BFM 89.9 can be received in Batam, Indonesia via radio.

 

Surprisingly BFM 89.9, the Klang Valley based Malaysia English language business radio station can be heard in Batam Island, Indonesia (20km from Singapore) through radio by tuning the dial on FM 89.9MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

Few months ago, a YouTube DXer from Indonesia, named Farz Bom could receive BFM 89.9 in Batam Island, the radio reception of BFM 89.9 there is very impressive. 

 

Basically Batam receives only local and foreign radio stations from Singapore and Malaysia (Johor Bahru). Surprisingly, some of Seremban (Gunung Telapak Burok) and Klang Valley (Gunung Ulu Kali) based radio stations could be listened partly in Batam, Indonesia! 

 

Here are two interesting radio signal monitoring video of BFM 89.9 in Batam:

 

Due to far receiving distance, BFM 89.9 could only heard in Batam with MONO signal. The footage is taken at the outdoor in the car.

 

I'm impressed by these videos.

 

==BFM 89.9 DX report==

* Frequency: FM 89.9MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Ulu Kali, Pahang, Malaysia

* Receiving site: Batam, Riau Islands Province, Indonesia

* Distance: 352km 

 

For better listening experience, listeners can access BFM on the mobile app or online streaming, meanwhile radio reception in Batam is usually classified as FM DX (distant radio receiving).

(不是謠言, 而是個人猜測) ntv7可能在2022年捲土重來, 並重新定位為鎖定Z時代的電視頻道?

 

今年2月, 馬來西亞教育部通過ntv7頻道推出教育電視台DidikTV KPM, 導致許多猜測指首要媒體Media Prima會關閉ntv7, 但Media Prima否認此猜測, 並指ntv7還存在.

 

目前, ntv7的廣播是被DidikTV KPM "佔領".

 

我認為DidikTV KPM在Media Prima平台只可能廣播為期1年罷了, 因為教育部和Media Prima的DidikTV 廣播合約應該是1年 (或十二個月). 一旦合約到期和雙方不決定續約, ntv7或許捲土重來.

 

上個月, 我得知前Ripple (Media Prima電台網)首席執行員Seelan Paul被委任為新ntv7 CEO (首席執行員), 該委任是從2021年5月1日生效.

 

ntv7未來會向大家見面? 在我的看法, 是的, 從Seelan Paul委任為ntv7首席執行員的新聞角度來看, ntv7是可能會回來的, 多數是2022年2月或者3月, 就是DidikTV KPM和Media Prima的廣播合約到期的時候.

 

若不續約, ntv7會捲土重來.

 

談到電視方向, 未來的ntv7會改革並重新定位, 變成Z時代 (指00後)電視頻道, 相信台標會再被撤換. 00後市場挺大的, 在電視語言方面, 我也認為ntv7會涵蓋馬來語, 華語, 英語和韓語, 電視內容主要鎖定Z時代群眾, 好像Astro中文電台GoXuan鎖定Z時代華裔聽眾, 主要打入網紅市場.

NTV7回歸, 我們必須在2022年2-3月等待它回來.

My criticism and suggestion about current DidikTV KPM

 

DidikTV KPM is a television channel operated under joint venture between Ministry of Education Malaysia and Media Prima. It looks like temporarily replacing ntv7, under 1 year term of broadcast contract.

 

Yes, it sounds good initiative to launch education TV because students need to learn at home because school is closed due to COVID-19 pandemic, but I decide to raise few criticism.

 

What I hate and dislike are:

1. After Ministry of Education launches DidikTV KPM, the education minister was very reckless to announce reopening the schools after the few days launch of DidikTV KPM. When schools were reopened, every student goes back to school, so what's the point of DidikTV KPM? Somewhat rental fees to Media Prima continues to be paid by government. In addition, reopening school can led COVID-19 clusters in education sectors when pandemic is getting worse, teachers and students can't make social distancing very much at the same time.

 

2. Talk about platform, why doesn't KPM (MoE) launch DidikTV on RTM, as RTM has enough facilities? Plus, RTM is also government service broadcaster, so MoE and RTM can work together for education television network. In addition, RTM has very rich experience of TV Pendidikan for many decades.

 

RTM TV6 was originally planned as education channel, but denied by Education Minister, instead now TV6 is a RTM retro television channel under trial transmission condition.

 

3. Media Prima is a private broadcast company who runs broadcast, advertising and digital marketing business, instead of running government services which don't create more commercial income. So, it is inappropriate that Ministry of Education launches its public education service TV channel on private broadcast company. Moreover, MoE uses tax payers money to pay the rental/operation fees to Media Prima for DidikTV KPM, that's not right too.

