Gunung Ulu Kali transmitted radio stations are still receivable in Central Perak, radio signal monitoring was conducted in Tronoh, Seri Iskandar, Bota and Ayer Tawar.

On 8th October 2023, I went to Central Perak to conduct monthly radio signal monitoring (FM DXing), I performed FM DXing in 4 locations such as Seri Iskandar, Tronoh, Bota and Ayer Tawar. 

 

In fact, I plan to come these locations by February 2024 during Chinese New Year holiday, but I make it earlier to this month. This FM DXing trip was 1 day without overnight by departing from Balakong in early morning, then coming back home in the afternoon. Originally this trip only covers Seri Iskandar, Bota and Tronoh in Central Perak, then Chenderiang in South Perak, but I extended my DXing location in Ayer Tawar last minute because I learnt that Ayer Tawar is very near to Bota.

The location route was done by following below:

Balakong (home)>>Teronoh>>Seri Iskandar>>Bota>>Ayer Tawar>>Tanjung Tualang>>Chenderiang>>Bidor>>Balakong (home)

Regarding radio stations that I was DXing, there were nothing very special in Seri Iskandar, Bota, Ayer Tawar and Tronoh, but I focused to DX Gunung Ulu Kali radio stations signal because few of mentioned radio stations don't have tuning frequency nationwide, even in Perak state, such as:

1. BFM 89.9

2. GoXUAN FM 88.9

3. RTM Selangor FM 100.9MHz

4. RTM Pahang FM 107.5MHz

5. RTM Asyik FM 102.5MHz

Best FM 104.1MHz signal videos were not filmed because it had co-channel interference with Perak FM from Bukit Larut in Seri Iskandar, Teronoh, Bota and Ayer Tawar. In addition, Best FM was playing non-stop music with less advertisement, so I could not stay for so long to wait for footage recording when the songs were ended due to limited time given.

Between Selangor FM 100.9MHz and Pahang FM 107.5MHz, by overall conducting the radio signal strength check, Selangor FM 100.9MHz is stronger than Pahang FM because Pahang FM beams to east (Pahang) from Gunung Ulu Kali, meanwhile Selangor FM 100.9MHz beams to west (Selangor) from Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

Selangor FM 100.9MHz signal is clear in Tronoh, Bota and Ayer Tawar without interference of 988 FM 101.0MHz from Bukit Larut like Seri Iskandar.

Next, Asyik FM 102.5MHz signal is moderate in Tronoh, but it was very weak in Ayer Tawar, Seri Iskandar and Bota. I don't understand the radio reception of Asyik FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in Tronoh is clearer than other locations of Southern Perak such as Chenderiang, Bidor, Teluk Intan, Bota, Ayer Tawar and Seri Iskandar, the radio propagation seems weird actually. In Ayer Tawar, Asyik FM 102.5MHz has adjacent channel interference with Gunung Jerai transmitted THR Raaga FM 102.4MHz. 

Asyik FM 105.1MHz Cameron Highlands frequency from Gunung Brinchang could not be tuned in Tronoh, Seri Iskandar, Bota and Tanjung Tualang like Radio Klasik FM 89.1MHz due to its transmitter system is having issue.

BFM 89.9 is overall clear in Seri Iskandar, Ayer Tawar, Tronoh and Bota, but it has adjacent channel interference with Traxx FM 90.1MHz from Gunung Kledang when I tuned in Tronoh. From Bota to Ayer Tawar, even in Ayer Tawar town, BFM 89.9 is interfered by Fly FM 89.9MHz from Penang's Bukit Penara.

In Bota, all the radio stations signal videos were filmed at Bota Kiri.

 

Gunung Ulu Kali radio signal is clearer than Bukit Larut in these 4 locations. 

 

==Receiving distance of Gunung Ulu Kali radio signal to 4 locations in Central Perak==

1. Tronoh: 142km

2. Seri Iskandar: 138km

3. Bota: 143km

4. Ayer Tawar: 150km

After 4 locations, during the departure to Balakong in Selangor, I also passed by Tanjung Tualang and stopped in Chenderiang (South Perak location).

