Malaysia is going to retire 3G mobile cellular network service. What should we need to pay attention to 3G termination?

A year ago, Malaysia government announced to terminate 3G network by 31st December 2021. 3G network switch off is implemented because many people are now using 4G network by owning smartphones. In addition, 3G goes irrelevant nowadays because it is inefficient and 3G doesn't provide faster internet speed as newer technology.

After hearing such news, I believe few people including myself will feel curious why doesn't government terminate 2G, instead of 3G. According to DiGi, the telco company states that a lot of M2M (Machine To Machine, not Norwegian pop duo) and IoT (Internet of Things) devices still need 2G network such as security and health equipment because they support 2G. Besides that, 2G is still important for emergency purpose. When certain remote areas are not covered by 4G while 3G is terminated, people can still communicate with 2G network by making calls and sending SMS (short message service). Communications are still backed up by 2G in case of emergency events.

Here are what should you need to pay attention over 3G network termination in Malaysia.

1. Existing 3G phones (example: Nokia N70 from 2005, and Lenovo A536) cannot be used to access internet. 3G phones after network termination by 31.12.2021 are only used to call out and send SMS with 2G network.

 

 

2. If you want to continue surfing with Internet on mobile phones, you need to have at least 4G network supported mobile phone.

 

3. To the people (especially some of the Golds) who don't know how to use smartphone, but they accustom with keypad phones (like Nokia), they can purchase 4G supported keypad phones like Nokia 6300 4G and 225 4G.

My suggestion over 4G coverage in Malaysia.

1. All telecommunication providers (Maxis, DiGi, Celcom, YES, U Mobile, Tune Talk, UniFi Mobile, XOX etc) must complete the 4G cellular network coverage rapidly by installing 4G network transmitters in every territory. Hence, people can access faster internet smoothly without interruption.

 

4G should be covering all territories in Malaysia before announcement of 3G retirement, instead of post-announcement of 3G termination.

2. All telcos must provide a stable and efficient 4G network service to the subscribers. Claiming itself as Malaysia's No.1 4G coverage and widest 4G coverage, but incompetent service (example: multiple times of downtime transmission service), this will damage the reputation of the telco.

3. After termination of 3G, those formerly 3G covered areas must be filled with 4G immediately.

Mobile cellular network generations suffix

==Mobile cellular network generations between analogue and digital== 

- Analogue: 0G and 1G

- Digital: 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G

==Mobile cellular network generations based on suffix==

- 2G: GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)

- 2.5G: GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)

- 2.75G: EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution)

- 3G: UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System)/WCDMA (Wideband Code-Division Multiple Access)

- 3.5G: HSPA (High Speed Packet Access)

* HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access)

* HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access)

- 3.75G: HSPA+ (Evolved High Speed Packet Access)

- 3.9G/3.95G: LTE (Long-Term Evolution)

- 4G: WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)

- 4.5G: LTE-A or 4G+

- 4.9G: LTE-A Pro (LTE-Advance Pro)

Current status in Malaysia:

3G is to be retired on 31st December 2021, meanwhile 2G (including 2.5G GPRS and 2.75G EDGE network) services are continued operation to support M2M (Machine-To-Machine) and IoT (Internet of Things) such as security and health equipment which run 2G network. 2G is still important for emergency purpose when 4G is not available yet in certain areas.

Reference sources:

- 2G, 3G, and 4G Wikipedia

- Digi (https://www.digi.com.my/support/3g-sunset/mobile-network-users/why-are-we-retiring-3g-2g)

Kelantan FM old Gua Musang frequency: FM 88.9MHz Taman Wangi, then Bukit Chupak was 89.1MHz before 92.0MHz.

 

Before Kelantan FM runs a stable transmission in Gua Musang on its current FM 92.0MHz from Bukit Chupak tower, actually Kelantan FM had two frequencies previously in the town, excluding FM 88.1MHz Paloh.

 

When you look at old database on FMScan.org, RTM Kelantan FM operated two transmitters in Gua Musang town, such as FM 88.9MHz Taman Wangi and FM 89.1MHz Bukit Chupak, both were operating at 100W transmitter power.

