8FM temporarily ceases Kuantan frequency transmission, is 8FM going to change Kuantan frequency?

I have spotted a post by 8FM on Facebook and Instagram today about the notification of ceasing transmission of 8FM Kuantan frequency.

"From 25th September onwards, listeners need to change the listening method of tuning to 8FM. Immediately download Audio+ app, listen to our voices on 8FM anytime".

 

"Attention to Kuantan listeners, Kuantan 100.4 wants to change lor!"

 

By reading the notification post on 8FM Facebook and Instagram page in detail, now I think that 8FM will change its Kuantan frequency, but the time to launch new frequency is unknown yet.

 

BREAKING NEWS: "8FM is temporarily not having any new Kuantan frequency yet, Kuantan listeners need to tune via Audio+ or online streaming platform." (I received a message reply from 8FM via Instagram)

I think 8FM will get new Kuantan frequency later because I guess that Media Prima broadcast engineer team is on the way changing the transmission equipment of 8FM in Bukit Pelindung. Changing frequency is not easy as what we think because it involves many things, somewhat transmission equipment are needed to be replaced or re-calibrated. (Personal speculation only)

In my opinion, 8FM may change Kuantan frequency because it has co-channel interference with Ai FM 100.4MHz from Gunung Ledang in many areas within East Pahang. In addition, Ai FM 100.4MHz covers large part of Pahang. 

 

Actually I also detect the co-channel interference between Ai FM and 8FM on 100.4MHz in Sri Jaya and some Gambang areas when I drove on LPT highway.

 

On last month, I went to Chukai, Terengganu from Kuantan, then I did monitor 8FM Kuantan frequency 100.4MHz signal propagation. In between Cherating and Chukai town, 8FM 100.4MHz from Bukit Pelindung was having co-channel interference with Ai FM from Gunung Ledang. Signal became stable again once I reached Chukai town.

It is a problem when 8FM 100.4MHz from Bukit Pelindung is interfered by Ai FM from Gunung Ledang in Cherating, but it is fine if happens in Chini.

Ai FM Gunung Ledang 100.4MHz transmission power is 2kW, meanwhile 8FM Bukit Pelindung 100.4MHz is just only 0.25kW. Under this situation, how does 8FM can encounter and avoid the co-channel interference with Ai FM with such low output power? Somewhat the height of Gunung Ledang is higher than Bukit Pelindung.

Actually this is also a poor frequency planning by MCMC because FM 100.4MHz is not supposedly to be used in Bukit Pelindung as Ai FM uses it in Gunung Ledang which is very powerful. In terms of frequency history, Ai FM uses 100.4 in Gunung Ledang since 1985 when it is 24 years earlier than 8FM (One FM in 2009).

For now, 8FM listeners in Kuantan have to tune via Audio+ app or online streaming platform, but 8FM is receivable on 88.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in few locations.

I recorded the footage of receiving 8FM 88.1MHz in Kuantan was exactly located at Jalan Gambang, video was recorded in Paya Besar. The signal was interfered by Pahang FM 88.0MHz from Bukit Sembilan which covers Muadzam Shah and Bukit Ibam.

Now I'm waiting further update from 8FM. I will report here once I receive the notification.

Latest update (26/09/2022): 8FM Kuantan frequency 100.4MHz is to be replaced by Molek FM somewhere in October 2022. 

"8FM關丹100.4要變了咯!" 8FM是否更換關丹頻率, 然後有新頻率嗎?

今天我在Instragram和臉書看到8FM 881發布一個通告貼文通知聽眾關於其關丹頻率100.4會變, 並呼籲聽眾通過Audio+手機應用程序或網絡平台收聽8FM.

如果仔細地讀8FM這張貼文: "8FM關丹100.4要變咯!" (英語: 8FM Kuantan 100.4 wants to change; 馬來語: 8FM Kuantan 100.4 mahu tukar), 讀完句子後, 我就覺得8FM更換關丹頻率的可能性很大, 只不過新頻率推出的時間仍然是未知數.

 

我看到8FM這張貼文, 覺得好奇就馬上詢問是否8FM會更改關丹頻率. 

