After Sibu frequencies were launched in April 2019, Astro Radio can launch Era Sarawak, Hitz Sarawak and MY Sarawak in Bintulu.

 

Remember that Astro Radio launched Sibu frequencies for 3 Sarawak branch radio stations MY FM, Era FM and Hitz FM in April 2019?

 

In Sibu, MY FM on FM 105.9MHz, Hitz FM on 105.1MHz and Era FM on 96.3MHz.

 

After Sibu, Astro Radio can expand coverage to Bintulu for Hitz, MY and Era Sarawak branch because Bintulu is the 4th largest town in Sarawak after Kuching, Miri and Sibu.

 

About the transmitter site, Bintulu has two towers, namely Bukit Setiam and Bukit Nyabau. Both are located in different locations.

 

Bukit Setiam is located in Tatau, between Bintulu and Mukah, meanwhile Bukit Nyabau is located in Bintulu town. 

 

Here are the coverage simulation maps between Bukit Setiam and Bukit Nyabau, transmitter power is set at 2kW with 3 bay array dipole antenna (2.0dBd per bay array):

1. Bukit Setiam

2. Bukit Nyabau 

Between two transmitter sites, Bukit Setiam coverage is wider than Bukit Nyabau.

 

For radio broadcast, Bukit Setiam has the history, meanwhile none of radio stations use Bukit Nyabau as the transmitter site for Bintulu. Bukit Nyabau is only occupied for TV broadcast in Bintulu.

Bukit Setiam is used by RTM and Cats FM for radio broadcast currently.

If Astro Radio wants to launch MY (Sarawak), Era (Sarawak) and Hitz (Sarawak) in Bintulu, I would suggest Bukit Setiam as the transmitter site. From the coverage simulation map, Bukit Setiam can also cover Mukah and Selangau. So, listeners can tune to MY, Hitz and Era in Mukah via Bintulu frequency from Bukit Setiam.

About the frequencies, Bintulu has more empty slots than Miri and Kuching. Based on FM spectrum table, if me, I would nominate:

- Hitz: FM 102.7MHz

- Era: FM 104.8MHz

- MY: FM 106.5MHz

 

For the rest of Astro radio stations such as Sinar, Melody, Mix and Lite, I don't think Astro will launch them in Bintulu and Sibu, even Miri has no Lite and Mix because they are not local enough in Sarawak as they're main based (Peninsular Malaysia) radio stations. In addition, Gfk radio audience measurement survey does not count the listeners who tune to the radio stations in Sabah and Sarawak as Gfk focuses the survey in Peninsular Malaysia, so this may not help Lite, Mix, Melody and Sinar to get more listenership ratings with launching frequencies in Sibu and Bintulu. 

 

In conclusion, if Astro wants to expands its radio stations' coverage in Bintulu, same as Sibu, I believe Astro will only launch MY FM Sarawak, Hitz FM Sarawak and Era FM Sarawak in Bintulu.

FM radio aircheck: RTM Johor FM 105.3MHz & Negeri FM 107.7MHz in Durian Tunggal, Melaka

 

Durian Tunggal is located in Alor Gajah district, Melaka where is not far from Ayer Keroh.

 

Alongside Tampin, Johol and Alor Gajah, I conduct radio aircheck in Durian Tunggal. In Durian Tunggal, Gunung Ledang is the local radio transmitter, meanwhile Gunung Telapak Buruk radio reception is weak there. Two RTM state radio stations are taken in radio signal check in Durian Tunggal.

 

1. RTM Johor FM 105.3MHz Gunung Ledang (1kW)

 

Signal is moderately clear in Durian Tunggal, but STEREO reception is not so stable as my radio receiver will switch to MONO signal automatically. No co-channel interference with Suria FM 105.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is detected in Durian Tunggal town like what I tune in Bandar Hilir, Alor Gajah and Sungai Udang.

 

2. RTM Negeri FM 107.7MHz Gunung Ledang (1kW)

 

Signal is clear in Durian Tunggal. By comparing with Johor FM 105.3MHz, RTM Negeri FM 107.7MHz is much clearer. 

 

FM 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk and FM 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin are less clear in Durian Tunggal, both are MONO signal. 

 

For other RTM state radio stations such as Selangor FM 100.9MHz and Pahang FM 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, no signal is heard in Durian Tunggal, Melaka.

