FM Sporadic E DX in Malaysia (Episode 2): Thailand Parliament Radio FM 87.5MHz from Bangkok & Happy Time Radio FM 95.5MHz from Surat Thani, Thailand received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

On 31st July 2022, it was the Sporadic E radio propagation day in Malaysia where I could receive 3 Thailand FM radio stations in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia (20km south from Kuala Lumpur).

Between 4pm to 6pm (UTC+8), I heard 3 Thailand radio stations via TECSUN PL-380 radio receiver such as:

 

- Thailand Parliament Radio Station FM 87.5MHz from Bangkok (1205km)

- Happy Time Radio FM 95.5MHz from Surat Thani (726km)

- Unknown Thailand radio station FM 92.0MHz

 

It is my second time to receive Sporadic E radio stations in Malaysia since last DX in October 2021 where I heard MCOT Chaiyaphum FM 102.0MHz in Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia.

 

1. Thailand Parliament Radio Station FM 87.5MHz from Bangkok  

FM 87.5MHz from Bangkok is the furthest FM radio station that I received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia in the DX history. Adjacent channel interference noise with local radio station RTM Radio Klasik FM 87.7MHz from Kuala Lumpur Tower was detected when monitoring Sporadic E propagation of Thailand Parliament Radio Station from Bangkok.

 

In Surat Thani and Udon Thani, this radio station is also operating on the frequency FM 87.5MHz. As Bangkok transmitter has higher ERP (effective radiated power) than Surat Thani and Udon Thani, so I identify FM 87.5MHz signal that I received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia is from Bangkok.

 

SINPO: 21121

Sathani Witthayu Krachaisiang Ratthasapha (สถานีวิทยุกระจายเสียงรัฐสภา) 

- Frequency: FM 87.5MHz 

- Power: 5kW 

- ERP: 20kW 

- Transmission site: Soi Aree Samphan (ซอยอารีย์สัมพันธ์), Rama VI Road (ถ.พระราม 6), Khwaeng Sam Sen Nai (แขวงสามเสนใน), Khet Phaya Thai (เขตพญาไท), Bangkok กรุงเทพฯ, Thailand 

- Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia 

- Distance: 1205km 

- Receiving date/time: 31.07.2022 1738H (UTC+8)

 

2. Happy Time Radio FM 95.5MHz from Surat Thani
 

In Southern Thailand region where nearby Malaysia border, FM 95.5MHz is also operated by Radio Thailand Satun in Satun Province. However, I matched with Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz online LIVE streaming content with what I heard on FM 95.5MHz through the radio receiver, it does not match at all. Therefore, FM 95.5MHz Sporadic E signal from Thailand is not Radio Thailand Satun because Radio Thailand Satun does not play Lukthung (Thai country music) during the receiving time. Somebody told that FM 95.5MHz maybe from Bangkok, but FM 95.5MHz in Bangkok is Hitz 955 (formerly known as Virgin Hitz) which is a hot contemporary Thai radio station in Bangkok City. 

 

During the signal monitoring, FM 95.5MHz was airing bunch of commercials after playing Thai Lukthung. So, FM 95.5MHz is Happy Time Radio from Surat Thani. 

 

Happy Time Radio frequency license is belonged to Radio Thailand Surat Thani. The NBT (National Broadcasting of Thailand) Surat Thani division leases its frequency FM 95.5MHz to Happy Time Radio.

 

Transmitter site is located in Khao Tha Phet, the height above sea level is about 210 meters, meanwhile antenna height of Happy Time Radio FM 95.5MHz is 60 meters.

 

Adjacent channel interference with local radio station RTM Nasional FM 95.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali was detected when monitoring Sporadic E radio propagation from Happy Time Radio Surat Thani on FM 95.5MHz.

 

- Frequency: FM 95.5MHz

- Power: 5kW

- ERP: 3.6kW (possibly using circular antenna with negative value antenna gain)

- Transmitter site: Khao Tha Phet, Tambon Makham Tia, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani Province, Thailand

- Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor State, Malaysia

- Distance: 726km

- Receiving date/time: 31.07.2022 1725H (UTC+8)

SINPO: 22322

3. FM 92.0MHz unknown radio station from Thailand
 

In Balakong, FM 92.0MHz was RTM Nasional FM from Hulu Langat Batu 18, but it was permanently off air. Until today, FM 92.0MHz is totally empty frequency. During Sporadic E propagation, I heard Thailand radio signal on the frequency FM 92.0MHz. Thought it was Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz from Khao Pok Yo which is available in Malaysia areas where border with Thailand like Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Hulu Perak. By identifying the radio station with comparing the content between radio and online LIVE streaming of, Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz, the contents between them were negatively matched. 