 

最新消息: 8FM恢復我在Instagram的詢問, 暫時不會有新的頻率, 但關丹需要通過Audio+手機應用程序或線上收聽.

 

我覺得8FM遲些會得到新的關丹頻率, 原因是首要媒體工程部團隊可能正在Bukit Pelindung發射站處理和更改8FM關丹發射器零件. 更換電台頻率不是大家想像中的簡單因為它涉及很多傳輸零件更換,所以費用會很昂貴和更換頻率也消耗很長的時間. (屬於個人猜測)

在我的看法, 8FM暫時關閉關丹頻率是因為現有的100.4在彭亨東部許多地區被RTM愛FM馬六甲和柔佛北部頻率100.4干擾. 愛FM的柔佛北部頻率100.4發射站Gunung Ledang其實覆蓋許多彭亨州地區. 所以我不排除8FM會更改關丹頻率.

上個月我從關丹去登嘉樓南部Chukai (朱蓋)的時候監視8FM關丹頻率100.4訊號, 在途中的Cherating和Chukai交界處聽到愛FM 100.4MHz的同頻率干擾.

 

8FM 100.4在Cherating一帶被愛FM的馬六甲/柔佛北部頻率干擾是很大問題, 但如果同頻率干擾發生在彭亨珍妮Chini還可以接受.

 

其實Gunung Ledang和Bukit Pelindung不適合同頻率廣播, 除非兩者都是同家電台, 兩者的頻率距離必須隔至少100kHz.

 

如果8FM的關丹頻率100.4是MCMC分發, 那麼干擾問題是MCMC分發頻率不當. 同頻率干擾不可以歸處於RTM愛FM, 因為愛FM在於1985年在Gunung Ledang開始用100.4這個頻率廣播, 比8FM在24年 (當時是One FM). 

愛FM Gunung Ledang 100.4MHz的發射功率是2kW, 反而8FM Bukit Pelindung 100.4MHz才區區0.25kW. 看到這種情況, 8FM怎樣可以對抗和避開愛FM的同頻率干擾? 加上Gunung Ledang的山座比Bukit Pelindung來得高.

 

關丹聽眾暫時需要通過線上平台收聽8FM, 但有些地區還勉強可以使用雪隆區頻率88.1收聽. 巧合上我有在關丹拍下短片, 但線路不清.

 

我在關丹接收8FM 88.1的訊號其實是在前往Gambang路段錄製, 訊號被Pahang FM Muadzam Shah頻率88.0MHz干擾.

 

目前我在等著8FM官方消息. 有甚麼新的進展, 我會第一時間向大家報告.

最新消息 (26-09-2022 1656時): 8FM關丹頻道100.4MHz從頻率表消失. 據說，其頻率被Molek FM取代。

Why is DAB+ radio unsuccessful in several countries?

 

European invented radio technology as a replacement of analogue FM and AM radio, DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) is successful in Western Europe such as United Kingdom, Norway, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.

 

However, DAB+ radio is also a failure radio technology in several countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Romania, Hungary, Portugal and Ireland.

 

There are few reasons of DAB+ is unsuccessful in these countries actually.

 

1. Lack of interest and commitment from radio broadcaster

-  Many radio listeners are tuning on FM radio platform, the radio stations gain more listenership ratings on FM radio than DAB+. Some of radio stations also run trial transmission on DAB/DAB+ radio by simulcasting FM radio program, but listeners prefer to listen on FM radio.

- Despite the broadcast regulator promotes DAB+ to radio players, but they have no interest towards that digital radio technology with many reasons such as coverage issue, transmission costs and the listeners.

 

2. Lack of public awareness towards DAB+ radio broadcast

-  Some of countries perform trial transmission of DAB+ radio, but the government does not promote this radio technology to the public. Hence, the people don't aware about DAB+ radio.

 

3. High transmission costs are paid by the radio broadcasters.

- As the coverage of DAB+ radio is smaller than FM radio due to DAB+ is on VHF Band III which is higher than FM radio (VHF Band II), radio broadcasters have to launch more gap filler transmitter to cover the location. The radio broadcasters have to bear more transmission costs on DAB+ radio than FM radio.