 

Selangor FM 100.9MHz signal is fully static in Durian Tunggal, meanwhile Pahang FM 107.5MHz signal is interfered by Melody FM 107.3MHz (Gunung Ledang) and Negeri FM 107.7MHz (Gunung Ledang).

FM radio aircheck: RTM state radio stations in Johol, Negeri Sembilan

 Johol is a small town located in between Kuala Pilah and Tampin, it is under Kuala Pilah district in Negeri Sembilan and postcode is 73100.

About radio stations reception in Johol, the small town is mostly receiving from Gunung Telapak Buruk, meanwhile several radio stations are needed to be tuned from Gunung Ledang.

RTM state radio stations are my primary target to check in Johol, Negeri Sembilan because they have different propagation, compare to commercial radio stations.

1. Negeri FM 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk (2kW)

Signal is very clear in Johol on 92.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk, meanwhile FM 107.7MHz from Gunung Ledang is slightly weak.

 

2. Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang (1kW)

Moderate to clear signal in Johol, Negeri Sembilan is received. STEREO signal is received in the town on TECSUN PL-310ET radio receiver.

 

3. Johor FM 105.3MHz Gunung Ledang (1kW)

No interference with Suria FM 105.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali, but Johor FM 105.3MHz Gunung Ledang signal is weaker than Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang in Johol, Negeri Sembilan. By checking the signal on TECSUN PL-380 radio receiver, Johor FM 105.3MHz signal is MONO there. In Air Mawang, mild co-channel inteference from Suria FM 105.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is detected.

No signal is heard in Johol, Negeri Sembilan when I tuned to Pahang FM 107.5MHz and Selangor FM 100.9MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, even Asyik FM 95.6MHz Gunung Ledang.

Alongside RTM state radio stations, I also checked few radio stations signal randomly such as Lite FM 104.6MHz (Gunung Telapak Buruk) and Traxx FM (88.7MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk & 97.4MHz Gunung Ledang) in Johol.

 

Listeners who tune to Traxx FM in Johol have to tune to FM 97.4MHz from Gunung Ledang, rather than FM 88.7MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk because I could hear the interference noise from Suria FM 88.5MHz Gunung Ledang transmitter when I tuned to Traxx FM 88.7MHz in Johol.

 

Lite FM 104.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk is clear in Johol, meanwhile 92.2MHz from Gunung Ledang is moderately clear. By measuring the signal strength, 104.6MHz reading is higher than 92.2MHz in Johol, Negeri Sembilan.

RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai signal detected in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan with interference noise from MY FM 101.8MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali)

 

After I completed FM DXing in Southern Negeri Sembilan (Tampin, Rembau & Johol) and Melaka (Alor Gajah & Durian Tunggal), I departed back to my home in Balakong, Selangor in the evening.

 

Today is the public holiday in conjunction with post GE15 holiday and Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim (DSAI) had been appointed as Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister since 24th November 2022, so many of us traveled out of town. Then, I went to do FM DXing in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka which its original planning date is on 11st December 2022.

 

Many years ago, I was used to hear some radio stations signal from Gunung Pulai in Seremban such as Minnal FM 101.1MHz and Ai FM 104.9MHz. Back to 2016, before Red FM was sold to Astro and rebranded to Zayan, I was listening to it in Seremban. On PLUS Highway from Seremban to Nilai, I heard co-channel interference between Red FM (Gunung Ulu Kali) and Ai FM (Gunung Pulai) on 104.9MHz at Bandar Ainsdale.

 

Yesterday evening, when the traffic on PLUS Highway from Seremban to Klang Valley was getting slower due to heavy rain, from Seremban toll exit to Nilai, I tuned my radio dial to FM 101.9MHz.

 

Before this, I was used to detect Johor FM 101.9MHz in Seremban 8 months ago, but I did not record it due to safety reason.

 

Nearby Bandar Ainsdale toll exit, I heard Johor FM 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai intermittently when I drove from Seremban to Nilai on PLUS Highway.

 

Serious adjacent channel interference with MY FM 101.8MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali was detected when I tuned to Johor FM 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. 

 

2 minutes and 15 seconds video of receiving Johor FM 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai was recorded on PLUS Highway when I was driving northbound from Seremban to Nilai.

  

After Bandar Ainsdale, the signal of Johor FM 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai was completely disappeared, meanwhile MY FM 101.8MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali became clearer.

 

Due to adjacent channel interference with MY FM 101.8MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai is not constantly available in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. 

