Radio Romania International English service for India & South Asia changes its frequency from SW 11825kHz to SW 17790kHz, effective from Summer 2023.

 

Effective from Summer 2023 season, Radio Romania International English language service for India and South Asia airs on the frequency SW 17790kHz (summer frequency in 2023). It broadcasts daily from 0300H to 0400H (UTC).

 

Previously, Radio Romania International English service for India and South Asia summer frequency was SW 11825kHz.

 

Regarding the signal propagation of Radio Romania International English service for India and South Asia, although Malaysia is not its targeting coverage, but SW 17790kHz signal is better than former SW 11825kHz.

 

Transmitter site of SW 17790kHz is located in Galbeni-Bacau, Romania, meanwhile output power is 300kW.

 

I receive Radio Romania International SW 17790kHz in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia on 16th April 2023 on 1100H (UTC+8).

 

==SW 17790kHz (16th April 2023)==

SINPO: 34433

 

==SW 11825kHz (5th August 2021)==

RTM Perak FM will launch Tamil radio slot, known as "Metro Maalai" daily at 5.15pm, effective from 2nd May 2023.

 

Breaking news to all Indian listeners who are staying in Perak state, alongside full fledged Tamil radio stations Raaga and Minnal FM, RTM Perak FM will launch a Tamil radio slot program on everyday from 2nd May 2023.

This Tamil radio slot is known as "Metro Maalai", I strongly believe it will deliver the latest information and news of Perak state to the Indian listeners in Perak. 

Metro Maalai on Perak FM will be aired from 5.15pm to 6pm.

To tune to Metro Maalai on Perak FM, here are the tuning frequencies.

1. FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang (Ipoh, Perak Tengah, Kinta, Hilir Perak, Manjung, Kampar, and part of Selangor)

2. FM 104.1MHz Bukit Larut (Taiping, Kerian, Selama, Sungai Siput, Kuala Kangsar, Penang & South Kedah)

3. FM 97.3MHz Changkat Rembian (Tapah, Bidor, Temoh, Chenderiang)

4. FM 94.7MHz Gunung Brinchang (Cameron Highlands, part of Kuala Lipis/Jerantut)

5. FM 89.6MHz Bukit Asa (Tanjung Malim, Slim River and small part of Hulu Selangor)

6. FM 94.2MHz Bukit Ladang Teh (Lenggong)

7. FM 102.9MHz Lawin

8. FM 96.2MHz Gerik

Analysis and consequences if 8FM increases Gunung Ulu Kali frequency 88.1MHz transmission power to 3.5kW or 5kW in order to cover Kuantan.

 

It has been 6 months of 8FM's Kuantan frequency 100.4MHz becomes Molek FM (Malay East Coast radio station by Media Prima Audio), meanwhile 8FM has no Kuantan frequency until today.

 

Since 8FM ceased its Kuantan frequency transmission in 2nd October 2022, its listeners in Kuantan have to tune to this radio station via Audio+ app, YouTube LIVE streaming and the weaker frequency FM 88.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali which mainly for Klang Valley.

 

The transmitter power of 8FM Klang Valley frequency FM 88.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is 2kW. With the antenna gain, the estimated effective radiated power (ERP) could be about 10kW. In Pahang state, 8FM 88.1MHz (regardless Gunung Ulu Kali or Gunung Ledang) can be heard in Bentong, Temerloh, Kuala Lipis, Bera, Muadzam Shah and part of Maran/Raub.

 

As today, 8FM is not given any replacement frequency for Kuantan after its 100.4MHz becomes Molek FM. 

 

Several Kuantan areas can receive 8FM via FM 88.1MHz with weaker signal. If Media Prima Audio has no interest to return 8FM broadcast in Kuantan, but the company would like to reach 8FM coverage to Kuantan with existing frequency, the only way is to increase the transmitter power of 8FM 88.1MHz in Gunung Ulu Kali from 2kW to 3.5kW or 5kW, but there will have many consequences when it comes to this recommendation.  

 

1. More interference to adjacent radio stations than the current situation

8FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali transmission at 3.5kW or 5kW can cause interference to many adjacent radio stations. Radio stations such as Radio Klasik FM 88.1MHz (Bukit Istana), Radio Klasik FM 87.9MHz (Gunung Telapak Buruk), Radio Klasik FM 88.3MHz (Gunung Kledang), Fly FM 87.9MHz (Gunung Kledang) and 8FM 88.1MHz (Gunung Ledang) could become the victim of the interference.

 

In Perak such as Teluk Intan, Perak Tengah and part of Sitiawan, Fly FM 87.9MHz and Radio Klasik FM 88.3MHz Gunung Kledang could be interfered by 8FM 88.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

In Pahang, if 8FM 88.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali increases to 3.5kW or 5kW, then antenna is beamed to east direction, it can cause co-channel interference to Radio Klasik FM 88.1MHz Bukit Istana coverage in part of Jerantut. In addition, Pahang FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan coverage could suffer interference.

 

In Melaka, 8FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang coverage will have co-channel interference with 88.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (3.5kW or 5kW), but it is considered as self interference. 

 

Radio Klasik FM 87.9MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk coverage could be interfered by 8FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (at 2kW) in some areas of Negeri Sembilan. 