 

So, FM 92.0MHz that I received in Malaysia is not Radio Thailand Yala, but I heard there were having co-channel interference of two different Thailand radio stations. Again, I matched them with Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz online streaming, they are not matched. 

 

In conclusion, I could not identify where is the Thailand radio station on FM 92.0MHz transmitted from. 

 

SINPO code for FM 92.0MHz UNID Sporadic E from Thailand is 31422.

Best FM boleh didengari di Gua Musang, Kelantan pada frekuensi FM 104.1MHz yang dipancar dari Gunung Ulu Kali?

 

Stesen radio swasta yang berasal dari Johor, iaitu Best FM memperluaskan siarannya ke Lembah Klang pada frekuensi FM 104.1MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali sejak tahun 1996 untuk bersaing dengan THR FM (Time Highway Radio) semasa zaman Best FM yang bersiaran dalam bahasa Inggeris. Ia menyebabkan Best FM boleh diikuti di Perak Selatan, dan Pahang Barat.

 

Best FM 104.1MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali bukan sahaja boleh didengari di Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor, ia boleh diterima di Pahang Barat dan Perak Selatan, tetapi Best FM boleh didengari di sedikit bahagian Kelantan (Gua Musang) pada frekuensi yang sama.

 

Sebenarnya Best FM 104.1MHz susah dapat diterima di sekitar Bandar Gua Musang, Kelantan, isyarat Best FM 104.1MHz cuma boleh dipancar sehingga Merapoh, Pahang.

 

Pada 14hb November 2021, apabila saya berada di Gua Musang, tiada isyarat Best FM dikesan pada 104.1MHz di sekitar bandar, namun saya boleh menerima siaran Best FM 104.1MHz di Rantau Manis (20km dari Bandar Gua Musang).

 

Rantau Manis terletak di antara Bandar Gua Musang and Felda Paloh. Isyarat Best FM 104.1MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali memang lemah di Rantau Manis.

 

Rakaman video diambil di sekitar Taman Agropolitan, Rantau Manis, 18300 Gua Musang, Kelantan. 

- Frekuensi: FM 104.1MHz

- Kuasa: 2kW

- Tempat pemancar: Gunung Ulu Kali, Pahang

- Tempat penerima: Rantau Manis, Gua Musang, Kelantan

- Jarak: 173km

 

Terdapat juga Nasional FM menggunakan frekuensi 104.1MHz di Dabong (jarak 70km dari Bandar Gua Musang). Walaupun frekuensi Best FM menggunakan frekuensi 104.1MHz yang sama dengan Nasional FM, tetapi tiada gangguan frekuensi sama antara Best FM dan Nasional FM dikesan di Gua Musang (termasuk Rantau Manis), kerana Nasional FM 104.1MHz menggunakan kuasa pemancar rendah sebagai pemancar jurang (gap filler) yang hanya meliputi Dabong dan Kuala Balah sahaja.

 

Mengenai penerimaan isyarat Best FM 104.1MHz yang saya rakam di Rantau Manis, Kelantan, saya menggunakan penerima radio TECSUN PL-380 dengan antena yang telah diubahsuai (kerana antena asal telah patah).

Radio frequency proposal and analysis of FM 100.4MHz for the broadcast transmission in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

In Kelantan, there is no any strategic transmission site to cover Kota Bharu and the whole state like Kedah where Gunung Jerai can cover whole state.

Kota Bharu is a state capital of Kelantan. By doing a bandscan, FM 100.4MHz is a likely vacant frequency for Kota Bharu radio transmission.

In Kota Bharu, the town is covered by different transmitter sites such as Bukit Bakar, Telipot, Peringat, Bukit Panau, Wakaf Che Yeh and Tunjung. So, I would like to run an analysis where is the suitable site for FM 100.4MHz transmission in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

Transmission data is given.

- Frequency: FM 100.4MHz

- Transmitter power: 1kW

- Tested sites: Bukit Bakar, Peringat, Telipot, Bukit Panau.