Adjacent channel interference between MY FM 101.8MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali) and Johor FM 101.9MHz (Gunung Pulai) also happens in Melaka and other Negeri Sembilan areas (eg: Rembau, Gemas, and Bandar Seri Jempol)

 

Note: FM 105.3MHz is completely Suria FM from Gunung Ulu Kali in Seremban, even in Rembau and Pedas. 

 

* Frequency: FM 101.9MHz

* Power: 5kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Pulai, Johor

* Receiving site: Seremban, Negeri Sembilan (nearby Bandar Ainsdale)

* Distance: 223km

(FM DX) Furthest radio stations tuned in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia (TOP 3)

Here are the furthest radio stations which I tuned in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia yesterday, based on transmitter site. (TOP 3)

1. Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz (243km)- GOLD

2. Singapore Mediacorp Love 97.2FM & 987FM (212km)- SILVER

3. RTM Minnal FM 101.1MHz Gunung Pulai (175km)- BRONZE

Singapore Mediacorp Love 97.2FM and 987FM received in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Alongside RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz from Batam, Indonesia which is the furthest radio station tuned in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, I managed to receive two Singapore radio stations in Tampin too, both are operated Mediacorp.

1. Love 97.2FM

Very mild signal of playing Chinese song was heard when I was driving to Tampin old town. 10 years ago, I was used to receive this Singapore Chinese radio station by using Sony Ericsson J105i Naite at a Chinese temple in Pulau Sebang where it is just opposite to the mosque.

2. 987FM

I tuned at Tampin New Village, exact location was outside a Chinese food court, together with RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz. Interference with Zayan FM 98.9MHz from Gunung Ledang was detected. By comparing the interference of RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz in Tampin, 987FM interference noise with Zayan FM 98.9MHz is more obvious.

Note: Fly FM 98.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk is having no signal in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan.

Transmitter site of Singapore radio station is located in Bukit Batok, the distance from Bukit Batok to Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia is 212km. Hence, Singapore radio is second furthest in Tampin.

Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz is the furthest radio station that I received in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

 On 27th November 2022, I went to Negeri Sembilan and Melaka to conduct FM DXing activity, Tampin was my core location for FM DXing yesterday.

Tampin is located in South Negeri Sembilan where just adjacent to Melaka border.

In Tampin, Gunung Telapak Buruk transmitted radio stations have no signal, meanwhile Gunung Pulai was receivable weakly. Gunung Ledang transmitted radio stations are local frequencies in Tampin.

10 years ago, when I was serving PLKN (Program Latihan Khidmat Negara), a group of Chinese members and I went to Tampin Chinese temple in Pulau Sebang every Sunday. At there, I was used to receive several Singapore radio stations with my Sony Ericsson J105i Naite.

As I recalled the memory, I placed RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz as my target to DX in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan.

In Tampin town, none of Singapore and Indonesia (Batam) radio stations signal were detected. As the result, I planned to abandon further radio check because I wanted to go for breakfast at Tampin New Village and then I would go to Johol for radio check.

 

After I had done my breakfast at Tampin New Village, I checked FM 105.1MHz signal in my car before heading to Johol.

At Tampin New Village (Kampung Baru Tampin) where is Chinese majority area, I received Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz.

The signal of RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz was very weak, but adjacent channel interference with Johor FM 105.3MHz from Gunung Ledang was very mildly detected in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia because the radio signal of Johor FM 105.3MHz is not so clear in Tampin as it covers North Johor only, excluding Melaka and Negeri Sembilan.

RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz operates at 5kW power, it is transmitted from TVRI Batam tower.

By calculating the transmission distance, RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz becomes the furthest radio station that I received in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Meanwhile by considering overall radio reception of RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz, Tampin is the third furthest location after Bandar Seri Jempol and Simpang Ampat.

==RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz reception in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia==

* Frequency: FM 105.1MHz

* Power: 5kW

* Transmitter site: TVRI Batam, Batam Island, Indonesia

* Receiving site: Tampin New Village, 73000 Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

* Distance: 243km

* Receiving date/time: 27th November 2022, 0923 hours (UTC+8)

Kelantan FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar diterima di Genting Highlands, Pahang

 

Percaya atau tidak? Isyarat RTM Kelantan FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar diterima di Genting Highlands, Pahang.

