Sunday, 8 August 2021

Gangguan siaran frekuensi Buletin FM di Lembah Klang 101.3MHz: Tempat pemancar masih berkekal di Bukit Sungai Besi, bukannya dipindah ke Gunung Ulu Kali yang saya ramalkan semalam, ia cuma membaiki alat sistem pemancarnya.

 

Semalam Buletin FM memaklumkan bahawa siarannya akan terganggu di Lembah Klang 101.3MHz pada 8 Ogos 2021 dari 11 pagi hingga 2 petang.

 

Pada mulanya saya berasa dan sangka Buletin FM akan memindahkan tempat pemancar frekuensi Lembah Klang FM 101.3MHz dari Bukit Sungai Besi ke Gunung Ulu Kali demi memperluaskan siarannya ke lebih kawasan.

 

Buletin FM mula menutup isyarat FM 101.3MHz buat sementara pada 11.30 pagi. Lepas itu, siarannya kembali, tetapi kurang stabil, dan sekarang penerimaan Buletin FM 101.3MHz bertambah baik.

 

Sebelum 11 pagi, isyarat Buletin FM 101.3MHz memang lemah, macam menerima siaran radio dari Gunung Kledang di Slim River, Perak.

 

Selepas frekuensi Buletin FM 101.3MHz kembali bersiaran pada 12 tengah hari. Selepas 1-2 jam dari 12 tengah hari, saya bertanya kawan saya di Rawang dan Sungai Besar untuk mencubanya, tetapi kawan saya yang berada di Sungai Besar memaklumkan bahawa Buletin FM 101.3MHz tidak dapat diterima di kawasan tersebut, manakala isyarat Buletin FM 101.3MHz masih tidak jelas di Rawang.

 

Terima kasih kepada maklum balas kawan saya. 

 

Pada pandangan saya, berdasarkan pada maklum balas mengenai penerimaan siaran Buletin FM 101.3MHz di Sungai Besar dan Rawang, Buletin FM 101.3MHz masih kekal dipancar dari Bukit Sungai Besi, bukannya dipindah tempat pemancarannya ke Gunung Ulu Kali yang saya ramalkan semalam.

 

Kawan saya dari Seremban pun berkata bahawa Buletin FM 101.3MHz masih tiada isyarat selepas 2 petang. Ini bermakna Buletin FM 101.3MHz di Lembah Klang tidak dipindahkan ke Gunung Ulu Kali. Sekiranya ia dipindahkan ke Gunung Ulu Kali, Seremban masih boleh dapat menerima Buletin FM, walaupun isyarat lemah.

 

Oleh kerana Sungai Besar (Selangor) masih tidak dapat menerima Buletin FM 101.3MHz selepas gangguan siaran sudah diselesaikan, saya percaya Media Prima cuma membaiki atau mengganti alat pemancar (contoh: sistem antenna) Buletin FM 101.3MHz di Bukit Sungai Besi. 

 

Jika sistem alat pemancar dibaiki atau diganti dalam 30 minit, saya mungkin percaya alat ganti baru sudah dipasang sebelum pengumuman gangguan siaran Buletin FM 101.3MHz diperbuat di Facebook semalam, cuma sistem antenna baru belum digunakan lagi sehingga gangguan siaran Buletin FM 101.3MHz diselesaikan.

Saturday, 7 August 2021

Frekuensi Buletin FM (dahulu dikenali sebagai Kool FM) di Lembah Klang FM 101.3MHz akan mengalami gangguan pada 8 Ogos 2021 bermula 11 pagi hingga 2 petang. Adakah Buletin FM memindahkan pemancarnya ke Gunung Ulu Kali untuk meliputi lebih kawasan?

Hari ini saya menerima mesej daripada rakan peminat radio mengenai Buletin FM (dahulu dikenali sebagai Kool FM) memaklumkan bahawa frekuensi stesen radio tersebut FM 101.3MHz di Lembah Klang akan mengalami gangguan pada 8 Ogos 2021 bermula 11 pagi hingga 2 petang.

 

 

Gangguan siaran Buletin FM 101.3MHz di Lembah Klang berlaku selama 3 jam. Pengumuman tersebut dibuat di Facebook rasminya pada petang tadi.


Ada kemungkinan sebab Buletin FM 101.3MHz di Lembah Klang berhenti siaran pada 8 Ogos 2021 dari 11 pagi hingga 2 petang.

 

1. Sistem antenna atau pemancar Buletin FM 101.3MHz di Bukit Sungai Besi diganti baru.

 

ATAU

 

2. Buletin FM 101.3MHz dipindahkan sistem pemancarnya dari Bukit Sungai Besi ke Gunung Ulu Kali untuk memperluaskan liputan siarannya.

