Furthest FM radio stations that I received in 2022 (January to December)

==January 2022==

1. Bagan Datuk, Perak 

Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz (269km)

 

2. Teluk Intan, Perak

- Radio Muslim Al-Fatih FM 107.3MHz Medan, Indonesia (271km)

 

==February 2022==

1. Teluk Intan, Perak

- PSU Radio Pattani FM 107.25MHz from Thailand (317km)

 

2. Sitiawan, Perak

- Ai FM 100.4MHz/Melody FM 107.3MHz/Negeri FM 107.7MHz (292km)

==March 2022== 

1. Pantai, Negeri Sembilan

- Smart FM 101.8MHz Pekanbaru, Indonesia (266km)

 

2. Bandar Seri Jempol, Negeri Sembilan

- Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz (261km)

 

 

==May 2022==

1. Kinta Highlands, Perak

- Radio Suara Medan FM 94.7MHz & Radio Jawa Raja FM 107.7MHz (321km)

 

2. Lojing Highlands, Kelantan

- Negeri FM 107.7MHz/Radio Klasik FM 93.6MHz/Raaga FM 99.7MHz Gunung Ledang (279km)

 

3. Sungai Ayer Tawar, Selangor

- Radio Nastra FM 88.6MHz Langkat, Indonesia (289km)

 

==June 2022==

1. Fraser's Hill, Pahang

- Radio Thailand Sungai Golok FM 106.5MHz (258km)

 

==July 2022==

1. Jerantut, Pahang

- RTM Negeri FM 107.7MHz/Raaga FM 99.7MHz Gunung Ledang (176km)

2. Kuala Tembeling, Pahang

- RTM Kelantan FM 102.9MHz Wakaf Che Yeh, Kota Bharu (224km)

3. Cyberjaya, Selangor

- Raaga FM 102.1MHz Bukit Larut (230km)

 

4. Balakong, Selangor

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

 

==August 2022==

1. Kuantan, Pahang

- Nasional FM 96.6MHz/Traxx FM 97.4MHz/Raaga FM 99.7MHz Gunung Ledang (178km)

2. Gambang, Pahang

- RTM Johor FM 92.1MHz Bukit Tinggi (172km)

3. Kuala Rompin, Pahang

- Raaga FM 99.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (199km)

 4. Endau, Johor

- Sinar FM 96.9MHz/MY FM 100.6MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk (173km)

5. Pekan, Pahang

- BFM 89.9/Raaga FM 99.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (178km)

 

6. Tanjung Gemuk, Pahang

- Sinar FM 96.9MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk (173km)

 

7. Chukai, Terengganu

- IKIM FM 102.7MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk (214km)

 

==September 2022==

1. Muadzam Shah, Pahang

- Lite FM 105.7MHz/Hot FM 97.6MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (150km)

 

==October 2022==

1. Dabong, Kelantan 

- Minnal FM 96.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (218km)

 

2. Felda Paloh, Kelantan

- BFM 89.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (182km)

3. Simpang Ampat, Alor Gajah, Melaka

- Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz (247km) 

==November 2022==

1. Genting Highlands, Pahang

- Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Pekanbaru PRO-1 FM 99.1MHz (323km)

2. Tampin, Negeri Sembilan 

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

 

3. Rembau, Negeri Sembilan

- Minnal FM 101.1MHz Gunung Pulai (195km)

4. Kuala Lumpur 

- Perak FM 95.6MHz/988 FM 99.8MHz Gunung Kledang (178km)

 

5. Seremban, Negeri Sembilan 

- RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai (223km)   

==December 2022==

1. Broga, Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan

- Perak FM 95.6MHz, 988FM 99.8MHz, Zayan FM 106.4MHz Gunung Kledang (210km)  

Note: April 2022 was skipped as there was no FM DXing video made.

Why doesn't Perak FM have a transmitter in Bukit Palong to cover Pengkalan Hulu? Instead of Bukit Palong, RTM Perak FM can launch a transmitter in Klian Intan to cover Pengkalan Hulu.

 

Pengkalan Hulu is the northernmost location in Perak state, it is located nearby Thailand border (Betong, Yala Province). This small town in Hulu Perak has no coverage from RTM Perak FM actually like other locations.

 

In Pengkalan Hulu, RTM radio stations are covered by Bukit Palong transmitter where is located in Baling, Kedah. For Traxx FM, the tuning frequency is 91.7MHz in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak.

 

Basically RTM can launch Perak FM transmitter in Bukit Palong to cover Pengkalan Hulu and Klian Intan, however until today RTM does not launch Bukit Palong transmitter for Perak FM.