 

Pada 13hb November 2022, saya bercuti di Genting Highlands dengan keluarga saya. Sebelum saya mendaftar masuk hotel di First World pada 1 petang, saya pergi Hotel First World tingkat 24 untuk menerima isyarat radio yang jauh dari tempat pemancar.

 

Di tingkat 24 Hotel First World Genting, saya menerima siaran RTM Kelantan FM pada frekuensi 97.3MHz yang dipancar dari Bukit Bakar.

 

Rakaman video diambil berhampiran dengan lif dan antena radio dihalakan ke arah timur laut.

 

Rakaman video pertama diambil pada waktu pagi pukul 0752 jam dengan penerima radio TECSUN PL-380, manakala rakaman video kedua diambil pada waktu petang pukul 2 jam dengan penerima radio TECSUN PL-310 yang berwarna hitam. 

 

Gangguan frekuensi oleh Ai FM 97.1MHz yang dipancar dari Bukit Fraser boleh dikesan apabila saya menerima siaran Kelantan FM 97.3MHz di situ, manakala gangguan frekuensi oleh KL FM 97.2MHz dari Menara Kuala Lumpur boleh dikesan semasa saya beralih penerima radio saya ke tempat lain, walaupun sama tingkat.

 

Jarak antara Bukit Bakar dan Genting Highlands ialah 259km. 

 

Genting Highlands ialah kawasan yang paling jauh dimana saya terima siaran Kelantan FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar, tetapi Langkawi ialah kawasan yang lebih jauh kerana kawan saya menerima siaran Kelantan FM di Pulau Langkawi pada awal tahun 2022.

 

 

Buletin FM weekly listenership rating dropped to 177k in Gfk Radio Audience Measurement (RAM) Survey Wave 2/2022. My suggestion to replace Buletin FM with other radio brands.

 

The result of Gfk Radio Audience Measurement (RAM) survey Wave 2 in 2022 was just released few days ago, I had read all radio stations' listenership ratings from Astro Radio to Media Prima Audio, then Star Radio Group and other standalone radio stations.

 

According to Gfk survey, Buletin FM gets only 177k listeners weekly, and becomes the lowest rating Malay radio stations among all.

 

However, Buletin FM's 177k listeners are only counted in Klang Valley, Penang and Alor Setar.

 

Gfk Radio Audience Measurement (RAM) survey in Malaysia counts only Peninsular Malaysia listenership via FM radio. Sabah, Labuan, Sarawak and digital listening (mobile app, MYTV, Astro DVR and online streaming) are not calculated in the survey.

 

Buletin FM currently operates with 4 frequencies such as 101.3MHz in Klang Valley (Bukit Sungai Besi), 90.2MHz in Penang (Bukit Penara), 107.3MHz in Alor Setar (Alor Setar Tower) and 104.3MHz in Kuching (Bukit Djin).

 

Last year, Buletin FM also broadcasted in Kuala Terengganu on 93.6MHz and Kota Bharu on 88.6MHz until November 2021. Then, 93.6MHz now is Molek FM and 88.6MHz is Hot FM, meanwhile Molek FM takes over Hot FM Kota Bharu frequency 105.1MHz.

 

Reaching more listeners by expanding coverage for Buletin FM in west coast cities where are "likely" having spare frequencies is impossible now because MCMC mentions no more frequencies can be assigned due to spectrum band is full.

 

Hence, I don't think Buletin FM will survive under this situation. If the listenership rating continues dropping below 100k listeners weekly, it would become "liability" radio station to Media Prima Audio. 

 

In my opinion, Media Prima Audio can make more strategic plan on its radio brands. The best way is to close down Buletin FM, but Media Prima can keep its existing frequencies with new or existing radio brands.

 

Since frequency coverage expansion is impossible nowadays and poor performance of radio rating, Media Prima can replace Buletin FM with other radio brands on its existing frequencies.

 

1. FM 101.3MHz Klang Valley

Currently FM 101.3MHz is transmitted from Bukit Sungai Besi. Media Prima Audio can replace Buletin FM with Molek FM, but transmitter site must be located in Gunung Ulu Kali with directional antenna to beam east direction (Pahang).

 

The reason why I do suggest Media Prima to replace Buletin FM with Molek FM is because Molek FM has better listenership rating performance than Buletin FM, but my suggestion is not to target Klang Valley listeners, instead West Pahang listeners.