 

Buletin FM 101.3MHz sebenarnya dipancar dari Bukit Sungai Besi di bawah zaman Ultra FM (UFM 101.3MHz) sejak Januari 2013, sehingga stesen Ultra FM dan Pi Mai FM (Pulau Pinang) dibeli oleh Media Prima pada November 2015, serta dijenamakan kepada Kool FM pada Mac 2016.

 

Pada zaman Kool FM, pemancar 101.3 tidak dipindahkan ke Gunung Ulu Kali atas sebab ruang tempat pemancar Gunung Ulu Kali telah penuh.

 

Jika tekaan saya mengenai Buletin FM 101.3MHz dipindahkan sistem pemancarnya ke Gunung Ulu Kali adalah betul dan sahih, pendengar di Pahang Barat, Utara Selangor, Perak Selatan dan sebahagian Negeri Sembilan bakal menerima siaran Buletin FM 101.3MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali. Di samping itu, kemungkinan bandar Gua Musang pun boleh menerima siaran tersebut, sedangkan Fly FM 95.8MHz, 8FM 88.1MHz, Hot FM 97.6MHz dan Suria FM 105.3MHz boleh didengari di Bandar Gua Musang, Kelantan.

 

Ada orang kata FM 101.3MHz tidak sesuai dipancar dari Gunung Ulu Kali kerana menganggu FM 101.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok dan Gunung Kledang, tapi berdasarkan pada analisa radio frekuensi, FM 101.3MHz masih ok jika dipindah ke Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

Rujuk kepada analisa frekuensi yang sedia ada,

 

==Gunung Ulu Kali vs. Gunung Telapak Burok pada 200kHz==

87.9MHz: Radio Klasik Gunung Telapak Burok

88.1MHz: 8FM Gunung Ulu Kali

<200kHz, OK>

 

101.3MHz: Buletin FM Gunung Ulu Kali

101.5MHz: Raaga FM Gunung Telapak Burok

<200kHz, OK>

 

==Gunung Ulu Kali vs. Gunung Kledang pada 200kHz==

87.9MHz: Fly FM Gunung Telapak Burok

88.1MHz: 8FM Gunung Ulu Kali

<200kHz, OK>

 

101.3MHz: Buletin FM Gunung Ulu Kali

101.5MHz: Lite FM Gunung Kledang

<200kHz, OK> 

 

Sebenarnya penerimaan Buletin FM 101.3MHz dari Bukit Sungai Besi memang tidak memuaskan di Lembah Klang, banyak kawasan memang tidak jelas seperti stesen radio yang dipancar dari Gunung Ulu Kali. Lebih baik apabila Buletin FM 101.3MHz dipancar dari Gunung Ulu Kali. 

 

2 tahun lepas, saya pernah menceburi bidang penyiaran radio sebagai jurutera penyiaran junior (walaupun saya bukan dari latar belakang telekomunikasi) di sebuah syarikat yang menjual alat pemancar radio. Saya memahami bahawa pihak penyiaran radio akan menanggung kos lagi tinggi jika memindah alat pemancar dari tempat A dan B. (Contoh: Memindah alat pemancar termasuk kabel dari Menara Kuala Lumpur ke Gunung Ulu Kali). Selain itu, saya mungkin memahami bahawa parameter akan berlari jika berpindah tempat pemancar dan menyebabkan gangguan kepada stesen lain.

 

Jika stesen radio buat sedemikian tanpa bergantung kepada pemilik pemancar, memang tidak berbaloi.

 

Oleh kerana Telekom Malaysia (TM) mengawal selia bagi tempat pemancarnya, tambahan pula menara Bukit Sungai Besi dan Gunung Ulu Kali adalah milik TM, jadinya saya berasa Telekom mungkin sudah memasang pemancar untuk Buletin FM 101.3MHz di Gunung Ulu Kali, tetapi belum dihidupkan.

 

Dalam 3 jam tersebut yang berlaku pada hari esok, jika tekaan saya tentang pemindahan pemancar Buletin FM 101.3MHz ke Gunung Ulu Kali adalah benar, sistem pemancar Bukit Sungai Besi mungkin dimatikan, manakala pemancar Gunung Ulu Kali akan dihidupkan, tetapi frekuensi akan kekal sama FM 101.3MHz. Selain itu, pemancaran dari studio Buletin FM ke tempat pemancar mungkin diubah dari Bukit Sungai Besi ke Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

Sekiranya Buletin FM 101.3MHz dipancar dari Gunung Ulu Kali, lebih kawasan boleh menerima siaran ini bawah berikut:

 

1. Selangor: Hulu Selangor, Rawang, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Serendah, Bukit Beruntung, Kerling, Kalumpang, Sungai Besar, Sekinchan, Sabak Bernam, Sungai Ayer Tawar, Ulu Bernam, Rasa, Lembah Beringin, Sepang dan Sungai Pelek.