As 8FM 88.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is using same frequency with Kelantan FM from Felda Paloh, but co-channel interference within coverage does not happen if use 3.5kW transmitter power.

 

2. Radio reception in Kuantan may not be improved with increasing transmitter power to 3.5kW or 5kW from Gunung Ulu Kali

 

By using a 3.5kW or 5kW transmitter by 8FM 88.1MHz in Gunung Ulu Kali, it cannot guarantee the transmission can reach Kuantan due to geographical locations. Listeners in Kuantan may not receive clearer signal when tune to 8FM via 88.1MHz. Commercially, it may not help 8FM to gain more revenue because Kuantan is not under coverage of Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter 88.1MHz. 

 

If there are 1500 listeners tuning to 8FM in Kuantan via 88.1MHz, Gfk radio listenership survey will not count them.

 

In Kuantan, current 8FM Gunung Ulu Kali radio reception 88.1MHz (2kW) is weak and having interference with Pahang FM 88.0MHz from Bukit Sembilan which covers Muadzam Shah at certain places. The increment of 8FM 88.1MHz transmitter power to 3.5kW or 5kW to cover Kuantan cannot guarantee to combat the interference of Pahang FM 88.0MHz.

 

Asyik FM Gunung Ulu Kali frequency 102.5MHz transmitter power is 5kW. Although it says to cover West Pahang, but reception in Kuantan, Pahang is very weak. So, using high power transmitters in Gunung Ulu Kali does not help to reach Kuantan areas.

 

==Conclusion==

Hence, suggestion to increase 8FM Gunung Ulu Kali frequency 88.1MHz transmitter power from 2kW to 3.5kW or 5kW is not suitable. In order to reach Kuantan, Media Prima Audio has to apply new frequency application for 8FM in Kuantan, but this is subject to MCMC approval and decision.

 

I hope 8FM will be relaunched in Kuantan with new frequency within 2023.

 

Actually Kuantan is still having few vacant frequencies which 8FM can be assigned in Bukit Pelindung, such as:

 

1. FM 98.5MHz

2. FM 101.6MHz

3. FM 102.2MHz

4. FM 106.5MHz

 

Among those vacant frequencies, I would nominate FM 102.2MHz because it gaps with adjacent radio stations wider.

List of FM radio frequencies in Peninsular Malaysia which are suitable for low power unlicensed radio broadcast.

We know that MCMC does not accept any new frequency applications of licensed radio stations, mainly for west coast Peninsular Malaysia because the frequency spectrum is full.

 

Licensed radio stations are mostly higher power and broadcasting from higher transmitter sites, their minimum transmitter power is 0.1kW.

 

Although there are some so-called empty frequencies where likely can be used for licensed radio broadcast in main transmitter sites, but those nominated frequencies could be rejected by MCMC due to interference to existing radio stations.

 

Here are some empty FM radio frequencies in Peninsular Malaysia where are suitable for low power unlicensed radio broadcasts (such as PLL transmitters).

 

1. Kuala Lumpur & Selangor: FM 91.9MHz, FM 102.1MHz, FM 102.2MHz, FM 107.2MHz, FM 107.3MHz

 

2. Perak (Ipoh) & Cameron Highlands: FM 88.7MHz, FM 89.7MHz, FM 93.9MHz, FM 94.9MHz, FM 102.3MHz, FM 107.3MHz, FM 107.7MHz

 

3. Perak (Taiping): FM 88.6MHz, FM 92.5MHz, FM 93.2MHz, FM 97.3MHz, FM 105.7MHz

 

4. Penang: FM 89.5MHz, FM 94.1MHz, FM 103.1MHz, FM 105.5MHz

 

5. Kedah: FM 103.1MHz, FM 105.5MHz

 

6. Perlis: FM 93.7MHz, FM 94.1MHz, FM 107.9MHz

 

7. Negeri Sembilan: FM 87.5MHz, FM 89.1MHz, FM 95.5MHz, FM 102.1MHz, FM 105.5MHz

 

8. Kuantan: FM 91.0MHz, FM 92.0MHz, FM 103.7MHz

9. Kelantan: FM 87.5MHz, FM 90.2MHz, FM 91.0MHz, FM 91.4MHz, FM 93.3MHz, FM 93.4MHz, FM 100.3MHz, FM 100.4MHz, FM 107.9MHz

10. Melaka: FM 87.5MHz, FM 89.1MHz, FM 100.9MHz, FM 105.5MHz, FM 108.0MHz

11. Johor: FM 87.5MHz, FM 100.8MHz, FM 107.9MHz 

 

Transmitter power of unlicensed radio broadcast shall not be exceeded than 25W.

Unknown Islamic radio station FM 88.3MHz received in Kajang & Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia.

Recently I receive a radio station on FM 88.3MHz in Kajang and Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia. At my home in Balakong nearby Gita Bayu areas, the frequency FM 88.3MHz was an ultra weak signal of 8FM from Bukit Gun (Seremban, Negeri Sembilan), however I detect FM 88.3MHz which carries Islamic radio program.

FM 88.3MHz which broadcasts Islamic radio program does not belong to any existing Malaysia licensed radio broadcasters (regardless RTM, Media Prima or IKIM). In addition, FM 88.3MHz Islamic religious speeches are in Malay language, it does not sound Indonesian.