- Example: If Astro Radio from Malaysia launches DAB+ in Selangor, the radio broadcaster has to launch few auxiliary transmitter sites in Bukit Sungai Besi and Menara Kuala Lumpur. So, Astro Radio has to bear 3 times of transmission fees for DAB+ radio than FM radio. Compare between FM and DAB+, in Selangor, radio broadcasters can use only Gunung Ulu Kali to cover whole state.

 

4. DAB+ radio receiver is not affordable to the consumer

- At any electronic shop, by comparing the price of FM and DAB+ radio receiver, the price of DAB+ radio receiver is more expensive than FM radio receiver. Some of consumers can't afford the price to purchase DAB+ radio receiver.

- Note that DAB+ radio receiver consumes more electricity power than FM.

 

5. Car radio does not have DAB+ tuner

-  Most of the car audio player don't have DAB+ tuner. The latest car multimedia player aren't only equipped with FM radio, Bluetooth and USB port as the most basic features, they are even having Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With such advanced features, people can even tune to their content (including online radio stations) via mobile data by connecting the phone to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, even Bluetooth and the conventional AUX port. So, DAB+ technology is not welcomed by car users.

 

6. Lack of listeners' interest

- As there is growing of digital platforms from the radio broadcasters such as Podcasts, YouTube LIVE streaming and mobile applications, it is very convenient to the consumers. People can tune to their favorite radio stations via online streaming, YouTube, mobile app and even repeated program through podcast, they don't need to buy DAB+ radio receiver which is more expensive.

 

7. Poorer coverage of DAB+ than FM

- As DAB+ frequency is allocated at VHF Band III which is higher than FM radio band, the coverage of DAB+ is lesser than FM. 

 - Usually FM radio transmission can travel up to 150km (depends on the transmission site), but DAB+ transmission distance is shorter than FM. 

- The listeners tune to a radio station on FM band outside broadcast coverage areas, when the signal is weak and faded, they can still hear the broadcast with static noise on FM frequency. However, on DAB+, when the signal is weak, the DAB+ signal is directly off and showing "NO Signal", the situation is same as playing a damaged CD on the player.

 

==About DAB+ Radio in Malaysia==

- According to WorldDAB, Malaysia has been running DAB+ radio trial transmission since 2009. Coverage is limited in Kuala Lumpur.

- Opinion: I don't think DAB+ is successful radio technology in Malaysia because the people have no interest to listen to radio via DAB+ as we are already accustomed to listen through FM radio and other digital platform such as mobile app streaming, YouTube LIVE and online streaming. In addition, none of the Malaysia cars' multimedia players have DAB+ tuner, even I go to any electronic shop, there are no any DAB+ receiver. Moreover, I don't think Malaysia radio broadcasters have the interest to operate DAB+ broadcast to replace FM radio due to poorer coverage of DAB+ than FM. Malaysia can be same with Romania, Hungary, Portugal, Singapore, Hong Kong and Ireland where DAB+ is abandoned.

Asyik FM 95.6MHz Gunung Ledang signal reception in Keratong and Muadzam Shah, Pahang

 

The RTM's Orang Asli language radio station, Asyik FM launched North Johor frequency on FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Ledang since January 2011.

 

According to RTM engineer, Asyik FM 95.6MHz Gunung Ledang transmitter only intends to Orang Asli areas in Segamat, Chaah and Labis.

 

Asyik FM 95.6MHz Gunung Ledang is receivable in small part of Negeri Sembilan (Rompin and Gemencheh) and Pahang (Muadzam Shah and Keratong) actually with weak signal quality.

 

Transmission power of Asyik FM 95.6MHz in Gunung Ledang is 0.25kW, likely a directional panel antenna beams only southeast direction to aim Chaah and Labis.

 

In Pahang state, Asyik FM is available largely on FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, only two locations can receive on FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Ledang, so I tested in Muadzam Shah, and Keratong.

 

==Muadzam Shah==

 

FM 95.6MHz reception is fair in Bandar Muadzam Shah, but signal is unstable due to interference with Pahang FM 95.5MHz from Bukit Sulai, but Asyik FM is even clearer in Muadzam Shah on FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali when I compare with FM 95.6MHz.