 

Media Prima revenue income is from advertisers (TV, radio, magazine, newspaper, and advertisement), and digital marketing (Video-On-Demand, audio podcast (AisKacang) as well as online shopping like WowShop and Super Deals). If I say Media Prima revenue income is from rakyat's (people) money, we may consume on its products like shopping items on WowShop and SuperDeals, buying Berita Harian/New Straits Times/Metro newspaper, or subscribing TontonVIP (premium VOD). Conventionally, the company can gain revenue from us like listening to its radio, watching its TV channels.

 

TV= More viewers, more advertisers, more revenue

Radio= More listeners, more advertisers, more revenue 

 

Some people may blame Ministry of Education for "destroying" ntv7.

 

Besides that, look at public universities campus radio stations like Putra FM 90.7MHz, and UiTM Shah Alam UFM 93.6MHz, their broadcast frequency license are under RTM, rather than private broadcaster license. That's why Putra FM 90.7 and UFM 93.6 are also known as RTM Selangor FM Saluran UPM and RTM Selangor FM Saluran UiTM Shah Alam respectively.

 

Before I proceed to suggestions, I discussed with several TV amateur friends.

- Media Prima could be the fastest platform by temporarily converting ntv7 to DidikTV KPM because the availability already exists on Astro, NJOI, UniFi TV, MYTV and Tonton, meanwhile RTM platform is only available on MYTV and RTM Klik.

 

What I suggest:

1. DidikTV should use RTM platform as both are government service broadcasters. Hence, operating costs are lesser, compare to Media Prima, but they need to expand and fill on Astro TV channel.

 

2. For MYTV, UniFi TV and Astro platform, I strongly suggest Ministry of Education launches DidikTV in more channels by schools and levels under RTM, instead of combination like current one on Media Prima. Example:

 

- First channel: DidikTV UPSR (Year 1-6)

- Second channel: DidikTV PT3 (Form 1-3)

- Third channel: DidikTV SPM (Form 4-5)

- Fourth channel: DidikTV STPM/STAM (Form 6)

- Fifth channel: DidikTV TVET/SKM (Vocational)

- Sixth channel: DidikTV SK & SMK Peralihan 

- Seventh channel: Didik TV SJK (C) & SJK (T) & Pre-schools [Chinese and Tamil vernacular junior school, also nursery]

- Eighth channel: DidikTV SMKA/SMA/SAR/SRI/SRA (Public Islamic religious school, covering junior and high schools)

Each channel broadcasts based on school opening hours, eg: from 8am to 1pm, then rerun some learning classes from 1pm to 12am, at least students who missed out the class, can learn again by watching repeat class program.

Since 1 digital terrestrial television multiplex frequency can carry more TV channels, so MYTV can apply MUX3 for DidikTV channels. So, students can learn on TV under PdPR respectively, and more learning content will be delivered.

Astro Tutor TV is very successful, it consists 3 channels, covering UPSR, PT3 (formerly known as PMR) and SPM.

 

If DidikTV launches more channels to cover all school academy, RTM can transfer those education slots from TVOkey to these channels.

ntv7 will be back on Malaysia television airwaves by 2022? Rebranding as Gen Z market television channel?

 

In 16th February 2021, a day before full fledged DidikTV KPM launched on ntv7, many people including me said that Media Prima would close down ntv7 and replace with DidikTV KPM, but Media Prima denied such speculation, instead said that ntv7 is still alive.

 

Currently the entire ntv7 broadcast is occupied by DidikTV KPM (education TV channel), I believe that under broadcast contract between Ministry of Education and Media Prima, DidikTV KPM on ntv7 is likely broadcasts for a year. Then, ntv7 would be back.

 

Last month, the now former Ripple (Media Prima Radio Networks) CEO Seelan Paul is appointed as Chief Executive Officer of ntv7 since 1st May 2021. 

 

So, ntv7 will be back in the future? Yes, in my opinion, by referring Seelan Paul appointment as ntv7 CEO, ntv7 may set a comeback, likely by February or March 2022 after DidikTV KPM on Media Prima broadcast contract is due by February 2022 (1 year term). If the contract is not renewed by 2022, ntv7 is back.

 

In terms of content, ntv7 may be rebranded as Gen Z market television channel? We still don't know yet, but it is still my prediction. 

 

Gen Z (Millennials) market range is quite wide, I may assume future ntv7 will consists Malay, English, and Chinese contents for this group of people.