 

==RF analysis of FM 100.4MHz in Kota Bharu, Kelantan by sites==

1. Bukit Bakar

100.2MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Besar

100.4MHz: Bukit Bakar

<200kHz, OK>

100.3MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Brinchang

100.4MHz: Bukit Bakar

<100kHz, NOT OK>

100.4MHz: Bukit Bakar

100.5MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Jerai

<100kHz, NOT OK>

2. Telipot

100.2MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Besar

100.4MHz: Telipot

<200kHz, OK>

100.3MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Brinchang

100.4MHz: Telipot

<100kHz, OK>

100.4MHz: Telipot

100.5MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Jerai

<100kHz, OK>

 

3. Peringat

100.2MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Besar

100.4MHz: Peringat

<200kHz, OK>

100.3MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Brinchang

100.4MHz: Peringat

<100kHz, OK>

100.4MHz: Peringat

100.5MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Jerai

<100kHz, OK>

 

4. Bukit Panau

100.2MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Besar

100.4MHz: Bukit Panau

<200kHz, OK>

100.3MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Brinchang

100.4MHz: Bukit Panau

<100kHz, OK>

100.4MHz: Bukit Panau

100.5MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Jerai

<100kHz, OK>

 

Based on RF analysis by the transmission sites above, FM 100.4MHz is not suitable in Bukit Bakar because it causes interference to Pahang FM 100.3MHz Gunung Brinchang coverage in Cameron Highlands. This means Pahang FM's listeners who tune to FM 100.3MHz may hear interference noise of FM 100.4MHz Bukit Bakar transmission in some areas in Cameron Highlands.

Meanwhile FM 100.4MHz is suitable in Bukit Panau, Peringat or Telipot for Kota Bharu transmission, but I can propose this frequency actually.

FM 100.4MHz Bukit Panau (Astro Radio transmission site)= Zayan

FM 100.4MHz Peringat (Media Prima)= Hot FM or Fly FM (for migrating from existing frequency to new frequency)

FM 100.4MHz Telipot = Independent radio station (eg: Bernama Radio)

Between the proposal above, in my opinion, due to the Kota Bharu radio market demand, I would propose FM 100.4MHz for Astro Radio's Zayan, transmitted from Bukit Panau. Currently Zayan has no tuning frequency in Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu, despite there are a lot of vacant frequency slots in Kuala Terengganu and few slots in Kota Bharu, but it seems Astro Radio can't expand Zayan coverage there due to license issue. If Zayan's broadcast license which purchased from Red FM and Capital FM (Star Radio Group) is allowed by MCMC to expand the frequency coverage, the radio station can have Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu frequencies then.

List of Sabah based Malaysia radio stations frequencies (for Philippines DXers reference for DX purpose)

As there is a Philippines DXer successfully receiving Hot FM 87.7MHz from Kota Kinabalu transmission signal in Philippines (Sogoy, Sorsogon Province), now I would like to list down all Sabah based Malaysia radio stations frequencies for Philippines DXers reference for distant radio signal monitoring.

==Kota Kinabalu==

* 87.7MHz: Hot FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 88.1MHz: Radio Klasik (Lawa Mandau)

* 88.9MHz: Nasional FM (Lawa Mandau)

* 89.5MHz: KK12FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 89.9MHz: Sabah FM (Lawa Mandau)

* 90.7MHz: Traxx FM (Lawa Mandau)

* 91.9MHz: Ai FM (Lawa Mandau)

* 92.7MHz: Sabah VFM (Lawa Mandau)

* 93.9MHz: IKIM FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 95.7MHz: 8FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 96.3MHz: Kupi-Kupi FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 98.6MHz: Melody FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 100.8MHz: Hitz FM Sabah (Bukit Karatong)

* 101.6MHz: Mix FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 102.4MHz: Era FM Sabah (Bukit Karatong)

* 102.8MHz: Tea FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 103.2MHz: Lite FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 104.0MHz: MY FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 104.9MHz: Sinar FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 107.9MHz: Bernama Radio (Bukit Karatong)

==Central Sabah (Mount Kinabalu)==

* 99.5MHz: Radio Klasik

* 100.3MHz: Nasional FM

* 104.5MHz: Sabah FM

* 105.3MHz: Traxx FM

* 106.3MHz: Ai FM

* 107.1MHz: Sabah VFM

==Kudat (Bukit Kelapa)==

* 94.1MHz: Radio Klasik

* 94.9MHz: Nasional FM

* 95.9MHz: Sabah FM

* 96.7MHz: Traxx FM

* 98.1MHz: Ai FM

* 98.9MHz: Sabah VFM

 

==Sandakan (Trig Hill)==

* 91.1MHz: Radio Klasik

* 92.1MHz: Nasional FM

* 92.9MHz: Sabah FM

* 94.3MHz: Traxx FM

* 95.1MHz: Ai FM

* 96.1MHz: Sabah VFM

* 90.1MHz: Sandakan FM

* 102.2MHz: Melody FM

* 103.0MHz: Era FM Sabah

* 99.8MHz: Hitz FM Sabah

* 100.6MHz: MY FM Sabah

* 106.9MHz: Sinar FM

 