 

Initially I suspected FM 88.3MHz is a new Indonesia radio station transmitted from Rokan Hilir, Riau Province, Indonesia, but none of database shows that Rokan Hilir has the radio station on FM 88.3MHz. 

 

In Aceh Province, there is another Islamic radio station on FM 88.3MHz, namely Radio Qu from Aceh Timur, but I don't think it makes sense that Radio Qu FM 88.3MHz in Aceh Timur broadcasts in Malay language because the people in Aceh Province of Indonesia speak Acehnese and Indonesian.

 

FM 88.3MHz signal is also heard in Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia. Compare with the radio reception in Balakong, FM 88.3MHz is slightly clearer and louder in Kajang. I film two locations in Kajang, namely Jade Hills and Sungai Ramal.

 

I go to Korean convenience store CU Mart to buy some Korean food stuffs today, I heard this unknown Islamic radio station FM 88.3MHz signal there.

After shopping at Korean CU store, I continue my radio signal surveillance of FM 88.3MHz by driving from Jade Hills to Sungai Ramal via SILK Highway. 

The radio reception of FM 88.3MHz in Jade Hills are not so clear, but loud, meanwhile signal is weak again in Sungai Chua. After that, when I exit to SILK Highway while I drive to Putrajaya direction, FM 88.3MHz signal gets clearer.

In Sungai Ramal area, FM 88.3MHz is loud and clear. Then, signal is weak again when I reach Bangi interchange on SILK Highway. Next, FM 88.3MHz signal is totally lost when reach IUKL and UNITEN when I drive to UPM Seri Kembangan.

 

Sadly no callsign or radio station ID is mentioned during the surveillance.

After the radio signal surveillance of FM 88.3MHz, according to my investigation, I suspect FM 88.3MHz is an unlicensed radio broadcast which is transmitted from a mosque in Sungai Ramal, Kajang, Selangor with low power radio transmission.

 

In my opinion, this unlicensed radio station shall not use FM 88.3MHz because there are two licensed radio stations occupying FM 88.1MHz and FM 88.5MHz which both cover Klang Valley areas. Fortunately, the unlicensed Islamic radio on FM 88.3MHz broadcasts in MONO signal, so the interference to FM 88.1MHz and FM 88.5MHz may not happen because FM 88.3MHz carries low frequency deviation. Moreover, I highly recommend this mosque transmitted radio station to use other frequencies such as FM 92.0MHz or FM 102.2MHz.

 

Despite FM 102.0MHz or FM 102.1MHz is not suitable for licensed radio broadcast in Gunung Telapak Buruk to cover Negeri Sembilan, but FM 102.1MHz or FM 102.2MHz is suitable for unlicensed radio broadcast in South Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

 

No signal is heard in Seri Kembangan and Balakong areas (nearby Cheras areas) on FM 88.3MHz.  

Unidentified radio station FM 102.3MHz (airing Indonesian's Dangdut songs) receive in Puchong (Selangor) and Bukit Jalil (Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia.

This evening, approximately 1806 hours (Malaysia time UTC+8), I go back home from Puchong to Balakong via KESAS Highway in order to avoid the traffic congestion, hence I definitely would pass through Bukit Jalil.

 

I tune FM 102.3MHz in Puchong, Selangor randomly after going down from LDP Sunway Selatan interchange when I exit to KESAS Highway while I was heading to Bukit Jalil. Thought it was a very weak signal of Melaka FM from Gunung Ledang, but I heard something quite loud and music which is not belonged to Malaysia.

 

It sounds like Indonesian's Dangdut songs when I tune on FM 102.3MHz all the way from Puchong to Bukit Jalil. I thought it was a radio signal from neighbouring cars' low power FM mp3 transmitters, but the thing is I heard the Dangdut music unidentified radio station on FM 102.3MHz with longer receiving distance.

 

During the radio reception on KESAS Highway, I can hear the interference noise from Pahang FM 102.2MHz (Fraser's Hill) and Melaka FM 102.3MHz (Gunung Ledang). 

 

Next, I try to compare radio content with Melaka FM via RTM Klik, the content does not match with what I heard on FM 102.3MHz.

 

This Indonesian music unidentified radio station on FM 102.3MHz played Dangdut songs continuously without mention any radio station name, so I cannot identify what radio station name is. 

 

About the radio transmission, from Puchong, I can hear the signal of UNID Indonesian radio station FM 102.3MHz on KESAS Highway until Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway interchange after Seri Petaling shopping mall Endah Parade.

 

Please comment this article below if you know about the radio station's name.

If Thailand Bangkok Islamic radio station expands coverage to Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, AM 1296kHz is the most suitable frequency proposal.

Few days ago, I had written about my proposal of Bangkok's Voice of Islam radio coverage expansion to Muslim majority Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat with analysis by the province in terms of frequency use.

 

To expand coverage to Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat by using FM frequencies, the Bangkok based Voice of Islam will pay more costs to transmit there.

 

The most strategic proposal for coverage expansion of this radio station to Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani is launching only 1 AM frequency to cover 3 provinces.

 

In my opinion, Voice of Islam can use former Radio Thailand Pattani AM 1296kHz frequency slot which was switched off on 1st April 2021, proposed transmission site is in Pattani.