 

95.6MHz Gunung Ledang: 52/100

102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: 67/100

 

==Keratong== 

 

No interference with Pahang FM 95.5MHz from Bukit Sulai like what I received in Muadzam Shah, but poor reception tuned in Keratong. 

 

FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali reception is slightly clearer there. 

 

Overall check, Keratong and Muadzam Shah are not the broadcast license areas of Asyik FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Ledang in terms of reception quality. Listeners in these locations need to tune it on FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali. Only Felda Selancar nearby Johor border is the coverage of FM 95.6MHz.

RTM Pahang FM should be changed its Muadzam Shah frequency from 88.0MHz to 103.9MHz due to adjacent channel interference with RTM Radio Klasik FM 87.9MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk in Muadzam Shah, Pahang

 

 

RTM Pahang FM has local tuning frequency in Muadzam Shah on FM 88.0MHz, transmitted from Bukit Sembilan.

 

On 18th September 2022, I traveled to Muadzam Shah to conduct radio check and make radio signal content videos.

 

Pahang FM 88.0MHz from Bukit Sembilan reception is very bad in Muadzam Shah actually because it is often being interfered by RTM Radio Klasik FM 87.9MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk, meanwhile it is also interfered by 8FM 88.1MHz from Gunung Ledang in several locations of Muadzam Shah.

 

In my opinion, Bukit Sembilan transmitter site is quite strategic and its coverage is quite good to cover Muadzam Shah and Keratong, as well as part of Kuala Rompin, but interference of Pahang FM 88.0MHz is actually caused by frequency problem.

 

Technically, Bukit Sembilan frequency should be separated from Gunung Telapak Buruk and Gunung Ledang at least 300kHz, meanwhile Gunung Ulu Kali and Bukit Pelindung are minimum 200kHz.

 

I did try other frequencies in Muadzam Shah, all of them are unstable and weak.

 

* FM 88.0MHz (Bukit Sembilan 19km): Adjacent channel interference with RTM Radio Klasik FM 87.9MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk

 

* FM 104.1MHz (Bukit Pelindung 92km): Co-channel interference with Best FM 104.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali

 

* FM 95.5MHz (Bukit Sulai 72km): Adjacent channel interference with Asyik FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Ledang

 

* FM 107.5MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali 149km): Signal is stable, but not clear (MONO reception)

 

Radio reception of all stated Pahang FM frequencies was conducted exactly at Dataran Bandar Muadzam Shah where located at the town center of Muadzam Shah, Pahang.

To resolve the interference issue, I highly suggest RTM to change Pahang FM's Muadzam Shah frequency. Based on frequency bandscan, there are four available frequencies which suitable for Bukit Sembilan transmission, such as:

- FM 99.1MHz

- FM 102.0MHz

- FM 103.9MHz

- FM 105.5MHz

==RF analysis==

A. FM 99.1MHz

98.9MHz: Zayan FM Gunung Ledang

99.1MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (0.5kW)

<200kHz, OK in Muadzam Shah, but interference in Felda Selancar>

 

99.1MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (0.5kW)

99.3MHz: Raaga Gunung Ulu Kali

<200kHz, OK>

 

99.1MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (0.5kW)

99.5MHz: Hot FM Gunung Telapak Buruk

<400kHz, OK>

 

99.1MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (0.5kW)

99.1MHz: Mix FM Gunung Pulai

<0kHz, OK>

 

B. FM 102.0MHz

101.8MHz: MY FM Gunung Ulu Kali

102.0MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (0.5kW)

<200kHz, OK>

 

102.0MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (0.5kW)

102.2MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Fraser

<200kHz, OK>

102.0MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (0.5kW)

102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang

<300kHz, OK>

 

C. FM 103.9MHz

103.6MHz: Era FM Gunung Telapak Buruk

103.9MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (0.5kW)

<300kHz, OK>

 

103.9MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (0.5kW)

104.1MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Pelindung

<200kHz, OK> (same radio station)

 

103.9MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (0.5kW)

104.1MHz: Best FM Gunung Ulu Kali

<200kHz, OK>

 

103.8MHz: Manis FM Bukit Senggora (Maran sahaja)

103.9MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (0.5kW)

<100kHz, OK>

 

103.9MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (0.5kW)