 

Technically this is because:

1. None of Perak FM existing transmitters (Gerik, Bukit Larut, Bukit Ladang Teh and Gunung Kledang) can link its microwave signal feed to Bukit Palong via microwave link due to geographical condition.

 

2. Although if Perak FM installs microwave link in RTM Gerik and Bukit Larut to transmit data to Bukit Palong, but I don't think the data can reach to Bukit Palong due to terrains block the signal from linking each other. Therefore, RTM Perak FM must have C-band satellite feed or OLTE (optical line terminal) system to link to Bukit Palong in order to cover Pengkalan Hulu.

 

3. Current RTM radio stations in Bukit Palong are actually linked from Gunung Jerai via microwave link signal.

 

Alternatively, RTM can consider to install a transmitter in a new site to cover Pengkalan Hulu, instead of Bukit Palong. I recommend a hill nearby Gunung Paku in Klian Intan, Perak.

 

Klian Intan is located between Gerik and Pengkalan Hulu. There is a telecommunication tower nearby Gunung Paku where is opposite the village. 

The coordinates is 5.632494N, 101.033486E (presumed), the height elevation above sea level is 533m (+/-).

 

As the tower is not so far from RTM Gerik, I believe RTM Perak FM can link its signal feed by transmitting data to this new tower in Klian Intan. So, Pengkalan Hulu can receive Perak FM.

 

Currently Perak FM has no any clearer frequency in Pengkalan Hulu, Gerik transmitter FM 96.2MHz from Mempelam Sari is the nearest, but it is null by 988 FM 96.1MHz from Gunung Jerai. So, FM 102.9MHz from Lawin could be likely the only frequency in Pengkalan Hulu, however the reception is weak.

 

By plotting a coverage simulation map with 250W transmitter power and 3 bay array dipole antenna (6dBd antenna gain), the coverage of this new transmitter site in Klian Intan can cover Pengkalan Hulu clearly, even RTM Perak FM can be tuned in Betong, Thailand from this tower.

About the frequency allocation, as Klian Intan and Pengkalan Hulu are located near Thailand border, so the international frequency coordination study with Thailand is required for this new site.

 

Frequencies are available to be used in Klian Intan tower for Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu frequency.

 

1. FM 93.8MHz

2. FM 102.9MHz (SFN with Lawin)

3. FM 103.9MHz

4. FM 104.7MHz

5. FM 105.5MHz

 

==RF analysis==

1. FM 93.8MHz

93.8MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

93.9MHz: Mutiara FM Gunung Jerai

<100kHz, OK> 

 

93.6MHz: Hitz FM Bukit Larut

93.8MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

<200kHz, OK>

 

2. FM 102.9MHz

102.9MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

102.9MHz: Perak FM Lawin

<0kHz, OK>

 

102.9MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

102.9MHz: Kelantan FM Kota Bharu

<0kHz, OK> 

 

102.7MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Dedap

102.9MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

<200kHz, OK>

 

3. FM 103.9MHz

103.9MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<200kHz, OK> 

 

103.6MHz: Era FM Gunung Jerai

103.9MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

<300kHz, OK>

 

4. FM 104.7MHz

104.7MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

104.9MHz: Melody FM Bukit Larut

<200kHz, OK> 

 

104.4MHz: Lite FM Gunung Jerai

104.7MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

<300kHz, OK>

 

104.7MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

104.7MHz: Traxx FM Kota Bharu

<0kHz, OK>

 

104.7MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

104.8MHz: Langkawi FM Gunung Raya

<100kHz, OK> 

5. FM 105.5MHz

105.5MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

105.7MHz: Ai FM Kota Bharu

<200kHz, OK> 

 

105.3MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Larut

105.5MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

<200kHz, OK>

 

105.5MHz: Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu (Klian Intan tower)

105.7MHz: Kedah FM Gunung Raya

<200kHz, OK>

 

Among all 5 nominated frequencies, the best frequency for Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu transmission from Klian Intan tower is FM 105.5MHz, following by FM 103.9MHz, FM 104.7MHz and FM 102.9MHz.

Labuan FM coverage availability in Sabah and Brunei. (via coverage simulation map)

 

RTM Labuan FM is a Malay language radio station to serve the community of Federal Territory of Labuan. It broadcasts from 7am to 7pm, meanwhile it relays Nasional FM from 7pm to 7pm.

 

Labuan FM has two frequencies in Labuan Island.

 

FM 103.7MHz is transmitted from RTM Labuan where it transmits studio feed to Bukit Timbalai transmitter, meanwhile FM 89.4MHz is Bukit Timbalai transmitter to cover entire Labuan. Both transmitter power is 0.1kW only.