 

If ntv7 comes back next year and rebrands as Gen Z targeted TV channel, I may believe ntv7 logo will be changed again. 

 

From my review, DidikTV KPM should exit from Media Prima platform as it is government service in terms of education sector, meanwhile Media Prima is a private broadcast company who running the broadcast business. Advertisers and digital marketing are Media Prima's core revenue income, but DidikTV KPM doesn't get advertisers revenue at all, instead station income is from Ministry of Education contract rental fees.

 

As DidikTV KPM is public education TV channel, it is supposedly on RTM, rather than Media Prima due to background. It is inappropriate that Ministry of Education spends tax payers money to pay rental fees to Media Prima (private company) for DidikTV.

RTM is public broadcasters, it is better to launch DidikTV on RTM.

If contract between MoE and Media Prima for DidikTV is discontinued next year, DidikTV KPM could be shifted to RTM. For MYTV, under multiplex frequency, it can launch MUX3 as education television multiplex, so DidikTV will have more channels to focus from A to Z, covering SPM, SKM, STPM, PT3, UPSR, STAM.... Then, for school curricular, covering SK, SJK (C), SJK (T),  SMK, TVET, Politeknik, SMKA/SMA and SRA schools.

 

Next, I will talk about DidikTV KPM, and the suggestions.

Compilation videos of receiving Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia AM radio stations in Malaysia

Here's the best compilation videos of Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia AM radio stations in Malaysia during nighttime transmission, recorded from 2017 to 2020. Hope you will enjoy watching.

RRI (Radio Republik Indonesia) Medan PRO-1 FM 94.3MHz from Medan, Indonesia received in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia.

Back to 28th December 2019, I traveled to Taiping, Perak alone for FM signal monitoring hobby activities.

In Taiping, I was used to receive Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz on PLUS Highway, but I received a radio station even further than Thailand, it is from Indonesia.

This Indonesia radio station signal that I heard in Taiping was Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) Medan FM 94.3MHz.

 

I recorded the video and audio in Taiping town actually before checking in hotel.

 

Mix FM is using same frequency as RRI Medan PRO-1 FM 94.3MHz in Gunung Kledang for Ipoh and Central Perak, but I could hear co-channel interference between two radio stations in Taiping, Perak when I tuned on FM 94.3MHz. Mix FM listeners tune in Taiping on 91.3MHz from Bukit Larut where is local transmitter for the town.

 

==RRI Medan PRO-1 DX report==

* Frequency: FM 94.3MHz

* Power: 5kW

* Transmission site: Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia

* Receiving site: Taiping, Perak, Malaysia 

* Distance: 272km

 

Not only in Taiping, RRI Medan PRO-1 FM 94.3MHz is also receivable in Langkawi too.

Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Bukittinggi PRO-1 AM 1512kHz, the only available radio station in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia during daytime transmission.

 

Commonly far distance AM radio stations are available during nighttime propagation. In Malaysia, I could receive multiple AM radio stations from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, China and Myanmar during evening and nighttime transmission.

 

Previously in Tanjung Piandang, Perak, I successfully received Thailand Voice of Navy 3 Radio AM 1458kHz from Phuket Island at noon, it was my very first AM daytime reception actually.

 

Next, in rare condition, I received Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) Bukittinggi PRO-1 AM 1512kHz in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia in the afternoon. It is my second AM daytime reception after Voice of Navy 3 AM 1458kHz from Phuket, Thailand.

 

Normally AM 1512kHz in Kuala Lumpur area (20km from Balakong) is mostly occupied by Royal Thai Air Force RTAF 11 from Songkhla, Thailand during evening and nighttime transmission, somehow 1512kHz was having co-channel interference between RTAF Songkhla and RRI Bukittinggi in most of Malaysia areas. However, according to the footage, for this rare daytime transmission, AM 1512kHz reception was quite stable and clean from interference by other radio station.

 

==DX report of RRI Bukittinggi PRO-1 in Malaysia== (Daytime propagation)

* Frequency: MW 1512kHz

* Power: 10kW

* Transmission site: Bukittinggi, West Sumatra province, Indonesia

* Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

* Distance: 397km

* Receiving date/time: 04 April 2021 1348H (UTC+8) 

Radio Canggai Putri FM 105.3MHz from Karimun, Indonesia received in Singapore (2017)

Back to November 2017, I had a holiday trip with my family at cruise from Singapore to Penang, then Penang to Phuket, and last Phuket to Singapore. We started journey by bus from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Marina Bay. So, I planned to receive One FM Johor Bahru frequency 105.3MHz from Taman Sentosa tower when I reached Singapore.