 

Former Radio Thailand Pattani AM 1296kHz operated at 10kW power only. In fact, Voice of Islam can use higher power AM transmitter to cover Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat at 50kW.

 

AM transmission power at 50kW does not only cover Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, it can reach Malaysia territories too.

 

By launching via AM transmission, instead of FM transmission, this can help Voice of Islam to save the operation cost for Southern Thailand broadcast.

 

==Proposed parameter==

* Frequency: AM 1296kHz

* Power: 50kW

* Transmission site: Pattani, Thailand

* Coverage: Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and part of Songkhla

* Recommended transmitter: Nautel NX50

RTM Asyik FM boleh didengari di Teluk Intan, Perak pada frekuensi FM 105.1MHz dari Gunung Brinchang.

 

Tahukah anda? Selain daripada platform MYTV dan RTM Klik, stesen radio RTM bahasa Orang Asli, Asyik FM boleh diterima di Teluk Intan, Perak dengan melalui frekuensi radio.

 

Asyik FM di negeri Perak Tengah dan Selatan diliputi dengan dua pemancar, iaitu FM 105.1MHz Gunung Brinchang dan FM 102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

Di Teluk Intan, Asyik FM boleh diterima dengan isyarat sederhana ke lemah. Mengenai frekuensi Asyik FM di Teluk Intan, saya berbanding dengan penerimaan dua frekuensi, iaitu 102.5MHz dan 105.1MHz.

 

Penerimaan siaran Asyik FM pada FM 102.5MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali sangat lemah di Teluk Intan dan diganggu oleh Raaga FM 102.4MHz dari Gunung Jerai, manakala FM 105.1MHz dari Gunung Brinchang lebih jelas daripada 102.5MHz.

 

Secara keseluruhan, pendengar Asyik FM perlu menerima siaran pada frekuensi FM 105.1MHz dari Gunung Brinchang di Teluk Intan, Perak.

 

Di sini terdapat rakaman video penerimaan Asyik FM 105.1MHz dari Gunung Brinchang di Teluk Intan, Perak yang saya rakam pada tahun 2014, 2020 dan 2023.

 

- Frekuensi: FM 105.1MHz

- Kuasa pemancar: 0.1kW

- Tempat pemancar: Gunung Brinchang, Pahang

- Tempat penerimaan: Teluk Intan, Perak

- Jarak: 69km

Voice of Vietnam VOV-3 FM 102.7MHz (An Giang) received in Kelantan, Malaysia (PART 2): Bachok

Two weeks ago, I had seen my friend's video of receiving Voice of Vietnam VOV-3 FM 102.7MHz from An Giang in Ketereh, Kelantan, Malaysia, the radio reception of VOV-3 FM 102.7MHz was very weak there.

This morning, I received a video from my friend (Ahmad Mustakimi) who is staying in Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia, he tuned Voice of Vietnam VOV-3 FM 102.7MHz in Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia.

According to my friend, he received Voice of Vietnam VOV-3 FM 102.7MHz in Beris Kubur Besar, Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia. VOV-3 FM 102.7MHz is transmitted from Núi Cấm, An Giang Province at 5kW transmitter power.

The radio reception of VOV-3 FM 102.7MHz was very clear in Beris Kubur Besar, Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia, compare with Ketereh, meanwhile the adjacent channel interference from local radio station Kelantan FM 102.9MHz (Wakaf Che Yeh) was not heard when tuned to Voice of Vietnam VOV-3 FM 102.7MHz there. I believe FM 102.7MHz radio reception in Bachok is the tropospheric propagation from Vietnam. During normal propagation, VOV-3 FM 102.7MHz signal is likely very weak in Bachok.

Overall check, VOV-3 FM 102.7MHz An Giang is the only Vietnam radio station available in Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia, meanwhile An Giang Radio FM 93.1MHz may not be receivable there.

==Voice of Vietnam VOV-3 FM 102.7MHz radio reception in Kelantan, Malaysia (PART 2)==

* Frequency: FM 102.7MHz

* Power: 5kW

* Transmitter site: Núi Cấm, An Giang Province, Vietnam

* Receiving site: Beris Kubur Besar, 16050 Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia

* Distance: 571km

Thailand Bangkok Islamic radio station Voice of Islam AM 837kHz & FM 104.25MHz can expand coverage to Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat where are having many Muslims, but the radio station needs to get more requirements of coverage expansion.

In Bangkok, Thailand, there is Thai Muslim radio station, known as Voice of Islam (Thai: สถานีวิทยุเสียงอิสลาม). It is an Islamic radio station which broadcasts in Thai language, the frequency is on FM 104.25MHz, Voice of Islam is also relayed on AM 837kHz, FM 87.75MHz and FM 107.5MHz.

All of its FM frequencies are low power radio transmission (less than 300W), meanwhile AM 837kHz operates at 10kW which is standard output power. Voice of Islam launched on AM 837kHz last year in Bangkok area, its AM frequency was formerly operated by Radio Thailand which closed down in 1st April 2021.

As it is Bangkok's only Muslim radio station, I saw it has potential market and listeners in Southern Thailand provinces such as Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani where they are Muslims majority provinces.