 

88.9MHz: Kelantan FM Taman Wangi

89.1MHz: Kelantan FM Bukit Chupak

<200kHz, self interference>

 

On Asiawaves.net, Kelantan FM Bukit Chupak 89.1MHz transmission operated until June 2000 before migrating to FM 92.0MHz.

 

Before establishment of Bukit Chupak transmitter, RTM first Gua Musang transmitter was located in Taman Wangi. According to my friend, FM 88.9MHz was carried by RTM Radio 1 (now Radio Klasik) before being switched to Kelantan FM. 

 

Kelantan FM Taman Wangi frequency was on 88.9MHz. The transmitter was permanently terminated as 92.0MHz from Bukit Chupak can cover entire Gua Musang town till Merapoh, Pahang.

 

Here is the transmitter information of Kelantan FM 88.9MHz.

 

- Frequency: FM 88.9MHz

- Power: 0.1kW

- Transmitter site: Taman Wangi, Gua Musang, Kelantan

- GPS: 4°51'11.0"N, 101°57'56.0"E

- Current status: INACTIVE

 

Coverage map and the site photos spotted below:

As the coverage of Kelantan FM 88.9MHz Taman Wangi transmitter was same as current FM 92.0MHz Bukit Chupak transmitter, RTM closed down FM 88.9MHz Taman Wangi transmission permanently, hence this could help RTM to save transmission cost.

 

Apart of radio broadcast, RTM did have analogue TV transmitter in Taman Wangi previously. 

 

TV1: CH21 (UHF 471.25MHz)

TV2: CH25 (UHF 503.25MHz) 

 

Listeners in Taman Wangi area now receive Kelantan FM on 92.0MHz from Bukit Chupak. 

 

The current status of FM 88.9MHz in Gua Musang is a weak radio signal of GoXUAN FM 88.9MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

Before rebranding to GoXUAN in October 2017, Capital FM 88.9MHz was available partly in Gua Musang town, Kelantan after termination of Kelantan FM 88.9MHz Taman Wangi transmission.

(Analysis) The possibility of receiving Thailand FM radio stations in Terengganu, Malaysia (PART 2): Frequency spectrum analysis

RF analysis to determine the possibility of receiving Thailand FM radio stations in Terengganu, Malaysia by listing the frequency separation between Thailand and local radio stations.

 

1. Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz

* Transmitter power: 10kW

91.7MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Besar

92.0MHz: Radio Thailand Yala

<300kHz>

Result: Signal is possibly receivable in Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang, Kuala Besut, Jerteh, Setiu, Permaisuri and part of Kuala Terengganu, depends on radio receiver quality.

2. Radio Thailand Yala FM 94.25MHz

* Transmitter power: 1kW

94.25MHz: Radio Thailand Yala

94.3MHz: RTM Radio Klasik Bukit Bintang

<50kHz>

Result: Signal is not receivable in Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang, Kuala Besut, Jerteh, Setiu, Permaisuri and part of Kuala Terengganu because frequency is occupied by RTM Radio Klasik from Bukit Bintang transmitter.

3. Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz

* Transmitter power: 1kW

94.8MHz: Hitz FM Bukit Besar

95.0MHz: Radio Thailand Yala

<200kHz>

Result: Signal is possibly receivable in Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang, Kuala Besut, Jerteh, Setiu, and Permaisuri, but interference from Hitz FM 94.8MHz Bukit Besar will be detected.

4. MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz

* Transmitter power: 1kW

102.4MHz: Suria FM Bukit Besar

102.5MHz: Radio Thailand Yala

<100kHz>

Result: Signal is not really receivable in Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang, Kuala Besut, and Jerteh due to interference from Suria FM 102.4MHz from Bukit Besar.

5. PSU Radio Pattani FM 107.25MHz

* Transmitter power: 1kW

107.1MHz: Kelantan FM Bukit Bintang (Besut)

107.25MHz: PSU Radio Pattani

<150kHz>

Result: Not receivable in Kuala Besut and Jerteh, but possibly receivable in Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang, Permaisuri, Setiu and part of Kuala Terengganu.