==Lahad Datu (Mount Silam)==

* 87.9MHz: Radio Klasik

* 88.7MHz: Nasional FM

* 89.7MHz: Sabah FM

* 90.5MHz: Traxx FM

* 91.7MHz: Ai FM

* 92.6MHz: Sabah VFM

* 93.6MHz: Tawau FM

* 107.3MHz: IKIM FM 

 

==Kota Belud (Pompod)==

* 99.9MHz: Radio Klasik

* 100.7MHz: Nasional FM

* 101.5MHz: Sabah FM

* 102.5MHz: Traxx FM

* 103.3MHz: Ai FM

* 104.1MHz: Sabah VFM

 

(Sporadic E DX) Hot FM Kota Kinabalu frequency 87.7MHz from Bukit Karatong received in Philippines?

The Malay hot contemporary radio station by Media Prima Audio, Hot FM Kota Kinabalu frequency FM 87.7MHz is transmitted from Bukit Karatong, mainly covering Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Papar and Central West Coast Sabah.

 

Surprisingly Hot FM 87.7MHz can be received in Philippines which people can't believe actually. The receiving signal of Hot FM 87.7MHz from Bukit Karatong in Philippines is actually Sporadic E propagation.

 

The recording was published by Marvin the brony and dxer from Philippines on YouTube two weeks ago.

According to the Philippines DXer, he received Hot FM 87.7MHz from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (Bukit Karatong) in Barangay Sogoy, Castilla, Sorsogon. The transmission distance is about 1135km.

 

- Frequency: FM 87.7MHz

- Power: 2kW

- Transmission site: Bukit Karatong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

- Receiving site: Sogoy, Castilla, Sorsogon, Philipines

- Distance: 1135km

- Receiver: Itel it2613 with modified radio antenna

 

The signal quality of Hot FM 87.7MHz in Sogoy, Philippines is quite clear without static. No interference with any local radio stations is detected during Sporadic E propagation in Philippines.

 

Inversely, there are also few Philippines FM radio stations can be received in Sabah areas, Malaysia. 

 

Sogoy is a town located in Sorsogon Province, 484km from Manila. 

 

It is my very first time to know Malaysia radio stations can be heard in Philippines. 

Kuantan radio stations from Bukit Pelindung overspilled to Selangor (Balakong) and Putrajaya when Seremban radio stations from Gunung Telapak Burok were switched off due to a landslide of the transmission tower happened in January 2022.

Remember early of this year in 2022, Malaysia suffered the massive flash floods, the most serious location was in Shah Alam, Selangor, even in Negeri Sembilan and the east coast states.

In Negeri Sembilan's Jelebu, there was a flash flood too, until Gunung Telapak Burok had a landslide on 3rd January 2022, causing all radio stations' transmission were forced to switch off the transmission. When Negeri Sembilan's radio stations which were transmitted from Gunung Telapak Burok tower temporarily closed down the transmission due to landslide, it seriously affected the listeners in Negeri Sembilan, Southern Selangor and Central Pahang, even part of Melaka.

 

Back to January 2022, when Gunung Telapak Burok transmitted radio stations were switched off for 3 days due to landslide, some Kuantan radio stations from Bukit Pelindung could overspill signal to Selangor state easily with weaker signal.

 

I managed to catch few Bukit Pelindung radio stations in Putrajaya and Balakong.

 

In Putrajaya SKVE interchange nearby IOI City Mall, I heard Manis FM 95.1MHz signal from Bukit Pelindung, meanwhile at my home in Balakong, I could receive Ai FM 106.1MHz, Nasional FM 107.1MHz and Manis FM 95.1MHz from Bukit Pelindung too.

 

Signals were very weak in both locations.

 

Transmission distance from Bukit Pelindung to stated receiving locations: 

* Balakong (202km)

* Putrajaya: SKVE Interchange (208km) 

 

1. Manis FM 95.1MHz (Putrajaya)

2. Balakong, Selangor

a. Manis FM 95.1MHz 

b. Ai FM 106.1MHz

 

c. Nasional FM 107.1MHz

When Gunung Telapak Burok radio stations resume their transmission, these Bukit Pelindung transmitted Kuantan radio stations are no longer receivable, however it leaves only MY FM 101.1MHz and Suria FM 96.1MHz as the only receivable Kuantan radio stations in Balakong, Serdang UPM highway and Putrajaya with very weak signal.