 

By generating the coverage simulation map, RTM Labuan FM is also available in part of Sabah (Kuala Penyu District) and Brunei via same frequencies by following location below:

 

1. Kampung Mempakul, Sabah on FM 103.7MHz from RTM Labuan

2. Menumbok, Sabah on FM 103.7MHz from RTM Labuan

3. Kalugus, Sabah on FM 89.4MHz from Bukit Timbalai

4. Muara, Brunei on FM 89.4MHz from Bukit Timbalai

5. Kampung Awat-Awat in Lawas, Sarawak on FM 89.4MHz from Bukit Timbalai

In Kalugus, Labuan FM 89.4MHz Bukit Timbalai transmitter signal could have interference with KK12FM 89.5MHz from Bukit Karatong.

Cats FM completed frequencies list in Sarawak (as 8th December 2022)

 

* FM 99.3MHz Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Serian, Lundu & Bau (Gunung Serapi)

* FM 88.7MHz Sri Aman & Betong (Bukit Temudok)

* FM 96.7MHz Sarikei & Daro (Bukit Kayu Malam)

* FM 88.4MHz Sibu (Bukit Lima)

* FM 99.9MHz Selangau, Dalat & Kanowit (Bukit Singgalang)

* FM 97.9MHz Mukah

* FM 88.3MHz Bintulu (Bukit Setiam)

* FM 93.3MHz Miri (Bukit Lambir)

* FM 107.6MHz Kapit

* FM 99.5MHz Belaga

* FM 88.7MHz Limbang (Bukit Mas)

* FM 88.2MHz Lawas (Bukit Tiong)

 

Cats FM is still available in Sindumin & Sipitang, Sabah via FM 88.2MHz Lawas frequency, meanwhile it can be tuned in Brunei on 88.7MHz Limbang frequency (Bandar Seri Begawan) and 93.3MHz Miri frequency (Kuala Belait & Seria).

List of MYTV DTT frequencies and coverage in Sarawak

 

==MUX 1: CH47 (UHF 682MHz) & MUX 2: CH43 (UHF 650MHz)==

* Gunung Serapi (Kuching, Lundu, Bau, Kota Samarahan)

* Saratok

* Bukit Temuduk (Sri Aman)

* Bukit Mas (Limbang & Brunei)

* Bukit Lambir (Miri)

* Gunung Ancharang (Niah & Suai)

 

==MUX 1: CH36 (UHF 594MHz) & MUX 2: CH42 (UHF 642MHz)==

* Sarikei

* Bukit Lima (Sibu)

* Bukit Kapit (Kapit & Song)

* Bukit Singgalang (Selangau, Mukah & Kanowit) 

 

==MUX 1: CH46 (UHF 674MHz) & MUX 2: CH34 (578MHz)==

* Bukit Nyabau (Bintulu)

* Belaga

為甚麼988沒有在東馬 (砂拉越古晉&沙巴亞庇)有收聽頻道?

988是馬來西亞歷史最悠久的中文私營電台, 它的歷史是從麗的呼聲開始. 988是馬來西亞收聽率亞軍的中文電台, 這家電台在西馬半島主要地區有收聽頻道, 除了哥打峇魯和瓜拉登嘉樓.

 

可是有很多人問988為何沒有在東馬 (亞庇和古晉)設有收聽頻道?

 

其實988沒有東渡沙巴和砂拉越是有原因的.

 

1. 電台收聽率調查報告是沒有計算多少位東馬聽眾收聽電台. 不管是Gfk還是AC Nielsen, 馬來西亞電台收聽率調查只專注在西馬半島. 就算若988有在東馬設有頻道, 它也無法為988提升收聽率和廣告收入因為東馬收聽率沒有算在Gfk整體調查報告裡.

- 988不像RTM愛FM一樣, 因為988是走商業為主的路線, 所以它專注的地區是在西馬主要華人地區.

2. 988的節目內容都是西馬半島為主. 對東馬聽眾而言, 988的節目未必適合他們收聽因為不夠"本土化", 988的節目比較少關注東馬, 反而東馬聽眾覺得MY FM砂拉越/沙巴分台和Tea FM的內容比較親切因為他們比較"本土化".

 

**東馬的MY FM節目內容是跟西馬半島的MY FM是不一樣的, 只有部份節目轉播西馬半島, 意味著"全國性廣播".

 

3. 除了華語廣播, 988也有很多的節目是以粵語(廣東話)為主. 在東馬, 粵語不是當地的中文流行方言, 因為當地華人是不會說粵語的, 除了沙巴山打根. 所以, 988東渡沙巴和砂拉越開設收聽頻率是個浪費, 對商業運作是沒有意義. 