 

Molek FM launched in Kuantan on 100.4MHz by taking over 8FM slot since 2nd October 2022, the coverage is limited in Kuantan, Pekan and Kemaman, meanwhile Molek FM 100.4MHz is not available in rest of Pahang districts.

 

The proposal of Molek FM 101.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is only to cover West Pahang like what RTM Pahang FM 107.5MHz does, meanwhile reception in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor will be weaker because KL and Selangor are not the targeted areas of Molek FM.

 

RTM Pahang FM 107.5MHz is transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali, but it is only for West Pahang, meanwhile Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are not covered by Pahang FM's transmission. Hence, listeners in Kuala Lumpur will receive weak signal when tune to Pahang FM 107.5MHz.

 

If Molek FM uses Buletin FM frequency 101.3MHz in Gunung Ulu Kali, here are the expected coverage:

 

- West Pahang: Bentong, Bera, Raub, Kuala Lipis, Temerloh, Maran, and part of Jerantut

- Kelantan: Gua Musang (partially)

- Part of Klang Valley

- Part of South Perak (Tanjung Malim and Slim River)

 

 

With the suggestion above,

- Molek FM is expected to gain even more listeners.

- Molek FM is the first ever Malay East Coast radio station available in Klang Valley on 101.3MHz, but signal will be weaker due to directional antenna. 

- Molek FM will becomes the widest coverage Malay East Coast radio station, beyond the competitor Gegar and Manis FM.

 

2. FM 90.2MHz Penang & FM 107.3MHz Alor Setar

- Media Prima Audio can launch Northern Malay dialect radio station like now defunct Pi Mai FM (2012-2015) to replace Buletin FM to serve Penang and Kedah listeners. 

 

3. FM 104.3MHz Kuching

- Media Prima Audio can replace Buletin FM with Fly FM in Kuching. With this suggestion, Media Prima Audio will break Astro Radio monopoly in Kuching for English radio stations segment. So, Fly FM finally can enter to Kuching at the very first time since 2005.

 

The final coverage expansion of Fly FM was in Kota Bharu on 107.4MHz in December 2007, no any coverage expansion by Fly FM since that. 

 

If this suggestion is considered, I believe Media Prima will get more advertising revenue, especially Molek FM because of wide coverage by replacing Buletin FM 101.3MHz Klang Valley frequency, then transmit from Gunung Ulu Kali.

Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar received in Genting Highlands, Pahang (24th floor First World Hotel Tower 1)

 

1 year ago, since 14th November 2022, I began to receive Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar in several Pahang areas with Benta, Cameron Highlands, Merapoh, Fraser's Hill and Kuala Tembeling.

 

The current furthest location that I received Kelantan FM is in Fraser's Hill.

 

==Here are my current furthest locations in Pahang to receive Kelantan FM 97.3MHz==

* Benta: 193km (filmed on 14th November 2021)

* Fraser's Hill: 230km (filmed on 5th & 6th June 2022) 

 

Now I break my record of receiving Kelantan FM 97.3MHz signal from Bukit Bakar in Pahang by tuning it in Genting Highlands.

 

I went to Genting Highlands with family yesterday and I brought two radio receivers there. I arrived Genting Highlands at 8am in the morning. After I left the cable car at Sky Avenue Skyway, I walked with my family first to the First World Hotel lobby via SkyAvenue Plaza. Then, we dropped our luggage bag at the lobby counter as the hotel check-in time is actually 3pm.

After that, we went separately. So, I went to 24th Floor at First World Hotel Tower 1 to do FM DXing. 

At 24th floor lift lobby of First World Hotel, I received a Malay language radio station on FM 97.3MHz. Initially I suspect either Perak FM from Changkat Rembian (Tapah) or Kelantan FM from Bukit Bakar (Machang), therefore I compared the content by listening to Kelantan FM via online streaming my phone with radio receiver, however they were positively matched.

So, I received Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar in Genting Highlands, Pahang at 24th Floor First World Hotel Tower 1.

First video was recorded at 0752 hours (UTC+8) by using TECSUN PL-380 receiver, very mild interference noise from Ai FM 97.1MHz Bukit Fraser transmitter was heard, even interference noise with KL FM 97.2MHz from Kuala Lumpur Tower was detected too during the reception.

Then, I left the hotel and went to Resort Hotel for another FM DXing. Later on, I went to eat breakfast at KFC Highlands Hotel.

After I completed my breakfast at KFC Highlands Hotel, I went again to First World Hotel 24th floor around 10am. FM 97.3MHz became from Kelantan FM to Perak FM.

While Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar at 24th Floor First World Hotel became Perak FM from Changkat Rembian from 0950 to 1030 hours (UTC+8), I also received Nasional FM 96.5MHz from Bukit Bakar at the same location, however Nasional FM 96.5MHz signal was very noisy because it is sandwiched by Minnal FM 96.3MHz and Sinar FM 96.7MHz which both are transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali (local transmitter where located less than 1km from Genting Highlands).

After eating lunch at a Japanese cuisine restaurant, my family member went to check-in hotel earlier around 1300 hours. 

I went again to check Kelantan FM 97.3MHz signal at the same floor from 1400 hours to 1430 hours occasionally, but I used TECSUN PL-310ET receiver. 

 

To receive Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar in Genting Highlands, you have to tune it at First World Hotel Tower 1, at least 20th floor and above.

 

Here are the photos of the exact location where I received Kelantan FM 97.3MHz signal from Bukit Bakar in Genting Highlands, Pahang. This is First World Hotel Tower 1 24th floor lift lobby.

Its adjacent radio station Ai FM 97.1MHz from Fraser's Hill is moderately clear with STEREO signal, but field strength level is slightly low.

 

The outside views from First World Hotel 24th floor lift lobby.

Genting Highlands is now becoming the furthest location to receive Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar as 13rd November 2022.

 

By combining with all DXers videos on YouTube, Genting Highlands is the second furthest location to receive Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar with 259km distance, meanwhile Langkawi is the furthest receiving location with 282km distance.

 

==Kelantan FM 97.3MHz reception in Genting Highlands==

- Frequency: FM 97.3MHz

- Power: 2kW

- Transmitter site: Bukit Bakar, Machang, Kelantan

- Receiving site: 24th Floor First World Hotel Tower 1 Lift Lobby, Genting Highlands, Pahang

- Distance: 259km

- Receiver: TECSUN PL-380 & TECSUN PL-310ET

Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Pekanbaru PRO-1 FM 99.1MHz is the furthest radio station received in Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia.

 

I depart from Genting Highlands back to home in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia today. 

 

During Genting Highlands trip yesterday for 2 days 1 night, my family only drove until Genting Premium Outlets. Then, we went to Genting Highlands top peak by cable car via Awana Skyway. From Genting Highlands top peak, we also go by cable car until Awana Skyway. 

 

While Gunung Pulai is the furthest radio transmitter received in Genting Highlands, I break the newest record by receiving Indonesia radio station from Pekanbaru with further distance.

 

In Genting Highlands, when I'm on my way from Genting Highlands top peak to Awana Skyway in cable car, I receive Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Pekanbaru PRO-1 on FM 99.1MHz.

 

Before Chin Swee Temple Skyway station, FM 99.1MHz is Mix FM from Gunung Pulai, but co-channel interference with RRI Pekanbaru PRO-1 is detected. After Chin Swee Temple Skyway station, Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Pekanbaru PRO-1 FM 99.1MHz becomes stable and clearer until Awana Skyway.

 

Mild adjacent channel interference with Raaga FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is heard in Genting Highlands. 

 

By calculating the distance from RRI Pekanbaru transmitter site to Genting Highlands, it is 323km. Hence, RRI Pekanbaru PRO-1 FM 99.1MHz becomes the furthest radio station received in Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia.

 

Video is recorded in the cable car.

 

==RRI Pekanbaru PRO-1 FM 99.1MHz reception in Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia==

- Frequency: FM 99.1MHz 

- Power: 6kW 

- Transmission site: Jalan Jenderal Sudirman 322, Pekanbaru City, Riau Province, Indonesia 

- Receiving site: Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia (between Chin Swee Temple and Genting Premium Outlets) - Distance: 323km 

- Receiving date/time: 14.11.2022 0939H (UTC+8)

OOGA X (formerly known as Cense Media Sdn Bhd) will launch Kupi-Kupi FM Sarawak on 92.5MHz in Kuching? Frequency slot is taken over from CityPlus FM Kuching which ceased transmission 2.5 years ago.

The Chinese business radio station CityPlus FM 106.0MHz in Seremban has been on air for 5 years since 2nd May 2017, meanwhile CityPlus FM Kuching broadcast 92.5MHz launched in May 2018, but it was closed down in May 2020.

After CityPlus FM closed down its Kuching frequency FM 92.5MHz transmission, FM 92.5MHz went off air since May 2020.