Fly FM can be tuned on 99.1MHz from Alor Setar Tower in Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang when 89.9MHz is not receivable

 

Fly FM tuning frequency in Penang is FM 89.9MHz, transmitted from Bukit Penara at 2kW transmission power. It reaches 90% areas in Penang state, covering whole Seberang Perai district (Mainland), and most of the cities and towns in the Penang Island.

 

Alongside Penang, Fly FM 89.9MHz does cover part of Kedah (Kulim, Sungai Petani, Bandar Baharu) and North Perak (Parit Buntar, Selama, Taiping, Semanggol).

 

In Penang Island, there are three locations such as Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang cannot receive Fly FM on 89.9MHz from Bukit Penara due to terrains.

 

Actually Fly FM can be tuned alternatively via the frequency FM 99.1MHz from Alor Setar Tower in Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang, however the signal reception is not strong as Gunung Jerai transmitted radio stations as Alor Setar Tower height is lower than Gunung Jerai. In addition, Fly FM 99.1MHz Alor Setar Tower transmission power is just only 0.25kW.

 

When you can't receive Fly FM on 89.9MHz in Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang, you can try to tune on FM 99.1MHz.

 

Here is my signal recording on Fly FM 99.1MHz received in Tanjung Bungah, Penang (Rainbow Paradise Hotel) in November 2015:

Meanwhile, there is another signal recording of Fly FM 99.1MHz that I received in Georgetown area in November 2017.

Fly FM Kota Bharu frequency 107.4MHz can be improved by increasing transmitter system power to 0.5kW and modifying the antenna system to encounter the interference from Thailand radio station.

 

Fly FM tuning frequency in Kota Bharu, Kelantan is 107.4MHz. It was launched in 2008 as the final destination of the radio frequency coverage expansion. The transmitter site of Fly FM 107.4MHz is located in Peringat, Kelantan where the tower is owned by Media Prima. The Peringat tower also operates Molek FM 105.1MHz and Hot FM 88.6MHz.

As I know, Fly FM 107.4MHz operates low power transmission in Kota Bharu, Kelantan (as much as 0.25kW). 

 

The coverage of Fly FM 107.4MHz is not really good in Kota Bharu area because it is having interference with a Thailand radio station which the frequency is on FM 107.5MHz. From what I know, the Thailand radio station FM 107.5MHz which interferes Fly FM 107.4MHz coverage in Kelantan is based in Lochut, Waeng District, Narathiwat Province, Thailand. FM 107.5MHz does carry Sungai Padi based radio station, named as Padi Radio.

 

The interference between Fly FM 107.4MHz and Thailand radio station FM 107.5MHz usually happens in Kota Bharu, Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas, causing Fly FM's listeners to tune poor signal radio station on FM 107.4MHz in those areas.

 

Fly FM 107.4MHz transmission is completely unavailable when tune in Rantau Panjang and Ayer Lanas, Kelantan.

 

In my opinion, Media Prima Audio (MPA) can solve this issue in order to encounter the interference from Thailand radio station in Kelantan without changing the frequency and transmitter site. I would suggest Fly FM to increase its Kota Bharu transmitter power from 0.25kW to 0.5kW, but without changing the antenna system. In addition, alongside increase the transmitter power to 0.5kW, Fly FM can do minor change on antenna beaming direction. This could reduce interference to Thailand radio station coverage in Thailand after increasing the transmission power.

 

Suggestion of increasing Fly FM 107.4MHz transmission power to 0.5kW can reach more coverage areas in Kelantan, and interference from Thailand radio station FM 107.5MHz can be reduced. Besides that, listeners can tune to Fly FM even clearer in Kota Bharu.

 

Increasing the transmission power to 0.5kW for Fly FM 107.4MHz does not interfere coverage of Kelantan FM 107.1MHz Bukit Bintang transmitter in Pasir Puteh, because it is very sufficient to have 300kHz frequency separation between 107.1 and 107.4. Next, it does not interfere Kelantan FM 107.2MHz coverage in Dabong because Dabong is a very remote area in Kuala Krai district where the location cannot receive any Kota Bharu based radio station.

 

Meanwhile I have no idea about how much the transmission output power for Hot FM 88.6MHz is, but I may think it is also 0.25kW like Fly FM 107.4MHz. That's why it is also easily interfere by Thailand radio station Khon Tak Bai Radio FM 88.75MHz which is based in Tak Bai District of Narathiwat Province. 