104.3MHz: Hot FM Gunung Ledang

<400kHz, OK>

 

D. FM 105.5MHz

105.3MHz: Johor FM Gunung Ledang

105.5MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (0.5kW)

<200kHz, OK in Muadzam Shah, but interference in Felda Selancar>

 

105.5MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan (0.5kW)

105.7MHz: Lite FM Gunung Ulu Kali

<200kHz, OK>

 

Based on RF analysis, FM 103.9MHz is the most suitable frequency for RTM Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan transmission because it is having 300kHz frequency separation with Era FM 103.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk, and 400kHz frequency separation with Hot FM 104.3MHz from Gunung Ledang which are very sufficient. In addition, despite Pahang FM 103.9MHz Bukit Sembilan transmission has 100kHz frequency separation with Manis FM 103.8MHz from Bukit Senggora, but it is ok because both are targeting different area. I don't think Pahang FM 103.9MHz Bukit Sembilan transmission can overspill to Maran, Jengka, Chenor, Bandar Bera and Temerloh.

FM 99.1MHz and FM 105.5MHz are less suitable for Bukit Sembilan transmission if covers Felda Selancar where is next to Johor border because Pahang FM could be interfered by Zayan FM 98.9MHz and Johor FM 105.3MHz from Gunung Ledang where both radio stations signal are very clear in between Muadzam Shah and Segamat.

In terms of transmission power, I also suggest RTM Pahang FM to increase transmitter power from 0.1kW to 0.5kW when Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan frequency changes to FM 103.9MHz. Correspondingly, Pahang FM 103.9MHz from Bukit Sembilan can reach Keratong, Bukit Ibam, Selancar and Bera Selatan. The reception of Pahang FM 103.9MHz in Keratong is expected to be clearer than FM 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

Other than Keratong, Muadzam Shah and Felda Selancar, several locations in Negeri Sembilan (Felda Palong and Serting Hilir) and Johor (Pemanis in Segamat) can receive Pahang FM 103.9MHz from Bukit Sembilan.

With the proposal of frequency change, it is not necessary to launch Gunung Ledang transmitter for Pahang FM to cover Muadzam Shah and Keratong where Gunung Ledang is located in Johor state.

 

Meanwhile in Keratong, Pahang FM can be tuned slightly clearer on 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

==My proposal of RTM Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan frequency change==

* Frequency: FM 103.9MHz

* Power: 0.5kW

* Coverage: Muadzam Shah, Bukit Ibam, Keratong, Selancar and Bera Selatan

Radio check (FM DX) in Muadzam Shah, Pahang.

 

In conjunction with Malaysia Day public holiday, I went to Muadzam Shah, Pahang for radio signal monitoring activity. Originally I planned to drop by there on 31st August 2022 during departure from Kuantan to Balakong, but it was too far to travel such routes. Hence, I chose to carry forward Muadzam Shah FM DXing to Malaysia Day holiday. So, I made decision to come on 18th September 2022, rather than 16th September 2022.

Few radio stations are taken sample of signal reception in Muadzam Shah, Pahang, such as:

1. Hot FM

 

4 frequencies can be received in Muadzam Shah. The clearest Hot FM frequency is FM 104.3MHz from Gunung Ledang, following by FM 99.5MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk and FM 97.6MHz Gunung Ulu Kali, meanwhile FM 92.4MHz from Bukit Pelindung is still receivable.

 

2. Asyik FM

 

I compare two frequencies reception in Muadzam Shah. FM 102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali and FM 95.6MHz Gunung Ledang are receivable there. In terms of signal reception, Asyik FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is more stable than 95.6MHz from Gunung Ledang.

 

Asyik FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Ledang is clear, but unstable due to adjacent channel interference with Pahang FM 95.5MHz from Bukit Sulai which intends for Gambang, Sri Jaya, and Chini.

 

3. Pahang FM

 

None of frequencies are having clear and stable signal in Muadzam Shah. The local transmitter FM 88.0MHz from Bukit Sembilan is being interfered by RTM Radio Klasik FM 87.9MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk badly, and interference with 8FM 88.1MHz from Gunung Ledang could be detected certainly. 

FM 95.5MHz from Bukit Sulai reception is unstable due to adjacent channel interference with Asyik FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Ledang.