6. Radio Thailand Sungai Golok FM 106.5MHz

* Transmitter power: 5kW

106.5MHz: Radio Thailand Sungai Golok

106.7MHz: Minnal FM Wakaf Che Yeh

<200kHz>

Result: Possibly receivable in Kuala Besut, Jerteh, and Pulau Perhentian.

7. Radio Thailand Narathiwat FM 98.25MHz (1kW)

98.25MHz: Radio Thailand Narathiwat

98.3MHz: Mix FM Bukit Besar

Result: Not receivable in Terengganu due to interference from Mix FM 98.3MHz from Bukit Besar.

8. 912 Radio Station FM 99.1MHz Narathiwat (2.5kW)

Result: May not be receivable in Terengganu.

9. Golok FM 101.5MHz

Result: May not be receivable in Terengganu. 

* Note: FM 101.5MHz is low power community radio station in Sungai Golok.

10. FM 88.25MHz Narathiwat

Result: May not  be receivable in Terengganu

11. MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz

Result: May not be receivable in Terengganu as it is not clear in Kelantan.

 

12. Thailand Parliament Radio  FM 89.0MHz (2kW)

Result: Likely receivable in Besut, Setiu and Pulau Perhentian

==Possible Thailand radio stations in Terengganu==

* Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz/95.0MHz

* Radio Thailand Sungai Golok FM 106.5MHz

* PSU Radio Pattani FM 107.25MHz

* Thailand Parliament Radio Station FM 89.0MHz

Note: All analysis above are prediction only. Exact result must be done by performing signal monitoring by using radio receiver there.

(Analysis) The possibility of receiving Thailand FM radio stations in Terengganu, Malaysia

In Malaysia bordering region such as Hulu Perak, Kedah, North Kelantan and Perlis, Thailand FM radio stations are receivable all the time.

In Terengganu, Kuala Besut is the only location to receive Thailand FM radio stations. I'm quite curious whether more Terengganu areas can receive Thailand FM radio stations signal. If I have opportunity to travel Kuala Terengganu, Pulau Redang, Setiu, Besut, and Pulau Perhentian, I will test it.

Hereby I will make an analysis of possibility to receive Thailand FM radio stations in Terengganu by listing the stations name.

==Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang==

* Thailand Parliament Radio Station FM 89.0MHz (Yala)

* Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz

* FM 99.1MHz Narathiwat

* Radio Thailand Sungai Golok FM 106.5MHz

* PSU Radio Pattani FM 107.25MHz

==Kuala Besut==

* FM 88.25MHz Narathiwat

* Thailand Parliament Radio Station FM 89.0MHz (Yala)

* Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz

* FM 99.1MHz Narathiwat

* Radio Thailand Sungai Golok FM 106.5MHz

 

==Setiu, Permaisuri & Kuala Terengganu==

* Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz

* PSU Radio Pattani FM 107.25MHz

Radio Thailand Yala FM 94.25MHz/FM 95.0MHz, MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz, Radio Thailand Narathiwat FM 98.25MHz and FM 92.5MHz Sungai Padi are impossible to be received in Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang, Setiu and Permaisuri because the frequencies are occupied by local radio stations transmitters from Bukit Besar and Bukit Bintang.

RTM Kelantan FM has Bukit Bintang transmitter in Besut, Terengganu on the frequency FM 107.1MHz. Its primary targeting area is Pasir Puteh where nearby Jerteh, Terengganu, but FM 107.1MHz can be received in Kuala Besut. 

 

Due to Kelantan FM 107.1MHz Bukit Bintang transmitter does not cover Setiu and Permaisuri like Terengganu FM 96.2MHz, I believe FM 107.1MHz is not receivable in Pulau Perhentian. It is very interesting if Kelantan FM 107.1MHz is interfered by PSU Radio Pattani FM 107.25MHz in Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang, Permaisuri and Kuala Terengganu when 107.1MHz is having signal. 

I can monitor the interference between Kelantan FM 107.1MHz and PSU Radio Pattani FM 107.25MHz then if I travel to Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang one day, even Kuala Terengganu too.