 

When the bus was on the way going to Singapore Marina Bay, we will pass through ICA (Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoint Authority) checkpoint in Tuas. 

 

Before I entered ICA counter, I tried to receive FM 105.3MHz in Tuas Checkpoint. On the frequency FM 105.3MHz, there was no One FM (Malaysia Chinese radio station by Media Prima Ripple) from Taman Sentosa in Tuas, Singapore, instead an unknown and strange Indonesian language radio station.

 

It is LPPL (Lembaga Penyiaran Publik Lokal) Radio Canggai Putri FM 105.3MHz from Karimun, Indonesia actually. Tuas was my very first Singapore location to receive this Indonesia radio station from Karimun.

 

Then, after an hour from Tuas, I reached Marina Bay before entering the cruise (Royal Carribean Mariner of The Seas). In Marina Bay area, FM 105.3MHz was also Radio Canggai Putri FM 105.3MHz from Karimun, Indonesia. I filmed a footage and recorded audio clip at the cruise before it started journey from Singapore.

 

Many One FM listeners in South Johor areas like Nusajaya claimed that the reception of One FM 105.3MHz from TM Taman Sentosa was having interference from Indonesia radio station. This means One FM 105.3MHz was having CCI with Radio Canggai Putri (Karimun, Indonesia) in that location.

When FM 105.3MHz is weak signal of Radio Canggai Putri from Karimun Island in Singapore, this means One FM 105.3MHz Taman Sentosa transmitter doesn't beam to Singapore direction, but beam only northeast direction. Kranji, Woodlands, Lim Chu Kang and Yishun are likely only Singapore areas to receive One FM 105.3MHz from Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Here are two footage of Radio Canggai Putri FM 105.3MHz from Karimun, Indonesia signal received in Singapore areas such as Tuas and Marina Bay:

 

In Singapore, the signal reception of Radio Canggai Putri FM 105.3MHz is weak, and having interference from nearer and clearer Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz and PRO-2 FM 105.5MHz.

Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 107.2MHz spotted in Simpang Renggam, Johor, Malaysia? It is Karimun repeater.

 

As I knew previously, RRI Batam operates three frequencies in Batam Island, Indonesia, such as PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz, PRO-2 FM 105.5MHz and PRO-3 FM 90.9MHz. 

 

According to Badrul Hisham (DXer from Simpang Renggam, Johor), he received RRI Batam PRO-1 on FM 107.2MHz in Simpang Renggam, Johor.

 

Look at the footage, one of the footage showed STEREO reception of receiving RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 107.2MHz on TECSUN PL-380 radio receiver with no interference from local radio station.

 

I had no idea whether FM 107.2MHz is second frequency of FM 105.1MHz to serve Batam Island or not. Until the verification from Batam DXer, I was told that RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 107.2MHz is a repeater for Karimun Island, Indonesia.

 

Talk about RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 107.2MHz Karimun repeater, I believe RRI Batam launches the frequency as gap filler transmitter to cover Karimun. This is because Karimun is not covered by any service from Radio Republik Indonesia. Before FM 107.2MHz, listeners who tune to RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz in Karimun Island would always get interference from local radio station (Radio Canggai Putri FM 105.3MHz).

 

==RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 107.2MHz DX report==

- Frequency: FM 107.2MHz

- Power: 4kW

- Transmission site: Karimun Island, Indonesia

- Receiving site: Simpang Renggam, Johor, Malaysia

- Distance: 118km

Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz spotted in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia, but it comes with STEREO signal

 

Recently my friend who is staying in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia sent me two footage of receiving RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz at his home, but for this time, he recorded RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz by using his TECSUN PL-600 receiver.

 

As he made the footage and I represented him to upload the video on YouTube, so I give credit to my friend (HBC 101).

 

Originally my friend sent me two footage, I combine them into a footage to reduce duplication.

 

According to the footage, RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz had STEREO indicator signal on TECSUN PL-600 receiver in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia. This is a rare reception because it is very less STEREO reception when receiving a radio signal with more than 150km distance from the transmitter site, unless it happens E-skip, Sporadic or Tropospheric Propagation condition.

 

Besides that, by hearing RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz in Segamat, Johor footage audio, the interference from RTM Johor FM 105.3MHz Gunung Ledang (local transmitter) is spotted at the same time, therefore the tuning frequency is adjusted adjacently to FM 105.08MHz in order to have better and less interference reception.