 

2. Perak: Tapah, Bidor, Temoh, Chenderiang, Sungkai, Terolak, Slim River, Tanjung Malim, Behrang, Teluk Intan, Kampar Selatan, Langkap, Bagan Datuk, Hutan Melintang, Pasir Salak, Tanjung Tualang, Sitiawan, Lumut Selatan, Selekoh, dan Sungai Sumun.

 

3. Pahang: Bentong, Karak, Temerloh, Lanchang, Mentakab, Chenor, Maran, Kuala Lipis, Merapoh, Benta, Bera, Teriang, Kemayan dan sebahagian Jengka.

 

4. Kelantan: Bandar Gua Musang

 

5. Negeri Sembilan: Nilai, Mantin, Port Dickson, Linggi, Labu, Bukit Pelanduk dan sebahagian Seremban. 

 

6. Melaka: Kuala Sungai Baru, Sungai Udang, Kem Terendak, Lubok Cina dan Masjid Tanah. 

 

Nantikan perubahan siaran Buletin FM 101.3MHz pada 8 Ogos 2021 selepas 3 petang. Oleh kerana aktiviti rentas negeri tidak dibenarkan akibat PKP dan Wabak COVID-19, saya meminta pembaca dan rakan pendengar radio cuba frekuensi ini di kawasan disenarai atas. 


Anda boleh membalas komen mengenai artikel ini jika anda mempunyai maklum balas.

Friday, 6 August 2021

RTM Mutiara FM 93.9MHz from Gunung Jerai received in Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia (2015-2019)

 

In Teluk Intan where was my late grandmother home, there are usually having 3 state radio stations available in the town. 

 

These RTM state radio stations where can be received in Teluk Intan, Perak are:

 

1. RTM Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang

2. RTM Selangor FM 100.9MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali

3. RTM Pahang FM 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali

 

Apart of these three RTM state radio stations, RTM Mutiara FM (Penang state radio station) is receivable in Teluk Intan on FM 93.9MHz from Gunung Jerai, but it has only very little signal. 

 

The frequency 93.9MHz that I received in Teluk Intan is not RTM Mutiara FM's main transmitter because 93.9MHz mainly serves the blind spot areas (Northern Penang Island) of FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara which FM 95.7MHz is the main transmitter of Mutiara FM. 

 

Compare to another Gunung Jerai stations such as Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz and Suria FM 106.9MHz, RTM Mutiara FM 93.9MHz is much weaker in Teluk Intan.

 

* Station name: RTM Mutiara FM

* Frequency: FM 93.9MHz

* Power: 0.1kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Jerai, Kedah

* Receiving site: Teluk Intan, Perak

* Distance: 205km


In the video, I combine video and audio into one which I recorded from 2015 to 2019.


For first part of the compilation video, Mutiara FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai @ Teluk Intan video was recorded in 3rd February 2019 in the car. During that time, I recorded the video at Jalan Woo Saik Hong where I was at outside of my late grandmother house while I was ready to go for CNY reunion dinner with my family and relative. Next, the rest part of the compilation video is audio clips. I recorded in 2015 and 2016 by using phone recorder (recording from car radio) and Samsung Galaxy V Plus. About signal recording of Mutiara FM 93.9MHz by using Samsung Galaxy V Plus, I received it at my late grandmother house's bedroom at upstairs, antenna wire headed to north direction and pulled higher.


In fact I received FM 93.9MHz with weak signal at first time in 27th January 2009 when it was Chinese New Year. I thought it was Bernama Radio24, but I did remember that FM 93.9MHz played Chinese New Year song when I heard in Teluk Intan, Perak nearby The Store supermarket. Until 2010, when I had internet, I traced all RTM state radio stations frequencies list, then I only realized FM 93.9MHz that I received in Teluk Intan was Mutiara FM from Gunung Jerai transmitter.


Now, I published back this story here is also part of my DXing activity in Teluk Intan. Honestly I missed Teluk Intan town as I never come there for more than 1.5 years due to COVID-19 Pandemic. I hope COVID-19 pandemic will be slow down, hence I can revisit Teluk Intan, then continue DXing outside Klang Valley.

 

Mutiara FM 93.9MHz from Gunung Jerai operates only 0.1kW transmitter power, it only serves Batu Feringghi, Teluk Bahang, Tanjung Tokong and Tanjung Bungah where these locations cannot receive FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Penara due to terrains.

 

In Northwest Perak, Mutiara FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai is usually having co-channel interference from Nasional FM 93.9MHz Bukit Genting transmitter. 

 

If Bernama Radio Klang Valley frequency FM 93.9MHz moves to Gunung Ulu Kali, I will be no longer receiving Mutiara FM 93.9MHz from Gunung Jerai in Teluk Intan, even Lumut, Sitiawan and Pangkor then. 