Tak Bai based SV Sound Radio FM 107.0MHz is a repeater of Kon Tak Bai Radio FM 88.75MHz in Sungai Golok, Thailand?

 

According to Asiawaves.net, by reading the list of Narathiwat radio stations, SV Sound Media Limited Partnership owns two radio stations in Narathiwat province, Thailand where just sit beside Kelantan, Malaysia.

 

- Kon Tak Bai Radio (คนตากใบ เรดิโอ) FM 88.75MHz

- SV Sound Radio (SV Sound เรดิโอ) FM 107.0MHz

 

The company is based in Tambon Phron, Tak Bai District, Narathiwat Province, Thailand.

 

On its website www.kontakbairadio.net, it seems online streaming run only 1 station. Hence, I choose to listen to FM 88.75MHz Kon Tak Bai Radio online as part of content monitoring. Then, I wait to record the radio station ident jingle.

 

I understand little of Thai languages, based on ident, it literally says "Here is the radio station of Kon Tak Bai Radio FM 88.75MHz Tak Bai district, and radio station of SV Sound Radio FM 107.00MHz Sungai Golok district, Narathiwat province".

Thai script will be "ที่นี่ สถานีวิทยุกระจายเสียงคนตากใบ วิทยุ FM 88.75MHz อำเภอตากใบ และสถานีวิทยุกระจายเสียง SV Sound Radio FM 107.00MHz อำเภอสุไหงโกลก จังหวัดนราธิวาส".

By hearing the ident, as both radio stations are under a company, hence SV Sound Radio FM 107.0MHz is likely a repeater of Kon Tak Bai Radio in Sungai Golok, Thailand.

From what I think, SV Sound Media Limited Partnership is holding community radio station license, but the license may not allow one radio station to broadcast in two locations, instead operate two different radio stations in different locations.

As the ident mentions two radio stations at the same time, I also think both simulcast each other. In addition, to get further verification, I request Kelantan friends to identify them by confirming whether same content or not.

Based on Senn Lens' reception video of FM 107.0MHz in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, the signal is a bit weaker, it is likely impossible that the frequency is transmitted from Tak Bai. By referring the ident, FM 107.0MHz is likely from Sungai Golok as low power radio broadcast in the district. Besides that, Kelantan FM 107.1MHz from Bukit Bintang faces interference from SV Sound Radio FM 107.0MHz Sungai Golok transmitter in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

New collection: Taiwan Fishery Radio QSL certificate

 

Previously I received QSL cards from KTWR, Voice of Indonesia, HSK 9 Radio Thailand World Service, Adventist World Radio and Radio Free Asia upon of my radio reception report in Malaysia, they're shortwave broadcasters.

 

Now, I get my very first medium wave (MW) QSL certificate from Taiwan Fishery Radio. Thanks to Yu-Tse Cheng (the station manager) for sending me the verification of reception certificate.

 

In 24th June 2021, I received Taiwan Fishery Radio AM 1143kHz in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia (20km from Kuala Lumpur) at night. Here is the video:

 

==My report of Taiwan Fishery Radio MW DX in Malaysia==

* Frequency: MW 1143kHz

* Power: 100kW

* Transmitter site: Baisha Town, Penghu County, Taiwan

* Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

* Distance: 2990km

* Receiving date/time: 24.06.2021 2128H (UTC+8)

* Receiver: TECSUN PL-380 (whip antenna)

List of vacant radio frequencies for main transmitter sites in Peninsular Malaysia (July 2021 update)

Here is the list of vacant FM radio frequencies in Peninsular Malaysia

Kelantan (Kota Bharu):

89.4MHz, 91.4MHz, 93.4MHz, 100.4MHz/100.5MHz, 103.9MHz, 107.9MHz

Kuala Terengganu (Bukit Besar):

88.3MHz, 89.2MHz, 90.1MHz, 91.2MHz, 92.1MHz, 93.0MHz, 101.6MHz, 103.5MHz/103.6MHz, 104.4MHz/104.5MHz, 105.5MHz, 106.3MHz

 
 

Langkawi/Gunung Raya: (not available)

Balik Pulau, Penang (Bukit Genting):

93.1MHz

 

Perak (Ipoh):