FM 104.1MHz from Bukit Pelindung is having co-channel interference with Best FM 104.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

FM 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is the most stable frequency, but weak reception in Muadzam Shah.

 

4. MY FM

 

Same goes to Hot FM, 4 frequencies are receivable. FM 106.4MHz Gunung Ledang is the clearest, following by FM 100.6MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk dan FM 101.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali. 

 

FM 101.1MHz Bukit Pelindung is still receivable with unstable STEREO signal.

 

5. Best FM

 

FM 94.8MHz from Gunung Ledang is the clearest and most stable frequency, meanwhile FM 104.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is having co-channel interference with Pahang FM 104.1MHz from Bukit Pelindung. 

6. Lite FM

 

My favorite radio station actually. FM 92.2MHz from Gunung Ledang is the clearest, meanwhile FM 104.6MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk and FM 105.7MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali signal reception are moderate. From Seremban to Muadzam Shah, I listened to Lite FM all the way on FM 104.6MHz.

 

7. 988 FM

 

FM 98.2MHz from Gunung Ledang is the clearest in Muadzam Shah.

8. THR Gegar FM 88.8MHz

 

Adjacent channel interference with Traxx FM 88.7MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk is detected.

 

9. THR Raaga 

 

Among three tested frequencies, FM 99.7MHz from Gunung Ledang is the clearest, meanwhile FM 101.5MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk and FM 99.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali are weak there.

 

10. Negeri FM

 

FM 107.7MHz Gunung Ledang is slightly clearer than FM 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk.

 

11. Johor FM

 

Although Johor FM 105.3MHz covers North Johor only, but it is the clearest RTM state radio station from Gunung Ledang received in Muadzam Shah, Pahang.

 

12. Melaka FM

 

Compare with Negeri FM 107.7MHz and Johor FM 105.3MHz reception in Muadzam Shah, RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz is the weaker as its Gunung Ledang transmission mainly beams to west direction to cover Melaka.

 

13. 8FM (formerly known as One FM)

 

Signal is quite weak, minor adjacent channel interference with Pahang FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan transmitter is detected in Muadzam Shah.

 

14. CityPlus FM 106.0MHz

Reception is moderate to clear in Muadzam Shah, but adjacent channel interference with Ai FM 106.1MHz from Bukit Pelindung can be detected in several areas.

Overall check, Gunung Ledang transmitted radio stations are the clearest in Muadzam Shah, following by Gunung Telapak Buruk. Several Gunung Ulu Kali transmitted radio stations are still clear in Muadzam Shah, mainly Lite FM 105.7MHz, Zayan FM 104.9MHz, and Minnal FM 96.3MHz.

All radio check aka FM DX was conducted and filmed in Dataran Bandar Muadzam Shah, Pahang where located exactly at the town center.

 

Regarding Singapore radio stations in Muadzam Shah and Keratong, I did try CNA 93.8FM, Kiss 92FM, and One FM 91.3, none of them were receivable.

==Radio transmission distance to Muadzam Shah==

* Gunung Ledang: 93km

* Gunung Ulu Kali: 149km

* Bukit Pelindung: 92km

* Gunung Telapak Buruk: 115km

* Bukit Sembilan: 19km

Radio Exterior De Espana SW 15520kHz from Noblejas, Spain received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

 

Today is Malaysia public holiday, known as Malaysia Day which falls annually on 16th September. I took opportunity to stay overnight until midnight to perform shortwave DXing by receiving signal from Europe, but my primary target was actually to receive Radio Romania Antena Satelor LW 153kHz (failed).

 

While I couldn't receive any signal from Radio Romania Antena Satelor LW 153kHz in Malaysia between 0000-0100 hours (UTC+8), I did manage to receive several shortwave radio stations.

 

Alongside BBC World Service from Ascension Island, Radio Farda (transmitted from Germany and UK), as well as Radio Romania International, I tried to receive Radio Exterior De Espana on SW 15520kHz in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia.

 

According to short-wave.info, none of radio stations are operating on SW 15520kHz and adjacent frequencies during the receiving time. Hence, I identified SW 15520kHz is Radio Exterior De Espana.