 

==EXTRA: Mutiara FM 93.9MHz in Sitiawan, Perak==

After Teluk Intan, I also received Mutiara FM 93.9MHz in Sitiawan, the footage was recorded at Tua Pek Kung temple in 26th January 2020 during CNY 2020. However, Mutiara FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai transmitter was interfered by Indonesia Radio DSB FM 93.8MHz from Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra province during tropospheric propagation. Moreover, Mutiara FM 93.9MHz was also having co-channel interference with Bernama Radio (Kuala Lumpur Tower transmitter).

 

* Station name: RTM Mutiara FM

* Frequency: FM 93.9MHz

* Power: 0.1kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Jerai, Kedah

* Receiving site: Sitiawan, Perak

* Distance: 182km

Thursday, 5 August 2021

Hang FM 106.0MHz from Batam, Indonesia caught in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia

 

The Islamic radio station from Batam, Indonesia, Hang FM 106.0MHz is based in Batam Island. Usually it is available in Batam, Tanjungpinang, Karimun, and South Johor of Malaysia with 10kW transmitter power, meanwhile it is jammed in Singapore due to allegation of terrorist propaganda.

 

Surprisingly Hang FM 106.0MHz from Batam, Indonesia could be received in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia, I believe Shafik 1995's video of receiving Hang FM 106.0MHz in Bintulu is considered tropospheric propagation, but the signal is not available most of the time actually.

 

* Station name: Hang FM

* Frequency: FM 106.0MHz

* Transmitter power: 10kW 

* Transmitter location: Batam, Riau Islands Province, Indonesia

* Receiving location: Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia

* Distance: 1028km

 

No interference from local stations was spotted.

(Sporadic E DX) Vietnam and Philippines FM radio stations caught in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia by Shafik 1995.

After I wrote about Brunei FM radio stations caught in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia previously, the Bintulu FM DXer caught FM radio stations signal from Vietnam and Philippines.


* Love Radio FM 90.7MHz from Davao, Philippines (1459km)

* Win Radio FM 91.5MHz from Manila, Philippines (1547km)

* Voice of Vietnam 2 (VOV-2) FM 96.5MHz from Hanoi, Vietnam (1108km)

* DWLS FM 97.1MHz from Manila, Philippines (1550km)

* Love Radio FM 98.3MHz from Dagupan City, Philippines (1640km) 


All these radio stations caught in Bintulu are Sporadic E propagation as the signal is not available most of the time.

 

Note: ERP= Effective Radiated Power (Transmitter power + antenna gain); TRP = Transmitter Radiated Power (transmitter power)


1. Love Radio FM 90.7MHz from Davao, Philippines (1459km to Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia) [TRP: 10kW; ERP: 20kW]

 


2. Win Radio FM 91.5MHz from Manila, Philippines (1547km to Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia) [TRP: 20kW; ERP: 60kW]

 

3. Voice of Vietnam 2 (VOV-2) FM 96.5MHz from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (1108km to Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia) [ERP: 63kW]

 

4. DWLS FM 97.1MHz from Manila, Philippines (1550km to Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia) [TRP: 25kW; ERP: 65.7kW]

 

5. Love Radio FM 98.3MHz from Dagupan City, Philippines (1640km to Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia) [TRP: 10kW; ERP: 21kW]

Japanese domestic radio station NHK Radio 1 AM 594kHz signal caught in Langkawi, Malaysia.

 

Since 2005 till today, I never catch any Japan radio station on MW (Medium Wave) radio band in Malaysia, but I only received Japan radio stations on SW (Short Wave) band such as NHK World Japan Radio (SW 11815kHz, 11825kHz & 17810kHz) and Radio Nikkei 1 (SW 6055kHz).

 

Usually I only could receive AM radio stations from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar and part of China for MW DX.

 

Surprisingly there is a DXer, named Saiful Izham successfully receiving NHK Radio 1 on MW 594kHz in Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia. Hence, it is first ever Japan radio station signal received in Malaysia.

 

According to the video, Saiful Izham received NHK Radio 1 AM 594kHz in Langkawi, Malaysia by using Panasonic RF-P50 radio receiver.

 

AM 594kHz from Shobu Kuki transmitter site is mainly covering Tokyo, Japan.

 

• Radio Station : NHK Radio Japan 1 (JOAK) 

• Frequency : AM 594 KHz 

• Power : 500 kW 

• Transmitting Location : Shobu Kuki Transmiter, Shobucho Sanga, Kuki, Saitama Kantō Region, Japan •GPS coordinates : 36°04'20"N 139°37'25"E 

• QTH : Penempatan Kampung Kok Mukim Ayer Hangat, Langkawi Island, Kedah State, Malaysia 

• Distance : 5,226 KM 

• Language : Japanese 

• Time : 18:59 UTC / 02:59 GMT +8 Malaysia Time / 01:59 GMT +7 Thailand Time 

• Date : 28 July 2021 

• Receiver : Panasonic RF - P50D (Made in Indonesia)

• SINPO: 24322

 

The signal quality of NHK Radio 1 AM 594kHz in Langkawi is average to weak, so I rate 40/100. Very freak when NHK Japan domestic radio station NHK Radio 1 AM 594kHz spotted in Malaysia.