 

無須東渡沙巴和砂拉越, 其實988在西馬的收聽率第二高都算很好.

Why don't Malaysia Tamil radio stations (Raaga & Minnal FM) have tuning frequencies in Sabah and Sarawak?

 

I know several people are feeling curious that why Raaga and Minnal FM don't broadcast in Sabah and Sarawak. Honestly these two Malaysia Tamil radio stations never have tuning frequencies in Sabah and Sarawak until today like other languages radio stations.

 

This is because of demographics and commercial value issue.

 

1. In Sabah and Sarawak, the Indians are the smallest community actually, compare to Chinese, Kadazan-Dusun, Bidayuh, and Iban. 

2. Indians in Sarawak are less than 10000 people, meanwhile in Sabah, the Indians there are about 18000 people, they are usually coming from Peninsular Malaysia who studying and working in Sarawak. I don't see any permanent Indian residents in Sabah and Sarawak so far.

 

I remembered a Malaysia Indian NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) HINDRAF demanded RTM and Astro to expand coverage of Raaga and Minnal FM to East Malaysia which was 10 years ago, but in my opinion, I don't think it works.

 

==Raaga==

1. Raaga is the Peninsular Malaysia's and ASEAN No.1 Tamil radio station, it broadcasts in West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, meanwhile it does not have east coast frequencies like RTM Minnal FM because Time Highway Radio put its east coast frequencies as Gegar which is East Coast Malay radio station to compete against Molek FM and Manis FM. Raaga is a commercial radio station operated by Astro Radio, formerly known as THR Raaga (Raaga was a Tamil radio slot of Time Highway Radio before 2005). 

 

2. As this radio station is running commercial business, I don't think Astro Radio will invest Raaga in East Malaysia by launching frequencies in the major cities such as Kuching and Kota Kinabalu because the coverage expansion to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu for Raaga does not help to gain commercial revenue on this radio station. In addition, the radio audience measurement or radio listenership rating survey by Gfk does not count East Malaysia listeners. If Gfk's Radio Audience Measurement (RAM) survey in Malaysia includes Sabah and Sarawak, then Raaga broadcasts in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, the listenership rating performance will show no much difference. Hence, it is pointless to launch Raaga in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching via FM radio transmission because these two cities are having very less Indians, compare to Peninsular Malaysia. It is very sufficient that Raaga earns 80% advertising revenue from Indian market in Peninsular Malaysia.

 

==Minnal FM==

1. Unlike Raaga, Minnal FM is the oldest Malaysia's Tamil radio station operated by RTM (Radio Televisyen Malaysia) running government services to Indian community in Peninsular Malaysia. Formerly known as Radio 6 (Tamil), but Minnal FM never reaches coverage in Sabah and Sarawak too.

2. Same reason actually, Indians are very less in Sabah and Sarawak. Hence, RTM does not launch Minnal FM Sabah and Sarawak frequencies.

 

Currently there are no any demand from Indian listeners to launch these Tamil radio stations in East Malaysia because the technology is getting advanced nowadays.

 

If RTM is interesting to expand Minnal FM coverage to Sabah and Sarawak as part of government services, I think Kuching and Kota Kinabalu are the only locations because they are the largest cities in the Borneo state. Then, RTM launches Wai FM Iban in Kuala Lumpur via FM radio frequency transmission, but it is definitely impossible because of demographic issue.

 

As today's technology is getting advanced, Indian listeners in Sabah and Sarawak can tune alternatively via digital platform by following below:

1. Raaga: SYOK app, Raaga YouTube LIVE & Astro/NJOI (Channel 859)

2. Minnal FM: RTMKlik app, MYTV (Channel 703) & Astro NJOI (Channel 873)

 

In conclusion, I don't think it is necessary to launch Minnal FM and Raaga in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching through FM radio frequency transmission due to low number of Indian community in East Malaysia, unless there are huge demand.

Wai FM Iban will go broadcast 24 hours a day, effective from 1st April 2023.

 

From 1st April 2023, RTM Wai FM Iban will become 24 hours Iban radio station by broadcasting 24 hours a day.

Meanwhile Wai FM Iban started test transmission from 12am to 6am daily since 1st October 2022.

This is a good news actually because Wai FM Iban finally becomes 24 hours broadcast. Before this, Wai FM Iban only broadcasted for 18 hours daily, then from 12am to 6am, it simply simulcasted from Sarawak FM. Apart from the annoucement, Wai FM Iban will upgrade the content of its morning segment program Wai 9-12.

Congratulations to Wai FM Iban for making full fledged Iban radio station 24/7.