The signal was quite weak actually. In terms of distance, Radio Exterior De Espana SW 15520kHz becomes 2nd furthest shortwave radio station that I tuned at my receiving location in Balakong, Selangor State, Malaysia after BBC World Service from Ascension Island.

 

==My shortwave DX report of Radio Exterior De Espana==

* Frequency: SW 15520kHz

* Power: 200kW

* Transmission site: Noblejas, Spain

* Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

* Distance: 11074km

* Receiving date/time: 16th September 2022 0055H (UTC+8)/15th September 2022 1655H (UTC)

* Language: Spanish

* Receiver: TECSUN PL-310ET

* SINPO: 13322

I received UK and Germany transmitted Radio Farda shortwave signal in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia.

 

On yesterday 15th September 2022 between 2300-2330 hours (UTC+8), I managed to receive Persian language external radio station, Radio Farda which are transmitted from Europe continent in Malaysia by following shortwave frequencies below:

 

1. SW 12005kHz from Woofferton, United Kingdom (300kW)

2. SW 15690kHz from Biblis, Germany (100kW)

3. SW 17830kHz from Lampertheim, Germany (100kW)

 

Receiving location is in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia.

 

Among 3 frequencies, all of them are having same signal quality, but Radio Farda SW 17830kHz and SW 15690kHz are slightly louder.

 

In terms of distance, Radio Farda on SW 12005kHz from Woofferton, United Kingdom is the furthest with the distance as much as 10723km after the BBC World Service from Ascension Island which is 12928km and Radio Exterior De Espana. 

 

It is my another shortwave radio signal catch from Europe after Romania, Moldova (Radyo Denge Welat), France (Radyo Denge Welat) and Germany (DW). 

 

Radio Farda is usually targeting Persian speaking countries, notably Iran and some countries from Central Asia.

 

Here is the reception report of Radio Farda that I received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia.

 

1. SW 12005kHz Woofferton, United Kingdom

- Distance: 10723km

- Receiving time: 2308 hours (UTC+8)

- SINPO: 42233 

2. SW 15690kHz Biblis, Germany

- Distance: 9985km

- Receiving time: 2311 hours (UTC+8)

- SINPO: 33333

3. SW 17830kHz Lampertheim, Germany

- Distance: 9983km

- Receiving date/time: 2315 hours (UTC+8)

- SINPO: 44333

 

BBC World Service from Ascension Island received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia on 17640kHz, 17830kHz and 21630kHz, it becomes the furthest shortwave radio station that I received in Malaysia with 12928km.

 

In Malaysia, BBC World Service English broadcast can be tuned via shortwave radio transmission from Kranji, Singapore in certain broadcast hours, meanwhile FM 88.9MHz is available in South Johor areas.

 

Just midnight on today 16th September 2022, from 0000-0100 hours (Malaysia time UTC+8) or 1600-1700 hours (UTC), I received three BBC World Service shortwave frequencies from Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean.

 

Frequencies are: 

1. SW 17640kHz (115 degree angle)

2. SW 17830kHz (85 degree angle)

3. SW 21630kHz (55 degree angle)

 

All stated frequencies are transmitted at 125kW output power. Although the primary targeting coverage region of BBC World Service SW 17640kHz, 17830kHz and 21630kHz from Ascension Island is Central Africa, but it can overspill to Malaysia and other ASEAN countries.

 

 

Among three videos above, SW 21630kHz is the clearest frequency, following by SW 17640kHz, meanwhile SW 17830kHz is the weakest. These 3 frequencies are transmitted from same site, but propagation is different due to different antenna beaming direction angle.

 

Here I would like to rate the reception of BBC World Service Ascension Island frequencies that I received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia with SINPO code. (1 is poor, 5 is excellent)

 

- SW 17640kHz:  24323

- SW 17830kHz: 13322

- SW 21630kHz: 45444 

 

The transmission distance from Ascension Island to my receiving location in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia where is just 20km from Kuala Lumpur is 12928km. In terms of receiving distance, I break my record again by tuning BBC World Service from Ascension Island in Malaysia.

 

After I received BBC World Service Ascension Island shortwave signal, I do issue the e-QSL from BBC.