Asyik FM 102.5MHz is available in Tanjung Tualang, but signal is not strong as Ai FM 106.7MHz and MY FM 101.8MHz.

I will be coming back to Perak again in November 2023 with another series of FM radio DXing with the locations namely Pangkor Island, Lumut, Seri Manjung, Sitiawan town, Pantai Remis, Changkat Keruing and Selama.

Cannot receive Eight FM 88.3MHz in rest of Negeri Sembilan areas outside Seremban? Media Prima Audio Eight FM is now digitally available in Gunung Telapak Buruk via MYTV DTT transmission on CH715, while multiplex frequency is on UHF 506MHz (Channel 25).

 Media Prima Audio Eight FM reaches its coverage for Negeri Sembilan state with Seremban frequency 88.3MHz since One FM's era in August 2010. Unlike other radio stations, the transmission coverage of Eight FM 88.3MHz is limited in Seremban and surrounding areas because it is transmitted from Bukit Gun where located in Seremban City, instead of Gunung Telapak Buruk.

Eight FM 88.3MHz has no coverage in the rest of Negeri Sembilan areas outside Seremban, the listeners have to tune to weaker and more interference frequency on FM 88.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali or Gunung Ledang.

On FM radio platform, Eight FM is the only Chinese radio station which does not have Gunung Telapak Buruk transmitter like others, meanwhile it is now digitally available in Gunung Telapak Buruk via MYTV CH706 on the multiplex frequency UHF 506MHz (Channel 25) since 22nd September 2023.

 

So, the listeners there have new option to tune to Eight FM, alongside Audio+ app, YouTube LIVE streaming and weaker frequency FM 88.1MHz.

 

Although Eight FM is unavailable of its transmitter in Gunung Telapak Buruk via FM radio, but it is digitally available in Gunung Telapak Buruk via MYTV CH715. Moreover, this also can bypass my proposal of launching Gunung Telapak Buruk transmitter for Eight FM to replace small coverage's 88.3MHz which I suggested from 2011 to 2016.

 

Currently there is no any empty frequency slot for Eight FM's Gunung Telapak Buruk radio transmission to cover Negeri Sembilan. In the past years, I found that FM 102.0MHz or FM 102.1MHz was likely suitable, but it is not suitable to be used in Gunung Telapak Buruk after doing deeper radio frequency analysis and on site radio signal field strength test in DX mode.

After a year hiatus, Eight FM is back in Kuantan, Pahang digitally via MYTV CH715 on multiplex frequency UHF 674MHz (Channel 46), alongside with weaker frequency FM 88.1MHz.

It is 1 year anniversary of Eight FM leaving Kuantan while its frequency FM 100.4MHz is taken over by Molek FM. However, Eight FM is now coming back in Kuantan digitally via MYTV CH715 on multiplex frequency UHF 674MHz (Channel 46).

Currently MCMC is still not releasing any FM frequencies, despite Kuantan has few empty frequency slots, but I'm still assisting to fight for Eight FM Kuantan frequency together with Media Prima Audio.

In Kuantan, Eight FM's listeners have at least 4 choices to listen to the radio stations, such as:

1. Audio+ app

2. YouTube LIVE streaming

3. FM 88.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali (weak in Kuantan)

4. MYTV CH715

The comeback of Eight FM in Kuantan is only going digitally, meanwhile comeback via FM radio is not yet.

Other than Kuantan, Eight FM is also digitally available in Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu and rest of areas (Miri, Sandakan, Langkawi, Perlis etc) via MYTV CH715.

After Gunung Telapak Buruk and TM Kangar, MYTV Broadcasting should expand its DTT coverage by launching more transmitters.

2 weeks ago, we had realized the launching of MYTV digital terrestrial television (DTT) transmitters in Gunung Telapak Buruk for Negeri Sembilan and TM Kangar for Perlis.