(FM DX) Sinar FM 97.1MHz Gunung Jerai (Kedah) signal caught in Kelantan!

 

In Kelantan state, Sinar FM tuning frequency is FM 93.8MHz from Bukit Panau where covering Kota Bharu, Tumpat, Pasir Puteh, Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah, Bachok and Machang.

 

Apart of FM 93.8MHz, in Kota Bharu, Sinar FM 97.1MHz from Gunung Jerai could be received there. Here is the video of Sinar FM 97.1MHz received in Pasir Pekan (Wakaf Bharu), Kelantan by Senn Lens.

 

The reception signal quality is average to weak, so I rate 42/100. I believe Sinar FM 97.1MHz Gunung Jerai will have interference from Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar in Kota Bharu, especially tuning the frequency FM 97.1MHz via a less sensitivity radio receiver.

 

It is freak too after 988 FM 96.1MHz Gunung Jerai was caught in Kelantan.

 

==Sinar FM 97.1MHz DX report== 

* Frequency: FM 97.1MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Jerai, Kedah

* Receiving site: Pasir Pekan, Wakaf Bharu, Kelantan

* Distance: 201km

Although FM frequency spectrum is heavily peak and limited, but there is 1 or 2 vacant frequencies, MCMC should launch broadcast FM frequeny tender to broadcasters who interest to get frequency like what Singapore did.

 

Since 2013, FM broadcast frequency spectrum was getting heavily peaked and limited because many radio stations are using the FM band. Until July 2019, MCMC announced that the regulator was doing study of FM frequency re-planning, hence MCMC does not accept and consider any FM frequency application.

 

Until today, there is no any outcome about FM frequency application. In February 2021, I personally contacted MCMC FM broadcast service spectrum officer via email. I was informed that MCMC was conducting public conference about future radio broadcasting in Malaysia, then MCMC told that new frequency application is still not considered at the time being.

 

What I suggest to MCMC is the broadcast regulator can open frequency application to new broadcasters to apply for East Coast region (mainly Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu) due to there are many available frequency slots.

 

For West Coast areas, the frequency spectrum is very limited and about to be full, but there are about 1 or 2 frequencies available at the moment.

 

In my opinion, I believe there are quite a lot of new frequency application, but MCMC doesn't consider their application at the moment. Therefore, I highly suggest MCMC to launch broadcast FM frequency tender instead like what IMDA Singapore did before.

 

In Singapore, the broadcast frequency application is different from us because Singapore is a small country and having many radio stations from Malaysia and Indonesia. When there is vacant frequency, IMDA will open a tender to new radio players who are interesting to launch radio station in Singapore. IMDA Singapore judges by broadcaster applicants station content/format, instead of technical criteria. So, if the applicant does meet IMDA frequency tender criteria, IMDA will award the frequency to the nominated applicant.

 

FM 89.3MHz and FM 96.3MHz tender was a great example. In the tender, Mediacorp, Singapore Press Holdings and other Singapore broadcasters (Rex Cinema) participated it. At last, SPH won the tender of FM 89.3MHz and FM 96.3MHz as IMDA liked their station proposals.

 

In Malaysia, MCMC can do this, but apply for West Coast region. In West Coast region, here are the vacant frequencies based on location where MCMC can make a tender.

 

* Langkawi (Gunung Raya): FM 97.8MHz

* Alor Setar (Alor Setar Tower): FM 91.5MHz

* Ipoh (Gunung Kledang): FM 93.3MHz

* Seremban (Gunung Telapak Burok): FM 102.0MHz

* Johor Bahru (Gunung Pulai): FM 107.9MHz (subject to airband frequency)

 

I raise an example, FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok (Seremban) frequency tender.

 

If MCMC launches frequency tender of FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok to interesting broadcasters to use the frequency for Negeri Sembilan, the radio broadcasters can take part if they're interesting in Seremban radio market.

 

Assuming that if the giant broadcasters like Media Prima Audio (formerly known as Ripple) and Astro Radio take part this tender, it will become hot topic as both are competing to get FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok.

 

If Media Prima Audio and Astro Radio take part MCMC frequency tender, I believe Media Prima and Astro Radio will put Buletin FM (formerly known as Kool FM) and Zayan in the tender respectively.

 

Buletin FM and Zayan have no Seremban frequency at the moment. 