 

==RRI Batam PRO-1 DX report==

- Frequency: FM 105.1MHz

- Power: 5kW

- Transmission site: Batam, Indonesia

- Receiving site: Segamat, Johor, Malaysia

- Distance: 198km

- Reception form: STEREO

- Receiver: TECSUN PL-600 

 

I requested my friend to try catching RRI Batam PRO-2 FM 105.5MHz in Segamat, Johor, however I don't expect it is receivable there because RRI Batam PRO-2 FM 105.5MHz is weak in South Johor (including Johor Bahru). Therefore, I expect there is no signal of receiving RRI Batam PRO-2 FM 105.5MHz in Muar, Batu Pahat, Kluang, and Segamat.

The story that I missed out: SINAR FM changed its Miri frequency from 87.7MHz to 96.6MHz in June 2020, then transmission site was transferred to Bukit Lambir.

 

In early 2010s, Astro Radio expanded Sinar FM coverage to Miri, Sarawak and Sandakan, Sabah.

 

Sandakan frequency (TX site: Bukit Trig) was originally FM 104.6MHz, but frequency was moved to FM 106.9MHz due to interference with RTM Sabah FM 104.5MHz from Layang-Layang.

 

In Miri, Sinar FM tuning frequency was FM 87.7MHz, transmission site was located in Tanjong Lobang, but I did not realize Sinar FM changed its Miri frequency to 96.6MHz until my friend notified me recently.

 

Tanjong Lobang tower likely belongs to Celcom actually.

 

Actually the frequency change of Sinar FM in Miri is due to the radio station wants to transfer its transmission site to Bukit Lambir where other Astro Radio stations like Era, MY, Hitz and Melody are broadcasting from there.

 

According to sources, Sinar FM changed its Miri frequency in June 2020, FM 87.7MHz from Tanjong Lobang was no longer transmission, meanwhile Sinar FM broadcasts on FM 96.6MHz in Miri from Bukit Lambir.

 

I may predict that Sinar FM cannot retain its Miri frequency on 87.7MHz after transfer from Tanjong Lobang to Bukit Lambir because the transmission of FM 87.7MHz Bukit Lambir can led interference to RTM Radio Klasik FM 87.6MHz Bukit Timbalai transmitter coverage in Labuan Island. Hence, the frequency is changed to FM 96.6MHz.

 

87.6MHz: RTM Radio Klasik Bukit Timbalai (Labuan)

87.7MHz: Sinar FM Bukit Lambir (Miri, Sarawak)

<100kHz, NOT OK>   

 

While MCMC freezes the FM radio frequency application since July 2019, I don't know when does Sinar FM from Astro Radio get new Miri frequency, as broadcasters have to do frequency application when they decide to transfer transmitter site.

Transferring transmitter site of radio stations will make existing parameters different due to site elevation. Bukit Lambir is higher than Tanjong Lobang, so the transmission propagation is not same, and interference to existing radio stations coverage can be happened when frequency planning is not properly done. In addition, antenna system, coaxial cable and certain equipment need to be replaced.

Sinar FM Miri frequency: 87.7MHz>>96.6MHz (since June 2020)

After Sinar FM moved out from Tanjong Lobang and transferred to Bukit Lambir in June 2020, IKIM FM 104.0MHz is the only Miri radio station to broadcast in Tanjong Lobang.

List of vacant FM radio frequencies available for Bukit Tampin, Negeri Sembiilan transmission (as 28th May 2021)

 

Here is the list of vacant FM radio frequencies available for Bukit Tampin transmission. Consideration of Gunung Telapak Burok, Gunung Ledang, Gunung Pulai and Gunung Ulu Kali existing transmission are taken.

* FM 87.6MHz (for Melaka)

* FM 89.1MHz (ideal to cover Melaka and Seremban)

* FM 101.1MHz (suitable only for SFN broadcast to cover Melaka, example: Minnal FM)

* FM 103.9MHz (for Melaka)

* FM 105.5MHz (suitable only for low power transmission to cover Rembau and Tampin)