 

In my opinion, to expand the remaining DTT coverage, MYTV Broadcasting should launch more transmitters by following locations and frequencies below:

1. Changkat Rembian for Tapah, Perak

- Suggested frequencies: MUX A (UHF 666MHz/CH45) and MUX B (UHF 650MHz/CH43)

2. Gunung Brinchang for Cameron Highlands, Pahang

- Suggested frequencies: MUX A (UHF 666MHz/CH45) and MUX B (UHF 650MHz/CH43)

 

3. Bukit Palong for Baling, Kedah & Pengkalan Hulu, Perak

- Suggested frequencies: MUX A (UHF 666MHz/CH45) and MUX B (UHF 650MHz/CH43)

4. Bukit Penara for Penang

- Suggested frequencies: MUX A (UHF 666MHz/CH45) and MUX B (UHF 650MHz/CH43)

5. Bukit Tampalagus for Lawas, (Sarawak), Sipitang (Sabah) and Labuan

- Suggested frequencies: MUX A (UHF 594MHz/CH36) and MUX B (UHF 642MHz/CH42)

 

6. Bukit Dedap for Sik, Kedah

- Suggested frequencies: MUX A (UHF 666MHz/CH45) and MUX B (UHF 650MHz/CH43)

 

7. Bukit Ampungan for Serian, Sarawak

- Suggested frequencies: MUX A (UHF 682MHz/CH47) and MUX B (UHF 650MHz/CH43)

 

8. Bukit Istana for Jerantut, Pahang

- Suggested frequencies: MUX A (UHF 506MHz/CH25) and MUX B (UHF 490MHz/CH 23)

 

9. Bukit Sigapon for Keningau, Sabah

- Suggested frequencies: MUX A (UHF 594MHz/CH36) and MUX B (UHF 642MHz/CH42)

 

10. Layang-Layang for Central Sabah

- Suggested frequencies: MUX A (UHF 594MHz/CH36) and MUX B (UHF 642MHz/CH42)

 

11. Bukit Chupak for Gua Musang

- Suggested frequencies: MUX A (UHF 666MHz/CH45) and MUX B (UHF 650MHz/CH43)

12. Bukit Sulai for Gambang and Sungai Lembing, Pahang

- Suggested frequencies: MUX A (UHF 674MHz/CH46) and MUX B (UHF 658MHz/CH44)

With these 11 proposed transmitter sites, I believe MYTV Broadcasting can reach 100% of its DTT coverage, however DTH is still a need for the remote areas where there is no strategic DTT transmitter sites.

 

My proposals of expanding Asyik FM's coverage in Negeri Sembilan (Gunung Telapak Buruk 95.5MHz) and Ipoh (Gunung Kledang 107.4MHz) can become irrelevant if the proposed frequencies cause interference to existing radio station, but Orang Asli people in Negeri Sembilan and Ipoh can listen to Asyik FM digitally on MYTV CH706 via digital UHF TV signal

From 2018 to 2023, I sent my proposals to RTM for expanding Asyik FM's coverage in Negeri Sembilan, Ipoh and Tapah by following frequencies and transmitters below:

* 107.7MHz Changkat Rembian for Tapah

* 107.4MHz Gunung Kledang for Ipoh

* 95.5MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk for Negeri Sembilan

250W transmitter power is proposed for Gunung Kledang and Gunung Telapak Buruk, meanwhile Changkat Rembian is at 0.5kW.

Until today, I have not received any feedback from RTM regarding my proposals to expand Asyik FM's coverage yet. In the proposals, I attached my antenna pattern drawings which I drew manually based on manufacturer antenna catalogue's vertical polarization pattern, but I just change the antenna direction to prevent interference to existing radio stations. The proposals content are based on my amateur expericne towards radio broadcast, hence I need to get exact interference analysis from professional team of RTM and MCMC.

My proposals can becomes irrelevant if RTM frequency planning team does the analysis of my frequency coverage proposal of Asyik FM for Ipoh (107.4MHz) and Negeri Sembilan (95.5MHz) can cause interference to these radio stations' coverage below:

* Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali coverage in Lipis district and Kampung Sega, Pahang

* Pahang FM 95.5MHz Bukit Sulai in Chini and part of Muadzam Shah, Pahang

For FM 95.5MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk proposal, as there is already a 100kHz frequency separation between Pahang FM 95.5MHz Bukit Sulai and Asyik FM 95.6MHz Gunung Ledang, then the interference between both radio stations happens in Muadzam Shah. The interference will become worse if Asyik FM 95.5MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk transmission is activated, despite low power transmission. Hence, I don't think this proposal goes well and possibly get rejected.