 

Hot FM 88.6MHz can increase transmission power to 0.5kW to reduce interference from Thailand radio station too, however interference in Tumpat may not be solved because Tumpat is very closed to Tak Bai, unless Hot FM is changing to a new frequency.

 

I don't suggest to increase transmission power to 1kW for Fly FM 107.4MHz and Hot FM 88.6MHz in order to prevent interfering Thailand radio station. Therefore, 0.5kW power is very sufficient.

 

==My proposal of Fly FM 107.4MHz & Hot FM 88.6MHz transmission parameter==

* Transmitter power: 0.5kW

* Antenna beaming angle: 195 DEG 

 

Proposed antenna pattern is shown below (antenna drawing is based on SIRA FM-04 dipole antenna):

 

Stesen radio swasta bahasa Melayu di Bandar Jerantut, Pahang

 

Jerantut terletak di kawasan Pahang Tengah, ia adalah kawasan untuk memasuki Taman Negara.

 

Mengenai stesen radio Bahasa Melayu di Jerantut, Pahang. Radio RTM adalah stesen yang paling jelas di kawasan tersebut kerana RTM mempunyai pemancar Bukit Istana yang meliputi Bandar Jerantut. 

 

Di Bandar Jerantut, Radio Bahasa Melayu RTM cuma ada Radio Klasik FM 88.1MHz, Nasional FM 93.5MHz dan Pahang FM 92.7MHz.

 

Untuk stesen radio swasta Bahasa Melayu, pendengar cuma boleh menerima siaran dari Gunung Telapak Burok di Bandar Jerantut (Jarak penerimaan: 126km). 

 

Stesen radio bawah berikut masih boleh diikuti siarannya di Bandar Jerantut, Pahang:

 

1. Era FM 103.6MHz

2. Sinar FM 96.9MHz

3. Suria FM 107.0MHz

4. Hot FM 99.5MHz

5. IKIM FM 102.7MHz

 

Zayan dan Best FM tidak dapat diterima di Jerantut, Pahang kerana mereka tidak mempunyai pemancar di Gunung Telapak Burok. Zayan FM 104.9MHz dan Best FM 104.1MHz dipancar dari Gunung Ulu Kali, tiada signal boleh diterima di Bandar Jerantut.

THR Raaga is available in Jerantut, Pahang via FM 101.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok.

 

10 years ago, I highlighted about my concern over Malaysia's No.1 Tamil radio station THR Raaga coverage availability in Pahang state because THR Raaga has no Kuantan frequency as its broadcast license is sharing with THR Gegar. For your information, Raaga and Gegar broadcast licenses are under Radio Lebuhraya Sdn Bhd (Time Highway Radio THR FM). According to Astro Radio broadcast engineer, I was told that THR is only allowed to operate only 1 radio station in Kuantan. Under the strategic plan, THR put Gegar in Kuantan, rather than Raaga due to market value.

 

Outside Kuantan areas, THR Raaga is available in most of Pahang areas by tuning on FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, meanwhile FM 99.7MHz Gunung Ledang for Southern Pahang (Muadzam Shah, Keratong) and FM 97.9MHz Gunung Kledang for Cameron Highlands.

 

THR Raaga Seremban frequency FM 101.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok is still available in part of Pahang, the clearest areas are in Temerloh, Chenor, Kuala Krau and Mentakab, despite it is less clearer than FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, meanwhile the signal is weaker than FM 99.7MHz from Gunung Ledang when tune in Teriang, Kemayan and Bera. 

About Jerantut, in the past, I was doubt whether THR Raaga could be heard there or not via the existing frequencies such 99.3 and 99.7, then I reckoned that FM 101.5MHz won't be available in Jerantut as the signal is already weak in Bandar Bera and Teriang. Beyond my expectation, during Hari Raya Aidiladha holiday last week, I could receive THR Raaga on FM 101.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok clearer in Jerantut town, Pahang.

 

In Jerantut town, THR Raaga FM 101.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok is clear in most of the areas, meanwhile FM 99.7MHz from Gunung Ledang is slightly weaker and FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali has no signal.

 

About Tamil radio stations in Jerantut, I know Minnal FM is the clearest because it has a low power repeater there on the frequency FM 91.9MHz, transmitted from Bukit Istana. Minnal FM is operated by RTM (Radio Televisyen Malaysia). RTM is public broadcaster owned by the Government of Malaysia, so of course Minnal FM is available in Jerantut by having local repeater as it is a government service to people.