93.3MHz, 93.9MHz

 
 

Perak (Taiping): Not available

 

Negeri Sembilan (Gunung Telapak Burok): 102.0MHz

 

Melaka (Bukit Tampin): 87.6MHz, 89.1MHz, 103.9MHz, 105.5MHz

Kuala Lumpur (Bukit Sungai Besi): 91.9MHz, 107.2/107.3 MHz

 

Kuantan, Pahang (Bukit Pelindung):

96.5MHz, 98.5MHz, 101.6MHz, 102.2MHz, 105.7MHz, 106.5MHz

 

Kedah (Alor Setar Tower): (not available)

 

 

Kedah (Bukit Palong, Baling; for East Kedah): 103.9MHz

RTM Nasional FM Machang frequency (Bukit Bakar) was formerly on FM 91.8MHz before 96.5MHz in May 2003.

 

The predecessor of RTM Nasional FM, known as Muzik FM (formerly known as RTM Radio 2, Radio Muzik from 1970s to 1990s) was used to change its Bukit Bakar transmitter frequency before.

 

According to Asiawaves, RTM Nasional FM (Radio Muzik previously) Bukit Bakar frequency was formerly on FM 91.8MHz, before changing to 96.5MHz in May 2003.

RTM Bukit Bakar was the earliest transmitter in Kelantan, launched since 1985 with first two frequencies FM 97.3MHz and FM 98.5MHz, later added with 91.8MHz, 95.5MHz, 99.3MHz, and 100.9MHz in late 1980s and early 1990s.

From 1990s to 2012, Nasional FM was not using Radio 2 frequencies, but it was on Radio 1 (Rangkaian Nasional, now it is Radio Klasik). Radio 2 was Radio Muzik actually.

Radio Muzik (aka Muzik FM) changed its Bukit Bakar frequency from 91.8MHz to 96.5MHz because the radio station was badly interfered by high power Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz in Kelantan.

FM 91.8MHz Bukit Bakar operated only 2kW, meanwhile FM 92.0MHz Yala operates at 10kW since 1983. In terms of frequency allocation history, Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz is earlier than Radio Muzik FM 91.8MHz Bukit Bakar.

Under Malaysia and Thailand agreement on minimum frequency allocation at international coordination region, Yala (Khao Pok Yo) and Bukit Bakar minimum frequency spacing must be separated at least 300kHz.

91.8MHz: Radio Muzik Bukit Bakar (now Nasional FM)

92.0MHz: Radio Thailand Yala

<200kHz, NOT OK>

- Result: Frequency changed to FM 96.5MHz for Radio Muzik in May 2003

==Future use of FM 91.8MHz in Kelantan (non-Bukit Bakar sites)==

Due to interference from high transmitter power of Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz (TX site: Khao Pok Yo) in Kelantan, regardless the frequency is used in Bukit Panau, Peringat, or Telipot, listeners who tune to 91.8MHz will still heard interference signal from Radio Thailand Yala FM 92MHz in Kelantan (Kota Bharu). Hence, FM 91.8MHz is a not suitable frequency to be used in Kelantan (Bukit Panau/Telipot/Peringat).

 

Radio Thailand Yala FM 92MHz is the most powerful transmitter in Southern Thailand, coverage extends to Terengganu and Perak, Malaysia.

 

In Southern Thailand, there are two radio stations using high power transmitter as much as 10kW (10000 Watts), namely Radio Thailand Songkhla FM 90.5MHz and Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz. They're flagship provincial radio stations for Songkhla and Yala respectively.

 

Although Radio Thailand Songkhla FM 90.5MHz runs 10kW power of transmitter, but the coverage is not wider as Yala FM 92.0MHz. This is because Radio Thailand Songkhla FM 90.5MHz has co-channel interference with Kedah FM 90.5MHz from Bukit Palong transmitter in Central Kedah, Malaysia.

 

Between Radio Thailand Songkhla FM 90.5MHz and Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz, actually Yala FM 92.0MHz is the most powerful Southern Thailand transmitter, and it is the widest coverage radio station in the region. One special characteristic of this radio station is Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz coverage is available in many states of Peninsular Malaysia.