==RF analysis==

1. 87.6MHz

87.6MHz: Bukit Tampin

87.7MHz: Radio Klasik Kuala Lumpur Tower

<100kHz, OK>

87.6MHz: Bukit Tampin

87.7MHz: Radio Klasik Gunung Telapak Burok

<300kHz, OK>

2. FM 89.1MHz

88.7MHz: Traxx FM Gunung Telapak Burok

89.1MHz: Bukit Tampin

<400kHz, OK>

88.9MHz: goXUAN Gunung Ulu Kali

89.1MHz: Bukit Tampin

<200kHz, OK>

89.1MHz: Bukit Tampin

89.3MHz: Ai FM Kuala Lumpur Tower

<200kHz, OK>

89.1MHz: Bukit Tampin

89.5MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Ledang

<400kHz, OK>

89.1MHz: Bukit Tampin

89.1MHz: Ai FM Bukit Tinggi

<0kHz, OK>

3. FM 101.1MHz

100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali

101.1MHz: Bukit Tampin 

<200kHz, OK>

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai

101.1MHz: Bukit Tampin (Minnal FM)

<0kHz, OK under Single Frequency Network broadcast>

101.1MHz: Bukit Tampin

101.5MHz: THR Raaga Gunung Telapak Burok

<400kHz, OK>

101.1MHz: Bukit Tampin

101.4MHz: Suria FM Gunung Pulai

<300kHz, OK>

4. FM 103.9MHz

103.6MHz: Era FM Gunung Telapak Burok

103.9MHz: Bukit Tampin

<300kHz, OK>

103.9MHz: Bukit Tampin

104.1MHz: Best FM Gunung Ulu Kali

<200kHz, OK>

103.9MHz: Bukit Tampin

104.3MHz: Hot FM Gunung Ledang

<400kHz, OK>

103.9MHz: Bukit Tampin

104.1MHz: Best FM Gunung Pulai

<200kHz, OK>

5. FM 105.5MHz

105.3MHz: Johor FM Gunung Ledang (North Johor only)

105.5MHz: Bukit Tampin

<200kHz, OK>

105.3MHz: Suria FM Gunung Ulu Kali

105.5MHz: Bukit Tampin

<200kHz, OK>

105.5MHz: Bukit Tampin

105.7MHz: Lite FM Gunung Ulu Kali

<200kHz, OK>

105.5MHz: Bukit Tampin

105.7MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Pulai

<200kHz, OK>

BFBS Brunei Radio-1 FM 101.7MHz coverage list in Brunei and Sarawak.

 

Here are the expected coverage of BFBS Brunei Radio-1 FM 101.7MHz:

 

1. Brunei

- Seria

- Kuala Belait

- Tutong

 

2. Sarawak, Malaysia

- Miri

- Lutong

- Kuala Baram 

 

 

BFBS Brunei Radio-1 FM 101.7MHz, another English radio station makes its availability in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.

In Miri, Sarawak, there are three local based English language radio stations, namely Traxx FM 88.9MHz/104.5MHz, Hitz FM 105.8MHz, and Red FM 90.7MHz/106.3MHz.

Red FM is RTM bilingual radio station in Sarawak, broadcast in English and Chinese Mandarin.

 

Then, Miri has RTB Pilihan FM 96.9MHz and Kristal FM 98.7MHz from Kuala Belait, Brunei, but they're not fully English radio station, instead multilingual radio station.

 

Apart of Hitz FM, Traxx FM and Red FM, if you would like to listen something special on English radio station in Miri, Sarawak, I may introduce BFBS Brunei Radio-1 FM 101.7MHz from Seria, Brunei. It is English radio station, based in Seria, Brunei, carrying programme from United Kingdom mostly.

 

 

According to the coverage map, same as BFBS Radio-2 Gurkha FM 89.5MHz, BFBS Radio-1 FM 101.7MHz (English) covers Lutong, Baram and Miri of Sarawak. Hence, Miri listeners may have another choice of listening to English language radio station, that is BFBS Radio-1 FM 101.7MHz from Seria, Brunei.

 

Transmitter power operates at 0.5kW, transmitted from Seria Garrison, Brunei.

In conclusion, BFBS Brunei Radio-1 FM 101.7MHz is available in Lutong, Baram and Miri, Sarawak.

Instead of "interstate" to Gunung Ledang to launch transmitter, Pahang FM just only has to upgrade transmission system of Bukit Sembilan and change frequency

 

Previously I had proposed RTM Pahang FM to launch Gunung Ledang transmitter to cover Muadzam Shah and Southern Pahang and abolish Bukit Sembilan transmitter on FM 100.9MHz at 1kW transmitter power.

 

Looking back my old proposal from last year, now I have some new leads. In order to expand more coverage areas, Pahang FM can retain Bukit Sembilan transmitter by upgrading transmission system and changing frequency, rather than launching in Gunung Ledang.

 

My old proposal of launching Pahang FM in Gunung Ledang is not needed because existing Bukit Sembilan transmitter site is a strategic site to cover Muadzam Shah and Keratong, Pahang.