Bangkok based Voice of Islam (สถานีวิทยุเสียงอิสลาม) AM 837kHz can actually expand its broadcast coverage to Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, but they need few things for the coverage expansion, such as:

 

1. Obtaining NBTC frequency license for Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat broadcast.

2. C-band satellite link equipment to relay radio programs from Bangkok to Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

3. Finding the broadcast transmission infrastructure in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces.

 

Back to Bangkok, Voice of Islam FM 104.25MHz and AM 837kHz transmission towers are belonged to the radio station without renting public broadcaster's infrastructure. Meanwhile FM 87.75MHz and FM 107.5MHz are belonged to Santichon Muslim Foundation & KPN Radio respectively.

 

According to Voice of Islam Facebook page, AM 837kHz covers Central Bangkok, meanwhile FM 107.5MHz and FM 104.25MHz covers East Bangkok, then FM 87.75MHz covers South Bangkok. 

 

(PATTANI)

In Pattani, Voice of Islam can use former Radio Thailand Pattani AM frequency 1296kHz to broadcast there with 50kW power. Radio Thailand Pattani AM 1296kHz was closed down since 1st April 2021, actually this frequency can be succeeded by Voice of Islam in Pattani. With 50kW power AM transmitter in Pattani, this radio station can be tuned in part of Narathiwat and Songkhla actually, meanwhile it could overspill to Malaysia and other Thailand provinces such as Trang, Phatthalung and Satun during nighttime transmission.

 

(YALA)

In Yala, Voice of Islam can expand coverage there with either setting up own tower within Tambon Sateng like other radio stations at low power transmission or renting Royal Thai Army's Khao Bu Yo transmission tower.

 

Coverage expansion by Voice of Islam to Yala province on FM radio is more difficult because Yala is under Malaysia-Thailand international border frequency coordination region. Thailand's NBTC and Malaysia's MCMC usually have annual meeting to discuss frequency coordination in bordering region, when they talk about Yala radio broadcast, it involves Khao Pok Yo transmitted radio station because the TV/radio transmission Khao Pok Yo in Bannang Sata district can overspill to Malaysia territory, mainly Kelantan, Kedah, Hulu Perak and Perlis.

 

So, it is impossible to launch Voice of Islam in Yala by installing transmitter in Khao Pok Yo. 

 

Khao Pok Yo is currently operated by Thailand public radio stations such as Radio Thailand, MCOT and Parliament Radio.

 

Khao Bu Yo radio transmission does not affect Malaysia radio stations coverage.  If Voice of Islam wants to launch in Yala by using Khao Bu Yo tower, I would propose FM 89.75MHz or FM 102.0MHz at 0.5kW power.

 

Although Khao Bu Yo tower transmission does not overspill to Malaysia territory, but in Thailand, it can cause interference to Thepha, Pattani and Songkhla radio stations coverage if there is poor frequency planning.  

 

I did study on other frequencies for Khao Bu Yo transmission.

 

==FM 103.0MHz Khao Bu Yo==

102.9MHz: Kelantan FM Wakaf Che Yeh

103.0MHz: Voice of Islam Yala (Khao Bu Yo)

<100kHz, OK>

 

103.0MHz: Voice of Islam Yala (Khao Bu Yo)

103.0MHz: Khuluen Muanchon Khon Thepha Radio

<0kHz, NOT OK, co-channel interference> 

 

==FM 107.0MHz Khao Bu Yo==

107.0MHz: Voice of Islam Yala (Khao Bu Yo)

107.0MHz: RTAF Songkhla (Khao Kho Hong)

<0kHz, NOT OK, co-channel interference in Southeast Songkhla> 

 

It is suitable to use FM 103.0MHz in Tambon Sateng, Yala like other radio stations as it does not overspill to other province.

 

103.0MHz: Voice of Islam Yala (Tambon Sateng)

103.0MHz: Khuluen Muanchon Khon Thepha Radio

<0kHz, OK>  

 Sample radio coverage from Tambon Sateng, Yala

 

(NARATHIWAT)

Voice of Islam can launch low power radio transmission in that province on FM radio in Mueang Narathiwat Province on FM 107.0MHz at 0.3kW or below.

 

FM 107.0MHz was formerly used by SV Sound Radio in Sungai Golok, and it was closed recently.

 

As Narathiwat is under Thailand-Malaysia international border frequency coordination region, to avoid from involving that coordination, Voice of Islam Narathiwat broadcast on FM 107.0MHz transmission power must not be more than 0.3kW to prevent interference to Malaysia radio station.

107.0MHz: Voice of Islam Narathiwat (0.3kW or below)

107.1MHz: Kelantan FM Bukit Bintang

<100kHz, OK>

106.7MHz: Minnal FM Wakaf Che Yeh

107.0MHz: Voice of Islam Narathiwat

<300kHz, OK>

Sample coverage map of FM 107.0MHz Narathiwat:

==Proposal of Voice of Islam coverage expansion to Southern Thailand provinces==

* Pattani: AM 1296kHz

* Yala: FM 103.0MHz Tambon Sateng (0.3kW) or FM 102.0MHz Khao Bu Yo (0.5kW)

* Narathiwat: FM 107.0MHz (0.3kW)

在彭亨而連突 (Jerantut)用101.8MHz收聽不到MY FM? 大家可以嘗試調去100.6收聽MY! 好玩.