However, Asyik FM is currently digitally available in my proposals such as Ipoh and Negeri Sembilan on MYTV CH706 via digital terrestrial television transmission UHF signal by following frequencies below:

* Ipoh and Kinta Highlands: UHF 650MHz (CH 43) from Gunung Kledang

* Negeri Sembilan: UHF 490MHz (CH 23) for Gunung Telapak Buruk, Bukit Tampin and Gunung Ledang

Orang Asli people in Central Perak can still tune to Asyik FM on MYTV CH706 digitally by receiving signal from Gunung Kledang on UHF 650MHz (Channel 43) with UHF outdoor or indoor antenna.

Alongside MYTV, Asyik FM is also available on Astro or NJOI CH 875, but to me, Astro is not reliable because its satellite transmission faces rain fade attenuation where Astro service will be interrupted when it is raining.

In July 2023, Elon Musk's satellite internet Starlink landed in Malaysia, Orang Asli in remote areas can listen to Asyik FM via online and RTM Klik application with high speed broadband from Starlink.

It is perfect if RTM Asyik FM launches in Ipoh (Gunung Kledang), Negeri Sembilan (Gunung Telapak Buruk) and Tapah (Changkat Rembian) for FM radio transmission, but digital platform such as MYTV CH706, Astro CH875 and online streaming can bypass my proposals.

Manong is the only town in Kuala Kangsar district where is receivable of Pahang FM 107.5MHz and Selangor FM 100.9MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

Manong is the small town in Kuala Kangsar district, Perak, its postcode is 33800. The small town is located between Gunung Kledang and Gunung Bubu.

 

For radio stations, Manong is under coverage of Gunung Kledang transmitter, but people in this small town can receive few radio stations from Gunung Ulu Kali with weak signal.

 

On YouTube, there are two videos of receiving Selangor FM 100.9MHz and Pahang FM 107.5MHz in Manong, Perak, published by DX Radio Malaysia in October 2021.

 

According to the videos above, both radio stations signal are weak in Manong, Perak, the signal propagation Selangor FM 100.9MHz and Pahang FM 107.5MHz in Manong cannot be compared because both are same.

 

The distance from Gunung Ulu Kali to Manong, Perak is about 165km.

 

Selangor FM 100.9MHz has adjacent channel interference with 988 Taiping frequency FM 101.0MHz from Bukit Larut often when tuned in Central Perak such as Bota, Seri Iskandar, Seri Manjung, Lumut and Sitiawan, meanwhile it has no interference in Manong because Bukit Larut radio signal is not receivable there.

 

While GoXUAN Penang frequency FM 107.6MHz from Bukit Penara can be tuned in most of Kuala Kangsar districts with weaker signal such as Padang Rengas, Kuala Kangsar, Enggor and Sungai Siput (U), GoXUAN 107.6 has no signal in Manong, so Pahang FM 107.5MHz can be tuned weakly there without interference from GoXUAN.

 

Majority areas of Kuala Kangsar district cannot receive Selangor FM 100.9MHz and Pahang FM 107.5MHz because these frequencies are null by 988 FM 101.0MHz (Bukit Larut) and GoXUAN FM 107.6MHz (Bukit Penara), however Manong is the only town in Kuala Kangsar district where the people there can tune Selangor FM 100.9MHz and Pahang FM 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali. 

 

Meanwhile Selangor FM 100.9MHz cannot be tuned in its neighboring town, Parit in Perak Tengah District because 988 Taiping frequency FM 101.0MHz is quite clear there, but Pahang FM 107.5MHz signal in Parit is weaker than Manong.

Signal comparison of RTM Pahang FM 107.5MHz and 100.3MHz in Batu Gajah, Perak (video only)

FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali 

 

FM 100.3MHz Gunung Brinchang

 

Both frequencies are not clear in Batu Gajah, Perak, however FM 107.5MHz is more stable than FM 100.3MHz. Listeners who tune Pahang FM on 100.3MHz from Gunung Brinchang in Batu Gajah will hear adjacent channel interference noise of MY FM Taiping frequency FM 100.2MHz from Bukit Larut.