 

Raaga is owned by Astro Radio which run the broadcast business and Astro Radio is the commercial radio broadcaster in Malaysia.

 

Overall radio check, Raaga FM 101.5MHz is clearer than FM 99.7MHz in majority of Jerantut town, meanwhile FM 101.5MHz has no signal outside of Jerantut town (Kuala Tembeling). In Kuala Tembeling, THR Raaga can be tuned on FM 99.7MHz from Gunung Ledang partially.

 

FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is not available in Jerantut town and Kuala Tembeling.

 

Dear all Indian listeners, regardless you travel to Jerantut or you are the local resident in Jerantut, if you would like to listen to THR Raaga on FM radio platform, FM 101.5MHz (Gunung Telapak Burok) is the available frequency in Jerantut town under DX mode, meanwhile for Kuala Tembeling area, please switch to FM 99.7MHz from Gunung Ledang. 

 

Syok app and Astro DVR Channel 859 are just the another alternative platforms, but digital tuning. (Disclaimer: Syok app and Astro DVR Channel 859 are digital platform, but Philip DXing Log topic is focusing on linear platform, mainly FM radio frequency from distant transmitter).

Buletin FM can still expand its coverage in southern region of Peninsular Malaysia by launching a transmitter in Gunung Telapak Burok on proposed frequency FM 102.0MHz to cover Negeri Sembilan and part of Melaka

 

It is already 8 months that Buletin FM ceased transmission in Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu, now leaving 4 frequencies in Kuching, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Alor Setar.

 

In southern region of Malaysia, there is still having 1 frequency slot where Buletin FM can launch, namely Seremban, but Gunung Telapak Burok transmission, meanwhile I don't think Buletin FM can expand coverage in Johor because Johor frequencies availability seems full. 

 

In my opinion, Buletin FM can launch Seremban frequency by installing transmitter in Gunung Telapak Burok on FM 102.0MHz, so the listeners in Negeri Sembilan (except Tampin), Central Pahang (Bera, Temerloh, Chenor, and part of Jerantut) and part of Melaka can tune to Buletin FM via radio. This could benefit Media Prima Audio in terms of radio listenership ratings too by expanding Buletin FM frequency coverage to Negeri Sembilan.

 

Few years ago, FM 102.0MHz was illegally occupied by unknown radio broadcaster in Pedas Linggi, Negeri Sembilan which the frequency had signal without audio, and the frequency was used to have RDS PS text, named "TEST" with the information "DEVA Broadcast Smartgen 6.0- RDS/RBDS Encoder", appeared on my phone when I detected in Hentian Sebelah Pedas Linggi Arah Selatan on 5th June 2019. Recently the unlicensed radio broadcast of FM 102.0MHz in that location is switched off.

 

When FM 102.0MHz unlicensed broadcast is switched off, Buletin FM can use that frequency in Gunung Telapak Burok to cover Negeri Sembilan.

 

==Personal proposal of Buletin FM Seremban frequency==

* Frequency: FM 102.0MHz

* Power: 1kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Telapak Burok, Negeri Sembilan 

 

==RF analysis of adjacent radio stations if Buletin FM uses FM 102.0MHz in Gunung Telapak Burok==

 

101.8MHz: MY FM Gunung Ulu Kali

102.0MHz: Buletin FM Gunung Telapak Burok

<200kHz, OK> 

 

101.9MHz: Johor FM Gunung Pulai

102.0MHz: Buletin FM Gunung Telapak Burok

<100kHz, OK>

 

102.0MHz: Buletin FM Gunung Telapak Burok

102.2MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Fraser

<200kHz, OK>

 

102.0MHz: Buletin FM Gunung Telapak Burok

102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang

<300kHz, OK> 

 

==Expected coverage if Buletin FM launches Seremban frequency on 102.0MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok==

1. Negeri Sembilan: Seremban, Kuala Pilah, Jelebu, Bahau, Jempol (except Felda Lui), Mantin, Nilai, Lenggeng, Batu Kikir, Port Dickson, Linggi, Rembau, Gemencheh, Gemas, Rompin, Felda Palong, Simpang Durian

 

2. Melaka: Kuala Sungai Baru, Masjid Tanah, Lubok Cina, Bandar Hilir, Sungai Udang, Kem Terendak, Tanjung Kling, and part of Alor Gajah 

 

3. Pahang: Chenor, Temerloh, Mentakab, Bera, Teriang, Felda Tembangau, Kuala Krau and part of Jerantut

 

4. Johor: Segamat, Batu Anam, Jementah, Tangkak, Muar and Sungai Mati (may have interference with Johor FM 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai)

 

Buletin FM does not need Melaka frequency at the moment because FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok transmission that I propose can cover part of Melaka. Besides that, Gunung Ledang seems have no spare frequencies, although there are having vacant frequencies, they can cause interference to Indonesia radio stations because Gunung Ledang transmission also can overspill to Indonesia territory such as Pekanbaru, Bengkalis and Dumai. 