 

Based on Nautel RF toolkit that I generated, Bukit Sembilan transmission site can perfectly cover Muadzam Shah, Keratong, Bera Selatan, Selancar and Tembangau.

 

 

Interference from One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang transmitter in Muadzam Shah, Pahang is not caused by transmitter site, but its main cause is the frequency problem because Pahang FM 88.0MHz is too closed with One FM 88.1MHz, causing interference there.

 

Between Gunung Ledang and Bukit Sembilan, for Pahang FM, Bukit Sembilan is more strategic than Gunung Ledang to cover Muadzam Shah, Keratong, FELDA Selancar, FELDA Bera Selatan, and FELDA Tembangau because Pahang FM is RTM state radio station to serve Pahang. Hence, suggestion of launching Pahang FM in Gunung Ledang to cover Muadzam Shah is less logic. If such proposal is considered, I believe more RTM state radio station will do same thing, like Negeri FM launches Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter to cover Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, then Perak FM launches Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter to cover Tanjung Malim.

In my opinion, if Pahang FM wants to reach more coverage areas (Keratong, Felda Selancar etc) via Bukit Sembilan transmitter clearly, Pahang FM needs to change frequency, and upgrade transmitter system.

Currently Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan transmitter runs only 0.1kW, so it needs to upgrade to a 0.5kW transmitter if wants to cover more areas. 

The interference issue will not be resolved if Pahang FM just upgrades Bukit Sembilan transmission system without changing frequency because One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang still continues interfering Pahang FM 88.0MHz coverage in Muadzam Shah. Therefore, Pahang FM has to change frequency (proposed: 100.8MHz).

==Proposal of Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan transmission system and frequency change==

- Frequency: FM 100.8MHz

- Power: 0.5kW

- Antenna system: 4 bay array dipole antenna

- Coverage: Muadzam Shah, FELDA Keratong, FELDA Selancar, Pelawan, Felda Palong, and part of Segamat

==RF analysis==

100.4MHz: Ai FM Gunung Ledang

100.8MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (500W)

<400kHz, OK>

100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok

100.8MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (500W)

<200kHz, OK>

100.8MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (500W)

100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali

<100kHz, OK>

100.8MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (500W)

101.1MHz: MY FM Bukit Pelindung

<300kHz, OK>

Note: RTM radio stations from Gunung Ledang (Radio Klasik FM 93.6MHz, Nasional FM 96.6MHz, Traxx FM 97.4MHz, Ai FM 100.4MHz, Melaka FM 102.3MHz, Minnal FM 103.3MHz, Johor FM 105.3MHz and Negeri FM 107.7MHz) are very clear in Muadzam Shah, Pahang.

I hope RTM will consider this proposal, and launch the tender procurement of transmission system upgrade and frequency change for Pahang FM in the future.

Pahang FM cuma perlu menaik taraf pemancar Bukit Sembilan dan menukar frekuensinya, tidak perlu "merentas negeri" ke Gunung Ledang, Johor.

 

Pada tahun lepas, saya pernah menulis sebuah artikel mengenai cadangan saya untuk menambah pemancar Pahang FM di Gunung Ledang bagi meliputi Muadzam Shah, Keratong dan Selancar dengan frekuensi FM 100.9MHz pada kuasa pemancar 1kW.

 

Sekarang saya memeriksa balik mengenai cadangan saya dan video yang dikirim oleh kawan saya. Sebenarnya, Pahang FM boleh mengekalkan pemancar Bukit Sembilan dengan menaik taraf sistem pemancarnya demi memperluaskan liputan ke Selancar, Felda Tembangau, Felda Bera Selatan dan Keratong.

 

 

Cadangan untuk "merentas negeri" dengan menambah pemancar Pahang FM di Gunung Ledang bagi meliputi kawasan Pahang Selatan tidak diperlukan kerana liputan Bukit Sembilan yang sedia ada adalah tempat pemancar yang strategik boleh meliputi Keratong sebenarnya. 

 

Gangguan oleh One FM 88.1MHz dari Gunung Ledang kepada Pahang FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan di Muadzam Shah bukan disebabkan oleh masalah tempat pemancar, tetapi masalah utamanya ialah frekuensi Pahang FM yang sedang digunakan di Bukit Sembilan kerana 88.0MHz terlalu dekat dengan One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang, menyebabkan Pahang FM 88.0MHz sering mengalami gangguan (interference) oleh One FM 88.1MHz di Muadzam Shah. 