 

When broadcasters take part MCMC frequency tender, they have to meet a lot of criteria and requirements from MCMC in order to win the tender and get the frequency. Besides that, I may think that MCMC will set up a qualification first before broadcasters taking part tender.


A broadcaster could be disqualified from the tender if its license is not nationwide, or license doesn't meet criteria.

 

From what I think, the frequency tender includes technical requirements (such as transmission and antenna system data), but there is advantage and disadvantage of frequency tender too.

 

==Advantage and disadvantage if MCMC launches frequency tender==

* Advantage: Broadcast participants can compete to get the frequency

* Disadvantage: MCMC will have more difficult decision to determine who is the winner if all participants proposal meet all MCMC criteria and requirements. If decision cannot be made, MCMC has to judge the tender winner based on station's profile and format, even content.

 

Usually the frequency tender is done by professional broadcast engineer for technical criteria.

 

I put an example, if Media Prima (Buletin FM) and Astro Radio (Zayan) meet MCMC frequency tender requirements, MCMC will feel hard to judge which one is the winner. When the decision cannot be made, MCMC has to judge the winner based on station content/format instead.  

 

As an outsider, but a radio fans, if I'm given opportunity to choose which radio station should win MCMC frequency tender of FM 102.0MHz for Seremban (from Gunung Telapak Burok),

 

* Zayan (Astro Radio): Malay language contemporary Muslim radio station

* Buletin FM, formerly known as Kool FM (Media Prima): Malay language news, talk and retro radio station 

 

Between two radio station, I will vote Buletin FM to get FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok frequency because I believe listeners want something less slapstick and more information. However, Buletin FM has no frequencies in Southern Peninsular Malaysia region, plus FM 101.3MHz Klang Valley frequency is from Bukit Sungai Besi where is not available very much in Negeri Sembilan, even many Selangor areas. Therefore, Buletin FM should be deserved to get Seremban frequency, at least it can cover Negeri Sembilan and part of Melaka.

Monday, 2 August 2021

Media Prima Audio (formerly known as Ripple) reveals all new logo of Fly FM and Hot FM, as well as rebranded 8FM (formerly known as One FM) and Buletin FM (formerly known as Kool FM) on 2nd August 2021. All-in-one radio app AUDIO+ (formerly known as Ais Kacang) is launched..

Today is the biggest day of Media Prima Audio (previously known as Ripple Media) to reveal new image of its radio stations and fresh content.


Here is the new logos of Media Prima Audio radio stations:


1. Fly FM


Logo is finally renewed after its "Flying Wing" logo had been using for 16 years since 1st day of broadcast in 2005. Targeting English speaking listeners, age from 15-29 years old and playing the hits from 2000's, 2010's and now.

The logo is nice, but "Flying Wing" is legend.

* Website: www.flyfm.audio


2. Hot FM


The old logo had been using for 15 years in 2006, and Hot FM gets new logo, tagline is "Kini Lebih Muzik Yang Hangat" (Now more hot music). The new Hot FM's logo looks like Wow Shop logo, thought it rebrands to Malay language "shopping" radio station. (Joke)

Welcome back, Fara Fauzana and AG.

* Website: www.hotfm.audio


3. 8FM (formerly known as One FM)

Media Prima's Chinese language radio station, One FM is now rebranded as "8FM" after 12 years of broadcast, now One FM enters muzeum. 

The logo of "8FM" is based on 8TV (八度空間). In my opinion, "8FM" is like a companion radio station to 8TV. 

"1" becomes "8". Why? Does it downgrade as it is no longer as number 1 branding? No, This is because "8" means properity in Chinese which is Chinese people's favorite number.

Content is expanded to news, current affairs and talk, alongside music and entertainment. Considered as balanced content radio station.

8FM simulcasts 8TV Chinese News everyday from 8pm to 9pm.

* Website: www.8fm.audio


4. Buletin FM (formerly known as Kool FM)


- Kool FM rebranded as Malay language talk radio station in January 2020. Now it changes its name to Buletin FM, more news input will be aired.
- In terms of branding, Buletin FM looks like a companion radio station to TV3 Buletin Utama
- For music genre, Buletin FM remains same as its predecessor, Kool FM by playing Malay songs from 1980s till today.

* Website: www.buletinfm.audio

Ais Kacang podcast app is rebranded as AUDIO+, all Media Prima Audio radio stations mobile online streaming will be integrated into AUDIO+ app. No more individual radio stations app.


==What I wish==
1. Hope Fly FM will expand coverage to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching via FM frequencies.
2. To compete against MY and Melody from Astro Radio, wish 8FM will complete its broadcast coverage by adding Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu frequencies.
3. Delivering better content and more variety music playlist, but reduce repeating same songs everyday.
4. Hope Buletin FM will complete coverage expansion in Kuantan, Kota Kinabalu, Taiping and Ipoh.