 

With 10kW power transmitter and 3 bay array dipole antenna (total antenna gain: 6.0dBd) which results 40kW effective radiated power (ERP), Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz can be received in many regions within Southern Thailand and Malaysia by following list below:

 

==Thailand==

* Yala, including Betong

* Narathiwat province

* Pattani province

* Part of Songkhla province

 

==Malaysia== 

* Part of Kedah

* Langkawi

* Part of Perlis

* Part of Penang

* Hulu Perak (Gerik, Pengkalan Hulu, Tasik Banding, Temenggor)

* Part of Northwest Perak: Bagan Serai & Semanggol

* Large part of Kelantan

* North Terengganu: Kuala Besut, Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang. 

 

The coverage of Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz somehow can reach to Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang, Terengganu partly. It is wider than Radio Thailand Sungai Golok FM 106.5MHz.

By referring a video of Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz (1kW transmission power) receiving signal in Lojing, Kelantan on YouTube, I believe Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz signal is available in Lojing Highlands too, but co-channel interference with Kelantan FM 92.0MHz Bukit Chupak transmitter could be happened in between Lojing and Gua Musang town. In addition, Dabong and some areas between Kuala Krai and Gua Musang Paloh (weak) can receive this radio station.

 

Zayan Seremban frequency FM 106.4MHz, spotted on Wikipedia? That's hoax and misleading, also abusive of editing Wikipedia!

 

Recently I received a screenshot message from one of Facebook user regarding Zayan FM Wikipedia frequency site information was being vandalized. 

 

Here is the screenshot.

I know who did this actually. By checking Wikipedia editing history, the user who abusively vandalizes Wikipedia page by putting wrong information is Nik Ahmad Ridhwan. He is doing it again?

The radio station, Zayan does not publish any information about Seremban frequency on its official website now actually. 

FM 106.4MHz Gunung Telapak Burok? It sounds ridiculous and not logic. 

In reality, the frequency FM 106.4MHz is a weak signal of MY FM (Chinese radio station) from Gunung Ledang where serves Melaka and North Johor areas in Seremban City, Negeri Sembilan.

 

In terms of frequency study, if FM 106.4MHz is used by Zayan in Gunung Telapak Burok for Seremban, surely it will cause co-channel interference with MY FM Gunung Ledang transmitter in many areas by following below:

 

1. Melaka

2. North Johor (Segamat, Tangkak, and Batu Anam)

3. Negeri Sembilan (Gemencheh, Gemas, Rompin, Bahau, Jempol, Kuala Pilah, Rembau, Port Dickson, Linggi, Johol, Simpang Pertang, Simpang Durian, Batu Kikir, Serting, Palong and Juasseh) 

4. Pahang (Teriang, Chenor, Bera, Muadzam Shah, Keratong and Manchis)

 

I'm a former junior broadcast engineer actually and also a DXer, it is ridiculous when I read such hoax information. In addition, by referring apparatus assignment for broadcast service list via MCMC website, Zayan's radio license Capital FM Sdn Bhd has no any AA license in Gunung Telapak Burok.

 

From 2nd October 2017 till today, goXUAN and Zayan from Astro Radio under Capital FM Sdn Bhd license have no any transmitter coverage expansion. 

 

I removed "FM 106.4MHz Gunung Telapak Burok" from Zayan Wikipedia immediately after receiving screenshot from one of Facebook user in order to protect the pure content of Wikipedia page.

 

Dear Zayan listeners, please tune to FM 104.9MHz when you listen to the radio station in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, but I can't guarantee the reception signal is clear there because FM 104.9MHz is not local frequency for Seremban. Here is the audio clip of Zayan FM 104.9MHz reception that I recorded nearby Jalan Sungai Ujong, Seremban two years ago. 

My compilation FM DX videos in Australia from 2019

Two years ago, as I was working as junior broadcast engineer (left since May 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic and messy politic situation in Malaysia), I went to Australia for business event and a training.

The business event location was in Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Hence, I worked at the headquarter company there for 2 weeks. At the same time, I performed FM DX signal monitoring activity in Brisbane City (BNE), and Gold Coast (GC) on the weekend.