 

==Hasil siasatan Pahang FM 88.0MHz yang diganggu oleh One FM 88.1MHz di Muadzam Shah, Pahang==

1. Sebab: Masalah frekuensi

 

Antara Gunung Ledang dan Bukit Sembilan, bagi stesen radio Pahang FM, Bukit Sembilan lebih strategik daripada Gunung Ledang untuk meliputi Muadzam Shah, Keratong, Selancar dan Bera Selatan kerana Pahang FM ialah stesen radio negeri RTM yang berkhidmat untuk negeri Pahang. 

 

Selain itu, cadangan lama saya mungkin kurang logik jika Pahang FM merentas negeri untuk memasang pemancar di Gunung Ledang. Jika cadangan itu dipertimbangkan dan tindakan benar diambil, nanti banyak radio RTM seperti Negeri FM akan merentas negeri untuk melancarkan pemancar di Gunung Ulu Kali untuk meliputi Nilai pulak. 

 

Pada pandangan saya, untuk memperluaskan siaran Pahang FM ke kawasan Pahang Selatan dengan lebih jelas, tetapi mengekalkan pemancar Bukit Sembilan dengan menaik taraf sistem pemancarnya:

 

1. RTM Pahang FM pemancar Bukit Sembilan perlu ditukar frekuensinya terlebih dahulu bagi mengelakkan gangguan oleh One FM 88.1MHz dari Gunung Ledang. (Frekuensi cadangan: FM 100.8MHz) 

 

2. Dengan penukaran frekuensi Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan dari 88.0MHz kepada 100.8MHz, sistem pemancar perlu ditukar dan dinaik taraf untuk meliputi lebih kawasan. Tentang kuasa pemancar, setakat ini adalah 100W, dan dicadangkan untuk menukar kepada model pemancar 500W.

 

==Cadangan untuk menaik taraf Pahang FM di Bukit Sembilan==

- Frekuensi: FM 100.8MHz

- Kuasa pemancar: 0.5kW 

- Jenis sistem antenna: 4 bay dipole (mixed polarized/vertical)

- Kawasan liputan: Muadzam Shah, Keratong, Felda Selancar, Felda Bera Selatan, Felda Tembangau, Pelawan, Felda Palong, Jempol dan sebahagian Segamat.

 

==Analisa RF==

100.4MHz: Ai FM Gunung Ledang 

100.8MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (500W)

<400kHz, OK> 

 

100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok

100.8MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (500W)

<200kHz, OK>

 

100.8MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (500W)

100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali

<100kHz, OK>

 

100.8MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (500W)

101.1MHz: MY FM Bukit Pelindung

<300kHz, OK>  

 

Di samping itu, jika Pahang FM menambah kuasa pemancar Bukit Sembilan kepada 500W dan menukar sistem antenna tanpa tukar frekuensinya, masalah gangguan oleh One FM 88.1MHz dari Gunung Ledang masih tidak dapat diselesaikan kerana terdapat kawasan masih ada gangguan seperti Felda Keratong dan Selancar, namun kuasa pemancar One FM 88.1MHz dari Gunung Ledang ialah 2kW. Justeru, ketinggian Gunung Ledang lebih daripada Bukit Sembilan, oleh itu gangguan One FM 88.1MHz kepada Pahang FM 88.0MHz masih berlaku di Muadzam Shah, Pahang. 

 

Untuk makluman, stesen radio RTM lain (Radio Klasik FM 93.6MHz, Nasional FM 96.6MHz, Traxx FM 97.4MHz, Melaka FM 102.3MHz, Ai FM 100.4MHz, Johor FM 105.3MHz, Negeri FM 107.7MHz dan Minnal FM 103.3MHz) Gunung Ledang boleh didengari dengan jelas di Muadzam Shah.

 

==Cara untuk menyelesaikan masalah gangguan siaran Pahang FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan oleh One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang di Muadzam Shah== 

1. Frekuensi Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan perlu ditukarkan (cadangan: 100.8MHz) 

2. Pemancar boleh dinaik taraf kepada 500W.

3. Sistem antenna perlu digantikan.

 

Saya harap RTM akan mengambil perhatian terhadap isu ini. Selain itu, saya pun pernah membaca maklumat asas tender RTM dimana sistem pemancaran di beberapa kawasan bakal ditukarkan dengan model baru. Oleh kerana itu, saya harap RTM akan mengeluarkan tender untuk menaik taraf sistem pemancaran dan frekuensi Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan pada masa depan.