 

Its Facebook page content is mostly relaying CityPlus FM main page.

Today morning, after I wake up, I check my phone message and Facebook notifications, I have spotted CityPlus FM Kuching Facebook page is renamed as "Kupi-Kupi FM Sarawak". It is giving hints that OOGA X (formerly known as Cense Media Sdn Bhd) would launch a new radio station to deliver Sarawak local ethnics content on the frequency FM 92.5MHz in Kuching.

OOGA X also operates Kupi-Kupi FM 96.3MHz in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Its main language is Sabahan Malay, but it plays Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, Bajau songs like RTM Sabah VFM does.

From what I have analyzed is "Kupi-Kupi FM Sarawak 92.5MHz" will likely broadcast in Ibanese, Bidayuh and Sarawakian Malay language like Cats FM, and RTM Wai FM.

 

Kupi-Kupi FM Sarawak 92.5MHz (Kuching) is expected to compete against Cats FM.

 

In Sarawak, alongside Malay language, Ibanese is the largest local language among all, following by Bidayuh, Kenyah, and Kayan.

The official launch is still unknown yet, but I believe Kupi-Kupi FM 92.5MHz Kuching will start trial transmission first before going on air officially.

FM 92.5MHz transmitter site will remain same location, Bukit Djin.

For your information, Kupi-Kupi FM Sarawak will take over FM 92.5MHz slot which its former radio station CityPlus FM Kuching has been switched off for more than 2 years.

Here are the screenshot that I have spotted today morning.

 

TVRI launches its DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television service in Rokan Hilir, Riau, Indonesia on UHF 626MHz (CH40).

 

The Indonesia public broadcaster TVRI had completed its transmission tower construction in Rokan Hilir, Riau, Indonesia last month and test transmission of DVB-T2 digital terrestrial TV service was rolled out. Then, TVRI officially launches its DVB-T2 transmission in Rokan Hilir, Riau Province, Indonesia.

 

From November 2022, TVRI can be accessed in Rokan Hilir. Before this, none of Indonesia terrestrial TV channels can be accessed in Rokan Hilir, however Malaysia TV and radio stations can be received clearly there via overspill signal.

 

The assigned frequency of TVRI in Rokan Hilir is UHF 626MHz (CH40).

 

In Malaysia, coastal areas like Sepang, Sungai Pelek, Kuala Langat, Port Dickson and Tanjung Sepat may be able to receive TVRI signal from Rokan Hilir on UHF 626MHz (CH40) if UHF outdoor antenna is pointing to southwest direction with antenna booster.

 

If I own a portable DVB-T2 receiver, I can DX TVRI signal from Rokan Hilir in Sepang, Morib, Banting, Kuala Langat, Tanjung Sepat, Port Dickson and Sungai Pelek when there is a chance to do so.

 

Photos of TVRI Rokan Hilir transmitter tower (credit to: TVRI Satuan Transmisi Rokan Hilir)

 

BFM 89.9 is available in three Kelantan locations with weaker reception.

 

From 2016 to 2020, outside Klang Valley, I usually managed to receive BFM 89.9 signal from Gunung Ulu Kali in Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Melaka, West Pahang and some areas of North Johor.

 

In the year of 2021 and 2022, I break my record again because I could receive BFM 89.9 in Kelantan.

 

In Kelantan state, there are three locations where BFM 89.9 is receivable, but weak signal is heard.

 

1. Kampung Mentara Lama (150km)

- A southernmost location in Kelantan where located next to Pahang border. It is 20km away from Gua Musang town, its neighboring place is Merapoh in Pahang.

 

2. Kuala Betis (163km)

 

Located 19km away from Gua Musang town. Recorded nearby Lojing-Cameron Highlands road junction before driving to Cameron Highlands, adjacent channel interference with RTM Radio Klasik FM 89.7MHz from Bukit Chupak was detected when tune to BFM 89.9 in Kuala Betis. 

3. Felda Paloh 2 (182km)

 

The furthest location in Kelantan to receive BFM 89.9. Signal is extremely weak, no interference with RTM Radio Klasik FM 89.7MHz from Bukit Chupak is detected during reception. (Note: Radio Klasik FM 89.7MHz Bukit Chupak signal is disappeared when reach Rantau Manis, hence no signal is detected in Felda Paloh on 89.7MHz)

 

Overall 3 locations in Kelantan are located in Gua Musang district.