 

在彭亨州, MY FM主要的收聽頻率是101.1MHz, 但其頻率是屬於關丹和彭亨東部地區. MY FM在其他的彭亨州地區是通過雪隆區101.8MHz收聽, 有些地區則用森美蘭100.6MHz和馬六甲106.4MHz收聽. 另外, 金馬倫高原用怡保100.6MHz收聽.

 

大部份的彭亨州中西部地區接收MY FM都是用101.8MHz. 

 

由於地區的關係, 在彭亨州的而連突(Jerantut)收聽MY FM是會比其他的地區來得弱. 或許很多聽眾以為MY FM在Jerantut是跟文冬和Temerloh一樣, 用101.8收聽. 其實彭亨州Jerantut用101.8MHz是很難收到MY FM, 就算收到, 訊號是超級弱的.  

 

用101.8, 但收不到MY FM? 

 

MY FM在彭亨州而連突Jerantut可以調去芙蓉頻道100.6MHz收聽. 兩個星期前, 我在彭亨而連突遊玩並進行電台訊號測試, MY FM 100.6的訊號在Jerantut市鎮比101.8清楚些.

 

不是所有的而連突地區可以收到MY FM. Kuala Tembeling, Ulu Tembeling和Damak地區是完全收不到MY FM 100.6MHz, 另外Kuala Tahan一帶收MY FM 100.6更加難收到, 除非使用高敏感收音機來接收.

 

MY FM 100.6的發射站是在森美蘭州的Gunung Telapak Buruk, 其覆蓋範圍不止服務森美蘭地區(除了Tampin), 它也覆蓋彭亨部份地區和柔佛東北部一些地區 (比如興樓Endau).

我特別寫這篇文章是給而連突聽眾和在外地工作的而連突遊子, 至少大家可以知道MY FM的覆蓋範圍可以到哪裡.

FM 102.0MHz or FM 102.1MHz is not used for Negeri Sembilan radio broadcast transmission in Gunung Telapak Buruk due to interference to Johor FM 101.9MHz and Melaka FM 102.3MHz coverage.

Until today, the frequency FM 102.0MHz or FM 102.1MHz is still vacated in Negeri Sembilan and one of them is not occupied by any radio station for Gunung Telapak Buruk transmission to cover Seremban, Kuala Pilah, Jelebu, Jempol, Port Dickson and Rembau.

 

I never saw MCMC assigned 102.0 or 102.1 to any radio broadcaster for Gunung Telapak Buruk radio transmission during 15 years observation.

Many years ago, I observed that FM 102.1MHz as the empty radio frequency and I think that it could be used in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan (Gunung Telapak Buruk) since 2008 when I was just a Form 2 student at a high school during that time. So, I nominated this frequency to Media Prima for One FM Seremban frequency transmission (later Kool FM in 2016).

I thought Media Prima could use FM 102.1MHz in Gunung Telapak Buruk for One FM (now as 8FM) or Kool FM (now as Buletin FM). Until today, none of them is assigned FM 102.0MHz or FM 102.1MHz there.

I deeply studied the frequency interference analysis via simulation test and on site radio DXing. In fact, FM 102.0MHz or FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk transmission can cause interference to Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang and Johor FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai coverage in Central Johor and Northwest Melaka respectively.

 

RF analysis: 

101.8MHz: MY FM Gunung Ulu Kali

101.9MHz: Johor FM Gunung Pulai

102.0MHz: Gunung Telapak Buruk

 

Each stations are having 100kHz separation. Johor FM 101.9MHz will get more interference.

==FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk vs. Johor FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai==

1. Johor FM broadcasts on 3 frequencies to cover the entire state such as FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai, FM 105.3MHz Gunung Ledang and FM 92.1MHz Bukit Tinggi. In Central Johor areas such as Batu Pahat, Kluang, Parit Sulong, Yong Peng, Parit Raja and Sri Gading, Johor FM tuning frequencies are 105.3 and 101.9. Central Johor is the neutral location for 105.3 and 101.9 transmission. In Batu Pahat, basically Johor FM is tuned on 105.3MHz from Gunung Ledang, but the radio station tuning frequency is 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai in several locations within Batu Pahat district when 105.3MHz Gunung Ledang signal is not clear. Hence, 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai is to cover the blind spot of FM 105.3MHz Gunung Ledang in Central Johor.

2. Johor FM 101.9MHz also backs up Pagoh when 105.3MHz Gunung Ledang reception is not clear. When FM 105.3MHz Gunung Ledang reception is weak in Pagoh and Yong Peng, listeners have to tune to Johor FM on 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai. Studied that Gunung Telapak Buruk radio transmission can reach Pagoh, Johor FM 101.9MHz will be interfered by FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk there. Therefore, Johor FM has no clearer frequencies to be tuned in affected areas.

3. Johor FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai has adjacent channel interference with MY FM 101.8MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in certain locations in Kluang. Listeners can tune on 105.3MHz from Gunung Ledang. 

 

Gunung Telapak Buruk radio transmission actually can approach part of Batu Pahat and Kluang. When Johor FM 101.9MHz is being interfered by MY FM 101.8MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, the interference will be worse if FM 102.0MHz is used in Gunung Telapak Buruk. This means Johor FM 101.9MHz will get more interference from FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk in Central Johor, alongside MY FM 101.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.

