv7 platform to broadcast DidikTV.