All the best to Media Prima Audio radio stations.






Friday, 30 July 2021

Brunei FM radio stations caught in Bintulu, Sarawak.

On YouTube, there is a Bintulu DXer, named Shafik1995, managing to receive few Brunei radio stations in Bintulu, Sarawak, most of them are transmitted from Andalau which is nearby Kuala Belait, Brunei.

 

As I know, Andalau (Kuala Belait) transmitted Brunei radio stations are available in Miri, but surprisingly they are receivable in Bintulu.

 

Let's check it out of the videos by Shafik 1995.

 

1. RTB Pelangi FM 91.0MHz

 


2. RTB Pilihan FM 96.9MHz

 


3. Al-Quran Radio FM 99.7MHz

 


4. RTB Harmoni FM 97.7MHz


Distance between Bintulu and Andalau is 227km.

 

In terms of radio signal quality, Al-Quran Radio FM 99.7MHz is the most powerful, loudest and clearest in Bintulu, meanwhile RTB radio stations (Pelangi and Pilihan) are weak and having more statics.

 

Signal quality of Brunei radio station in Bintulu, based on Shafik1995 videos (from best to worst).

1. Al-Quran Radio FM 99.7MHz

2. RTB Harmoni FM 97.7MHz

3. RTB Pilihan FM 96.9MHz

4. RTB Pelangi FM 91.0MHz


For rest of Brunei radio stations,

* RTB Nasional FM 93.8MHz is fully "locked" by RTM Sarawak FM 93.7MHz from Bukit Setiam.

* For Kristal FM 98.7MHz, although it is still available in Bintulu, but it has co-channel interference with Sibu FM/Wai FM 98.7MHz from Mukah.

 

In conclusion, here is the Brunei radio stations likely available in Bintulu, Sarawak (by referring Shafik1995 videos on YouTube and prediction).

 

* Al-Quran Radio FM 99.7MHz

* RTB Pelangi FM 91.0MHz

* RTB Pilihan FM 96.9MHz

* RTB Nur Islam FM 94.9MHz

* RTB Harmoni FM 97.7MHz

* Kristal FM 98.7MHz (co-channel interference with Sibu FM 98.7MHz from Mukah) 

Wednesday, 28 July 2021

List of Astro Radio channels which are available in Bintulu, Sarawak via FM radio.

In Bintulu, we can only listen to RTM radio stations and Cats FM as local ones, transmitted from Bukit Setiam, meanwhile we may receive far distance signal for rest radio stations in Bintulu.


Astro Radio has few radio stations in Miri, transmitted from Bukit Lambir, but they're available partly in Bintulu. So, here are some Astro Radio channels which can be listened in Bintulu, Sarawak via FM radio.


1. Hitz FM 105.8MHz

2. Era FM 101.3MHz

3. Sinar FM 96.6MHz

4. My FM 103.2MHz

5. Melody FM 102.4MHz


Receiving distance from Bukit Lambir to Bintulu is approximately 156km.


Bintulu DXer Shafik1995 has published Hitz FM 105.8MHz and Era FM 101.3MHz signal monitoring videos on YouTube.

RTM Miri FM 95.7MHz (Bukit Lambir) is available in Bintulu, Sarawak.

 

RTM Miri FM is a Sarawak's division based local radio station to serve Miri Division, Sarawak. It also relays RTM Wai FM broadcast during non-broadcasting hours of Miri FM.

 

Miri FM broadcasts on three frequencies, FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Lambir and FM 98.0MHz from RTM Miri Broadcasting House cover Miri, meanwhile FM 95.1MHz from Bukit TT844 Suai covers Suai and Niah.

 

This radio station is also available in part of Brunei such as Kuala Belait and Seria via FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Lambir, however Miri FM is also available in Bintulu via FM 95.7MHz.

 

Here is the video of Miri FM 95.7MHz (Bukit Lambir) signal reception in Bintulu, Sarawak by Shafik1995.

 

 


The signal quality of Miri FM 95.7MHz is quite loud and clear in Bintulu, but with little static. If you watch Shafik1995 YouTube channel's video, the signal of Miri FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Lambir is much better than Hitz FM 105.8MHz in Bintulu, Sarawak.

 

- Frequency: FM 95.7MHz

- Power: 1kW

- Transmitter site: Bukit Lambir, Miri, Sarawak

- Receiving site: Bintulu, Sarawak

- Distance: 155km

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

List of RTM Red FM frequencies and coverage in Sarawak

 

This is RTM Red FM, a bilingual radio station in Sarawak, broadcasts in English and Chinese Mandarin which is totally unrelated to now defunct Red FM from Peninsular Malaysia.

 

Here is the completed frequencies list of Red FM which covers whole Sarawak state, Brunei and part of Sabah.