In conjunction with two years anniversary of my Brisbane business event trip, and since I left the job last year, I would like to share with you few compilation videos of FM DX that I performed in Brisbane and Gold Coast.

 

Alongside FM DX in Brisbane and Gold Coast videos, I also did co-channel interference (CCI) monitoring in Brisbane, QLD. When I walked around Victoria Bridge from Queensland Library to Brisbane City streets to have lunch at Hungry Jacks fast food restaurant, I detected FM 107.3MHz was having CCI between ABC Classic FM from Mount Mowbullan (Darling Downs) and Juice FM from Mount Tamborine (Gold Coast), it was quite interesting to know that.

 

Not only FM 107.3MHz, even FM 104.1MHz, FM 104.9MHz and FM 105.7MHz are also having co-channel interference in Brisbane.

China National Radio CNR-1 MW 1008kHz, the only Chinese Mandarin language AM radio station received in Malaysia after dark.

In Malaysia, there are no any local AM radio stations in the country, however most of radio stations on MW band broadcast in numerous of foreign languages within ASEAN such as Thai, Khmer, Vietnamese, Lao, Tagalog, Burmese and Indonesia, then extends to Bengali (rare propagation). Those MW radio stations are transmitted from Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand and Philippines.

 

I had received Malaysia's only Chinese Mandarin language, but non-local AM radio station after dark. Previously it was Radio Taiwan International AM 1503kHZ, but the radio station had closed down MW broadcast in 2017. Now and since 2018, I received China National Radio CNR-1 AM 1008kHz in Malaysia.

 

 

In Malaysia history, AM 1008kHz was formerly operated by RTM National Radio Network Melaka branch from 1960s till 1994. 

 

The frequency AM 1008kHz by China National Radio CNR-1 is transmitted from Kunming-Anning, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China. Reception is only available in Malaysia after 1930 hours (UTC+8), signal is getting better after 2100 hours (UTC+8). CNR-1 AM 1008kHz is clear too when receive in dark location without light exposure.

 

Transmitter site of CNR-1 MW 1008kHz is same as China Radio International (South East Asia region), both are located in Kunming-Anning, Yunnan Province, China. My receiving location of this radio station is in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia where is 20km away from Kuala Lumpur, meanwhile distance from transmitter site is 2434km. 

Transmitter power of MW 1008kHz is 200kW.

 

Alternatively, CNR-1 can be tuned in Malaysia on shortwave (SW) frequency such as 13610kHz (from 5am to 9pm) and 9810kHz (from 9pm to 5am).

 

CNR-1 MW 1008kHz is the only China domestic MW radio station available in Malaysia, meanwhile most of China transmitted AM stations in Malaysia are China Radio International (CRI). 

 

(Extra) Here are the stations and some DX videos of CRI:

 

* 603kHz: Cantonese and Vietnamese

* 684kHz: Khmer and English

* 1080kHz: Thai and Laotian

Lojing Highlands can't still receive Kelantan FM if RTM launches Kelantan FM in Gunung Brinchang to cover Lojing.

 

Previously I wrote an article about proposal of RTM Kelantan FM Gunung Brinchang transmitter for Lojing Highlands and made an analysis whether the transmission site can cover there or not.

 

When I feel doubt about it, so I personally made my enquiry to RTM about the matter.

 

Thanks to RTM broadcast engineer for the reply, I feel appreciate about that.

 

According to RTM engineer, Lojing actually cannot receive Gunung Brinchang FM radio signal, I was told that Nasional FM 93.1MHz Gunung Brinchang transmitter coverage in Lojing Valley, Kelantan is very little, most of areas cannot receive it.

 

Here is the simulation map of Nasional FM 93.1MHz Gunung Brinchang transmitter, provided by RTM engineer (for DXing reference only):

Look at the simulation coverage map of Nasional FM 93.1MHz, most of Lojing areas are not receivable, transmitter power is 100W. 

 

In addition, some of my friends who were used to travel from Kelantan to Cameron Highlands, they claimed that Gunung Brinchang radio stations cannot be received in most of Lojing, Kelantan. In fact, Gunung Brinchang transmitter signal begins to be faded after Blue Valley when step into Kelantan border (Lojing) while going down hill to Gua Musang town.