 

Launching Buletin FM Melaka frequency in Bukit Tampin is not worth because Melaka is very small actually, most of radio broadcasters which have Melaka frequency are transmitted from Gunung Ledang as the transmitter site covers North Johor and South Pahang together where is very strategic enough.

 

It is more strategic to launch Buletin FM in Seremban by adding Gunung Telapak Burok than launching in Bukit Tampin because Gunung Telapak Burok can transmit to part of Melaka. In Melaka, the west areas (Tanjung Kling, Bandar Hilir, Alor Gajah, Batu Berendam) are having more market because they are more urban than other locations like Jasin, Asahan, Bemban. 

RTM Kelantan FM 102.9MHz from Wakaf Che Yeh (RTM Kota Bharu) is the furthest radio station received in Kuala Tembeling, Jerantut, Pahang, but FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar is clearer.

Kuala Tembeling is a sub-town in Jerantut district, Pahang, where located 18km from Jerantut town. It is a transfer point to Taman Negara National Park where tourists would like to travel to Taman Negara with boat rides from the jetty.

Over last weekend, in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha holiday, I came to Jerantut, Pahang and ran distant radio signal monitoring activity, my Hari Raya Aidiladha holiday trip included Kuala Tembeling.

According to my friend who was used to go to Jerantut many years ago, he claimed that Kelantan FM can be received via FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar. When I was asking the exact location, he mentioned it is Kuala Tembeling.

 

I performed radio signal monitoring in Kuala Tembeling, Pahang, the location receives from Bukit Istana, meanwhile distant transmitters from Bukit Bakar, and Gunung Ledang are still available with weak signal, even some of radio stations from Gunung Ulu Kali have little signals there.

Surprisingly I could receive Kelantan FM on the frequency on 102.9MHz which is transmitted from Wakaf Che Yeh (Kota Bharu) in Kuala Tembeling Jetty, Jerantut, Pahang.

The signal of Kelantan FM 102.9MHz from Wakaf Che Yeh is weaker than FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar in Kuala Tembeling, Pahang.

 

However, unlike FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar, Kelantan FM 102.9MHz from Wakaf Che Yeh has no interference from other radio station such as Melody FM 103.0MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali heard because Melody FM 103.0MHz has no signal in Kuala Tembeling.

For Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar, although it is slightly clearer than 102.9MHz from Wakaf Che Yeh, but adjacent channel interference with RTM Traxx FM 97.4MHz from Gunung Ledang can be detected when tuned to Kelantan FM 97.3MHz in Kuala Tembeling.

Since that, Kelantan FM 102.9MHz is the furthest radio station which I received in Kuala Tembeling, Jerantut, Pahang on 10th July 2022 with 224km receiving distance.

==Kelantan FM 102.9MHz DX in Jerantut, Pahang==

* Frequency: FM 102.9MHz

* Power: 1kW

* Transmitter site: Wakaf Che Yeh (RTM Kota Bharu), Kelantan

* Receiving site: Kuala Tembeling Jetty, Jerantut, Pahang

* Distance: 224km

* Radio receiver model: TECSUN PL-380

* Status: Weak and very low signal (6dBµ)

* Reception form: MONO

In addition, Kelantan FM is also available in Kuala Tembeling on the frequency FM 97.3MHz, it is very clear in most of the areas, but unstable due to adjacent channel interference with RTM Traxx FM 97.4MHz from Gunung Ledang under vice-versa condition.

 

==Kelantan FM 97.3MHz DX in Jerantut, Pahang==

* Frequency: FM 97.3MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmitter site: Bukit Bakar, Machang, Kelantan

* Receiving site: Kuala Tembeling Jetty, Jerantut, Pahang

* Distance: 182km

* Radio receiver model: TECSUN PL-380

* Status: Weak to moderate (11dBµ)

* Reception form: MONO 

 

To receive Kelantan FM 97.3MHz in Jerantut, here is the map of available areas.

Kuala Tembeling is my 6th location to receive Kelantan FM via radio (frequency transmission) in Pahang state after Benta, Sungai Yu, Cameron Highlands, Merapoh and Fraser's Hill in the DX history.