4. In Segamat, Johor FM is tuned on FM 105.3MHz from Gunung Ledang, meanwhile FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai is still available. Johor FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai reception is having interference with MY FM 101.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali. Imagine if FM 102.0MHz is used in Gunung Telapak Buruk, Johor FM 101.9MHz is completely interfered in Segamat, Johor until Kluang.

==FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk vs. Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang==

1. RTM Melaka FM broadcasts only with 1 frequency to cover the entire Melaka state on FM 102.3MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk, and it has no alternative frequency in Melaka as 102.3 covers Melaka perfectly.

In Northwest Melaka such as Masjid Tanah, Lubuk Cina, Kuala Sungai Baru, and Sungai Udang, Gunung Telapak Buruk radio stations can be received clearly, somewhat its signal is stronger than Gunung Ledang in those stated locations. 

 

FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk radio transmission can cause interference to Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang coverage in Northwest Melaka as both frequency separation are at 200kHz. For this case, it is better to separate at 300kHz.

When Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang coverage is interfered by FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk transmission in Masjid Tanah, Sungai Udang, Kuala Sungai Baru and Lubuk Cina, Melaka FM's listeners in affected areas have no alternative frequency to tune the broadcast. Hence, this can anger the listeners due to interference.

Unless Melaka FM has alternative frequency, so the interference to Melaka FM 102.3MHz by FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk is no longer an issue.

 

102.1MHz: Gunung Telapak Buruk

102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang

<200kHz> (Melaka FM 102.3MHz can face interference in Masjid Tanah, Lubuk Cina, Kuala Sungai Baru and Sungai Udang)

==Conclusion==

With the studies and findings above, FM 102.0MHz and FM 102.1MHz are not suitable for Gunung Telapak Buruk radio broadcast transmission.

As today, FM 102.1MHz is only used for Sepang Grand Prix low power radio commentary broadcast when there is race event.

Rest In Peace, KK12FM 89.5.

 

On 3rd March 2023, KK12FM 89.5 announced that the radio station already signed out. It meant KK12FM 89.5 would cease its broadcast, and 1st March 2023 was the last day of KK12FM 89.5 in the Kota Kinabalu airwave.

 

KK12FM 89.5 was the Sabah only English and Sabahan Malay radio station which broadcasted in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It was launched on 17th April 2017. I knew this radio station in 2017 when my friend shared with me about KK12FM. Usually I followed its social media platform by watching their videos mostly, while online streaming platform was not available.

 

Sadly I could not listen to KK12FM 89.5 digitally when I'm based in Peninsular Malaysia because it was not available of online streaming platform.

 

Lack of digital listening platform was part of the reason why KK12FM 89.5 closed down, it was an unfortunate thing actually. If KK12FM 89.5 had digital listening platform, the listeners could tune to this radio station outside Kota Kinabalu.

 

Back to November 2019, when I worked in radio broadcast transmission system company, coincidentally I had a project in Lawas, Sarawak, I went to Lawas via Kota Kinabalu with my collate and Australian boss. 

 

When I landed in Kota Kinabalu International Airport, I listened to KK12FM 89.5 all the way from Kota Kinabalu to Beaufort via radio platform. This radio station playlist was more variety than those mainstream English radio stations (such as Hxxx, Mxx, Fxx FM) and radio content was better than other Sabah radio stations.

 

When I was back from Lawas to Kota Kinabalu after completing my project, I also listened to this radio station. It had rock music segment in the afternoon. KK12FM 89.5 was the Sabah only English radio station, I feel sad to hear this radio station was ceased operation.

 

Note: The frequency license of KK12FM 89.5 was already returned to MCMC.

 

In memory of KK12FM 89.5, I would like to present my radio signal monitoring of this radio station where I tuned outside Kota Kinabalu during the journey to Lawas, Sarawak in November 2019.

Before I went back to Kuala Lumpur while I was waiting the departure flight, I listened to KK12FM 89.5 at Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

 

In July 2020, I also spotted a Japanese radio monitoring amateur tuned KK12FM 89.5 in Japan via YouTube which is very freak one.

 

To KK12FM 89.5, thanks for entertaining the Sabah listeners during these 6 years, you will be missed. I'm based in Peninsular Malaysia, but I also would like to thank to KK12FM 89.5 for entertaining me when I was having a very short stay in Sabah.

 

Rest in peace, KK12FM 89.5. (17th April 2017-1st March 2023)

 

Senarai kawasan di Jerantut, Pahang yang boleh menerima siaran TV digital MYTV (atau dikenali sebagai myFreeview) dari Gunung Telapak Buruk, Negeri Sembilan.

 

MYTV telah melancarkan pemancar DTT di Gunung Telapak Buruk secara rasmi pada hari ini. Frekuensinya sama dengan pemancar Bukit Tampin, Gunung Ledang, Kuala Rompin dan Bukit Tinggi, iaitu CH25 (UHF 506MHz) untuk MUX A, dan CH 23 (UHF 490MHz) untuk MUX B. 

 

Pemancar MYTV di Gunung Telapak Buruk khususnya untuk Negeri Sembilan (Jelebu, Kuala Pilah, Seremban, Rembau, Jempol dan Port Dickson), Selangor Selatan dan sebahagian negeri Pahang (Bera, Manchis dan Simpang Pelangai).