 

I was used to watch a FM DX video in a private Facebook group. Traxx FM 90.1MHz from Gunung Kledang (Ipoh) and 105.3MHz from Bukit Larut (Taiping) were clearer and louder than 101.1MHz Gunung Brinchang in Pahang-Kelantan border (Cameron Highlands-Lojing Highlands).

If I have chance to travel Gua Musang when COVID-19 pandemic is less and disappeared, I will include Lojing trip. So, I plan to perform Kelantan FM radio signal test in Lojing.

 

As existing RTM Gunung Brinchang FM radio transmitters are only operating at 100W power, therefore I made a simulation coverage map of Kelantan FM 105.9MHz Gunung Brinchang at 1kW power transmitter via Nautel RF Toolkit. Parameter is created and tested by following below:

- Frequency: FM 105.9MHz

- Power: 1kW

- Transmitter site: Gunung Brinchang

- Antenna height: 45m

- Antenna configuration: 3 bay array Yagi directional antenna

- Antenna gain: 13.5dBd (3 x 4.5dBd)

- Targeting direction: Northeast (Lojing)

- Receiving antenna height: 10m

Note that Nautel RF Toolkit can only generates OMNI-directional antenna coverage map, so I look at Lojing coverage instead. Following the sample simulation map of RTM Nasional FM 93.1MHz field strength parameter, minimum field strength is 48dBµV/m, meanwhile minimum field strength for STEREO reception is 54dBµV/m.

About field strength level, I set my coverage plot of Kelantan FM 105.9MHz Gunung Brinchang at minimum 48dBµV/m (yellow), then 54dBµV/m (green).

Based on my coverage map of RTM Kelantan FM Gunung Brinchang at 1kW transmitter power, in fact it is nothing difference with RTM Nasional FM 93.1MHz simulation coverage map because both can't cover Lojing at all, regardless 100W or 1kW transmitter power, even antenna system configuration. 

 

I put 3 bay array Yagi antenna (based on SIRA FM-07 model, each antenna has 4.5dBd gain), but the result of the coverage is same with Nasional FM 93.1MHz.

In conclusion, Gunung Brinchang radio transmitter can't still cover Lojing, even use medium-high power transmitter (1kW or 2kW) because Lojing is surrounded by many mountains. Moreover, Gunung Brinchang radio signal is blocked by multiple terrains in Lojing. However, according to Kelantan listeners, Kelantan FM can be received in Lojing by tuning to the frequency FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar which is main transmitter of the radio station. For your information, FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar is the highest power among all Kelantan FM transmitter as it operates at 2kW.

When some people claims that Kelantan FM is receivable in Lojing on 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar, hence it is not necessary to launch a gap filler transmitter to cover Lojing.

(Sporadic E DX) MCOT Trang FM 106.25MHz from Thailand caught in Bintulu, Sarawak?

 

After Radio Republik Indonesia RRI PRO-2 FM 105.0MHz from Jakarta was received in Bintulu, Sarawak by Shafik 1995 on YouTube, there was Thailand radio station named MCOT Trang FM 106.25MHz caught in Bintulu too.

 

The reception of MCOT Trang FM 106.25MHz is actually Sporadic E propagation, technically FM 106.25MHz from Trang can be received up to Langkawi.

 

According to the footage, FM 106.25MHz speaks Thai language, I don't understand the language very much, but presumably the frequency is likely MCOT Trang because it is the nearest transmitter caught in Bintulu, Sarawak, meanwhile FM 106.25MHz in Bangkok are low power radio stations broadcast.

 

==Thailand FM DX in Bintulu, Sarawak report== 

* Station name: MCOT Trang (presumed)

* Frequency: FM 106.25MHz

* Power: 1kW

* Transmitter site: Tambon Bang Rak, Mueang Trang District, Trang Province, Thailand. 

* Receiving site: Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia

* Distance: 1570km

* SINPO: 45543 

 

I can't imagine that Thailand FM radio station is receivable in Bintulu, Sarawak, it is very rare actually.