 

* 91.9MHz: Kuching (Gunung Serapi)

* 97.2MHz: Serian (Bukit Ampangan)

* 97.8MHz: Off Spaoh & Betong

* 106.3MHz: Sri Aman (Bukit Temudok)

* 89.2MHz: Sarikei & Daro (Bukit Kayu Malam)

* 104.1MHz: Sibu (Bukit Lima)

* 101.1MHz: Selangau & Kanowit (Bukit Singgalang)

* 99.0MHz: Song

* 89.9MHz: Kapit

* 92.3MHz: Mukah

* 107.8MHz: Belaga

* 100.5MHz: Bintulu (Bukit Setiam)

* 90.7MHz: Miri & Brunei: Kuala Belait, Seria (Bukit Lambir)

* 106.3MHz: RTM Miri

* 104.1MHz: Limbang & Brunei: Bandar Seri Begawan (Bukit Mas)

* 107.7MHz: Mendamit (Bukit Sagan Rudang)

* 100.5MHz: Lawas & Sabah: Sindumin, Sipitang (Bukit Tiong)

 

As RTM Sarawak FM, and Wai FM are available on MYTV, I hope Red FM will be available on MYTV too.

RTM Sarawak's division radio stations (Sri Aman FM, Sibu FM, Bintulu FM, Miri FM & Limbang FM) frequencies and coverage list




In Sarawak state, RTM has two state wide radio stations (Sarawak FM, and Red FM) and five division radio stations (Sri Aman FM, Sibu FM, Bintulu FM, Miri FM and Limbang FM).


Sri Aman FM, Sibu FM, Bintulu FM, Miri FM and Limbang FM provides local content in Malay language from 9am to 12am, meanwhile rest of broadcasting hours are relaying Wai FM Iban and Bidayuh. For Limbang FM, it is different because the radio station has Lun Bawang language broadcast. Wai FM has local program on these division radio stations such as Wai FM Bintulu, and Wai FM Sibu which more fit to Ibanese listeners than relaying Wai FM from Kuching.


1. Sri Aman FM

* 89.5MHz: Sri Aman, Saratok, Pusa, Kabong, Engkilili, Lingga, Maludam, Pantu & Lachau (Bukit Temudok)

* 91.1MHz: Skrang (Ulu Skrang)

* 99.5MHz: Spaoh, Debak & Betong (Off Spaoh)


2. Sibu FM

* 87.6MHz: Sibu, Julau & Bintangor (Bukit Lima)

* 102.1MHz: Selangau, Stapong & Kanowit (Bukit Singgalang)

* 98.7MHz: Mukah, Oya & Dalat

* 94.3MHz: Kapit

* 99.8MHz: Song

* 103.0MHz: Belaga

* 94.6MHz: Sarikei, Belawai, Daro, Matu, Roban, Pusa, Kabong, Saratok and part of Sri Aman (Bukit Kayu Malam)

 

3. Bintulu FM

* 97.5MHz: Bintulu, Tatau, Sebauh, Balingian, Mukah, Selangau & part of Batu Niah (Bukit Setiam)

* 95.3MHz: RTM Bintulu


4. Miri FM

* 95.7MHz: Miri, Bekenu, Marudi, Kuala Baram & Beluru (Bukit Lambir)

* 98.0MHz: RTM Miri

* 95.1MHz: Niah, Suai & Similajau (Bukit TT 844)

 

Miri FM is available in Brunei (Kuala Belait & Seria)


5. Limbang FM

* 104.9MHz: Limbang, Labuan, Tenom, Sipitang & Brunei (Bukit Mas)

* 94.5MHz: Mendamit (Bukit Sagan Rudang) 

* 101.1MHz: Lawas & Sindumin (Bukit Tiong)

* 90.5MHz: Trusan (Kampung Siang-Siang)


Limbang FM is available in Brunei and Labuan on FM 104.9MHz, and Sabah such as Sindumin on FM 101.1MHz.

RTM Wai FM Iban and Bidayuh/Kayan frequencies list (full fledged only and not including Miri FM/Sibu FM/Sri Aman FM/Bintulu FM/Limbang FM relay)

 1. Wai FM Iban 

* FM 101.3MHz: Kuching (Gunung Serapi)

* FM 106.9MHz: Serian (Bukit Ampangan)


2. Wai FM Bidayuh/Kayan

 

* FM 106.1MHz: Kuching (Gunung Serapi)

* FM 101.7MHz: Serian (Bukit Ampangan)

* FM 105.1MHz: Sarikei (Bukit Kayu Malam; unconfirmed)

* FM 98.9MHz: Kapit (unconfirmed)

* FM 101.9MHz: Mukah (unconfirmed)

* FM 106.9MHz: Bintulu (Bukit Setiam; unconfirmed)


Reference: www.geocities.ws/unitspektrum