 

Sebenarnya pemancar MYTV di Gunung Telapak Buruk boleh meliputi Kuala Krau dan sebahagian kawasan Jerantut.

 

Di Jerantut, terdapat sebuah tempat pemancar tempatan, iaitu Bukit Istana, tetapi MYTV tidak memasang pemancar di Bukit Istana dan penonton TV di kawasan tersebut perlu menerima siaran MYTV dengan melalui DTH (satelit).

 

Jerantut tidak boleh menerima siaran DTT MYTV dari Gunung Ulu Kali dan Bukit Fraser.

 

Selain dari DTH, MYTV boleh diterima dengan melalui isyarat DTT di Jerantut setelah pemancar Gunung Telapak Buruk dilancarkan kerana terdapat kawasan Jerantut boleh menerima isyarat siaran TV dan radio dari Gunung Telapak Buruk.

 

Jarak antara Gunung Telapak Buruk dan Jerantut (tidak termasuk Damak, Kuala Tembeling, Kuala Tahan, Ulu Tembeling) ialah 125-133km.

 

Untuk menerima siaran MYTV dengan isyarat DTT di Jerantut, penonton harus memasang antenna luar bermodel 37e dan menghala antenna ke arah selatan dari Jerantut.

 

Siaran MYTV dari Gunung Telapak Buruk boleh diterima di Jerantut, Pahang dengan kawasan bawah berikut:

1. Tebing Tinggi

2. Jerantut Feri

3. Kampung Pulau Tawar

4. Felda Padang Piol

5. Felda Kota Gelanggi

6. Kampung Temin

7. Felda Jengka 8

8. Kampung Bukit Dinding

9. Kampung Durian Hijau

10. Sebahagian Bandar Jerantut

11. Felda Jengka 24 

12. Kampung Tanah Rom

13. Kampung Perian

14. Kampung Sungai Tekam

 

Untuk makluman, pemancar DTT MYTV dari Gunung Telapak Buruk tidak meliputi seluruh daerah Jerantut. Tiada isyarat boleh diterima di Damak, Kuala Tembeling, Ulu Tembeling dan Kuala Tahan.

 

==Frekuensi MYTV DTT di Jerantut, Pahang==

* MUX A: CH25 (UHF 506MHz) dari Gunung Telapak Buruk

* MUX B: CH23 (UHF 490MHz) dari Gunung Telapak Buruk

 

After DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television transmitter in Gunung Telapak Buruk is launched, MYTV can be received in part of Jerantut, Pahang via DTT signal.

MYTV launches digital terrestrial television (DTT) transmitter in Gunung Telapak Buruk, Negeri Sembilan today. It broadcasts on CH25 (UHF 506MHz) for MUX A, and CH23 (UHF 490MHz) for MUX B which are same frequencies with Bukit Tampin, Gunung Ledang, Kuala Rompin and Bukit Tinggi (Mersing, Johor).

MYTV Gunung Telapak Buruk DVB-T2 transmitter does not only cover Negeri Sembilan and South Selangor, it can cover several Pahang areas such as Bera, Chenor and Temerloh actually.

By comparing FM radio transmission from Gunung Telapak Buruk in Pahang, as some part of Jerantut can receive FM radio broadcast from Gunung Telapak Buruk, MYTV can be received in part of Jerantut, Pahang via DTT signal.

In Jerantut, MYTV has no local transmitter in Bukit Istana, and MYTV cannot be received there via Gunung Ulu Kali and Bukit Fraser transmitter actually.

From today onwards, MYTV Gunung Telapak Buruk DTT transmission can be received in part of Jerantut, Pahang.

For MYTV coverage in Jerantut, several locations can receive MYTV from Gunung Telapak Buruk by installing an UHF outdoor antenna (recommend to use 37E) and the antenna must beam towards south direction from Jerantut.

The distance between Gunung Telapak Buruk and Jerantut is about 126-133km.

MYTV can be received from Gunung Telapak Buruk in Jerantut, Pahang by following areas below:

1. Tebing Tinggi

2. Jerantut Feri

3. Kampung Pulau Tawar

4. Felda Padang Piol

5. Felda Kota Gelanggi

6. Kampung Temin

7. Felda Jengka 8

8. Kampung Bukit Dinding

9. Kampung Durian Hijau

10. Part of Jerantut town

11. Felda Jengka 24 

12. Kampung Tanah Rom

13. Kampung Perian

14. Kampung Sungai Tekam

MYTV Gunung Telapak Buruk DTT transmission does not cover the entire Jerantut district. No signal can be received in Damak, Kuala Tembeling, Kuala Tahan, and Ulu Tembeling.

 

Jerantut areas from Jerantut Feri to Jengka are the best locations to receive MYTV from Gunung Telapak Buruk. 

Recommended antenna is 37e to receive MYTV DTT signal from Gunung Telapak Buruk in Jerantut, Pahang.

Alongside Jerantut, MYTV Gunung Telapak Buruk signal can be also received in Kuala Krau, Pahang too.

==MYTV DVB-T2 frequencies in Jerantut and Kuala Krau, Pahang==

* MUX A: CH25 (UHF 506MHz) from Gunung Telapak Buruk

* MUX B: CH23 (UHF 490MHz) from Gunung Telapak Buruk