Nasional FM 96.5MHz Bukit Bakar received in Bintulu, Sarawak. Imagine what the receiving signal was if Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar was received in Bintulu, Sarawak.

Back to February 2022, a DXer from Bintulu tuned RTM Nasional FM 96.5MHz in Bintulu, Sarawak.

By watching this video on YouTube, I confirm that Nasional FM 96.5MHz that received in Bintulu, Sarawak was transmitted from Bukit Bakar, Machang, Kelantan at 1225km distance.

Video was recorded on 2nd February 2022 at 1745 hours (UTC+8). Signal was Sporadic E propagation and the transmitter power is 2kW.

Alongside Nasional FM 96.5MHz from Bukit Bakar, what if Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar is also received in Bintulu, Sarawak via same propagation (Sporadic E),

 

1. Listeners or DXers who receive Kelantan FM 97.3MHz in Bintulu could hear adjacent channel interference noise from RTM Bintulu FM/Wai FM 97.5MHz Bukit Setiam which is local transmitter in Bintulu, Sarawak when they tune the frequency by using cheaper radio receiver which has poor quality RF filters in the unit. Inversely, if they are using expensive or professional series radio receiver which equipped with high sensitivity or good quality RF filters, low interference from RTM Bintulu FM 97.5MHz is detected when tuning to Kelantan FM 97.3MHz.

2. If any radio stations are using FM 97.3MHz in Mukah or Selangau (Bukit Singgalang), Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar will potentially have co-channel interference with FM 97.3MHz from Mukah/Bukit Singgalang in Tatau and part of Bintulu during Sporadic E propagation.

 

3. If Bintulu FM uses 97.3MHz in Bukit Setiam, Sporadic E signal of Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar will be completely blocked in Bintulu, even in Mukah as Bukit Setiam is local transmitter for Bintulu, meanwhile it is the alternative for Mukah.

I know several of people who have no fundamental knowledge of frequency planning and radio propagation would publish such ridiculous comment below:

"Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar is having adjacent channel interference with RTM Bintulu FM 97.5MHz from Bukit Setiam in Bintulu, Sarawak, no alternative frequency for Kelantan FM in Bintulu. So, RTM has to change Bintulu FM frequency from 97.5MHz to 97.7MHz in order to stop interference with Kelantan FM 97.3MHz in Bintulu, Sarawak."

I was used to receive such ridiculous comment on my YouTube video of receiving BFM 89.9 from Gunung Ulu Kali in Gua Musang and Felda Paloh, Kelantan. The comment mentioned that BFM 89.9 is interfered by Radio Klasik FM 89.7MHz from Bukit Chupak in Gua Musang (Kuala Betis), then he suggested RTM to change Radio Klasik Bukit Chupak frequency from 89.7MHz to 89.6MHz in order to avoid interference to BFM 89.9 coverage in Gua Musang.

Let me to explain this here:

==For BFM 89.9 in Gua Musang, Kelantan==

- Gua Musang is not the listening coverage of BFM 89.9 from Gunung Ulu Kali, all what I received its signal there is considered as distant tuning. It is not a problem when RTM Radio Klasik uses FM 89.7MHz in Bukit Chupak to cover Gua Musang town as RTM already meets the minimum frequency separation which set up by MCMC, 200kHz is the minimum frequency separation between Bukit Chupak and Gunung Ulu Kali. Hence, it is very sufficient.

 

==For Kelantan FM 97.3MHz in Bintulu, Sarawak (if happen)==

Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar main targeting coverage is in Kelantan where is a state in east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, meanwhile RTM Bintulu FM 97.5MHz Bukit Setiam serves only Bintulu Division in Sarawak where is located in Borneo state. By looking at the map, Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo State (Sabah/Sarawak/Labuan) are divided by South China Sea. Both are having totally different coverage, the distance between two transmitters are 1220km.

 

- The overspill signal of Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar to Bintulu, Sarawak is not constantly transmitting because it is Sporadic E propagation which is unusual radio propagation form using a low level of the Earth's ionosphere that commonly does not refract radio waves. 

- Sporadic E propagation does not hold long actually. The signal could be disappeared immediately when the small clouds are disappeared.

Changing radio frequency is very expensive and costing more time because the broadcast engineers have to replace transmitter equipment such as antenna, feeder cable and re-tune the combiners/filters. In addition, they have to re-calibrate the whole entire transmission system. RTM is using N+1 transmission system where multi-transmitters are sharing with a transmitter antenna. If RTM changes 1 of the frequency, RTM has to take down all the transmitter because the engineers need to re-tune and re-calibrate the system, somehow replace certain parts.

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)