 

Next week on 8th October 2023, I will check RTM Pahang FM frequencies in Teronoh, Seri Iskandar and Bota. Videos above are the archive of mine and DX Radio Malaysia.

Other than Sipitang and Sindumin, Cats FM was tuned on 88.7MHz in Kota Belud, Sabah.

Since 7th November 2019, Sarawak based Malay radio station Cats FM becomes available in part of Sabah such as Sipitang and Sindumin via Lawas frequency on FM 88.2MHz from Bukit Tiong.

However, a Sabah radio DXer, Azlan Jumat, he received Cats FM at Peranggi View Point in Kota Belud, Sabah, the tuning frequency was FM 88.7MHz from Bukit Mas, Limbang, Sarawak.

 

The signal was quite clear when tuning Cats FM 88.7MHz from Bukit Mas at Peranggi View Point via TECSUN H-501 radio receiver (MONO), the distance from Bukit Mas to the DX location is about 217km.

Other than 88.2MHz Lawas frequency, Cats FM can be tuned too in part of Sabah via FM 88.7MHz from Bukit Mas (Limbang).

==Cats FM signal reception in Kota Belud, Sabah==

* Frequency: FM 88.7MHz

* Power: 1kW

* Transmitter model: Elettronika MIZAR 1000

* Transmitter site: Bukit Mas, Limbang, Sarawak

* Receiving site: Peranggi View Point, 89150 Kota Belud, Sabah

* Distance: 217km

* Radio receiver: TECSUN H-501

Clarification regarding Langkawi FM 104.8MHz airs Muslim's Maghrib and Isyak prayers to avoid confusion from the listeners in Langkawi.

I spotted a post of someone complaining about Langkawi FM for airing Muslim's Maghrib prayer earlier than local time on Facebook page yesterday, my Malay friends who are radio hobbyists also shared the posts too and expressed their opinion towards the complaint.

Although I'm a non-Muslim, but I'm a radio broadcast observer by obtaining the information from my Muslim friends regarding this matter. For your information, Langkawi FM relays Nasional FM from RTM Angkasapuri in Kuala Lumpur from 1900 hours to 0600 hours daily. 

Regarding his concern about Langkawi FM for airing Muslim prayers earlier than local time, the Muslim Maghrib and Isyak prayers on Langkawi FM 104.8MHz and 87.5MHz are actually coming from Nasional FM because the Langkawi radio station relays Nasional FM during non-broadcast hours. Nasional FM's Muslim prayers time are based in Kuala Lumpur where is the capital of Malaysia.

 

Technically, Langkawi FM's Muslim prayers based on local time are only 2 out of 5, which are Zohor and Asar because both are within Langkawi FM's broadcast hours, meanwhile the rest such as Maghrib, Isyak and Subuh prayers on Langkawi FM 104.8MHz are following Nasional FM.

Langkawi FM only broadcasts for 13 hours everyday from 0600 hours to 1900 hours. Previously, it was 12 hours. Before 2021, actually Langkawi FM relayed Kedah FM broadcast feeds after 1900 hours.

As Kedah FM has Langkawi frequency on 105.7MHz, it is a duplication when Langkawi FM 104.8MHz relayed Kedah FM feed during non-broadcast hours, I was alert of it when I was in Langkawi 5 years ago. Hence, I wrote email to RTM by suggesting Langkawi FM to relay Nasional FM or Radio Klasik after coming back from Langkawi.

Back to 2018, regarding my proposal towards Langkawi FM radio relay during non-broadcasting hours, initially I proposed Radio Klasik because Radio Klasik is more to classic entertainment, so it can fit to Langkawi listeners' taste, but I also added Nasional FM in my proposal as optional. So, RTM can decide either one. At last, RTM Langkawi FM chose to relay Nasional FM.

The Muslim prayers' issue on Langkawi FM also applies to Labuan FM. 

 

RTM Labuan FM's Isyak and Subuh prayers are following Nasional FM because Labuan FM relays Nasional FM from 7pm to 7am, meanwhile Labuan FM's Maghrib prayer is based on local time (within broadcast hours). According to my Malay Muslim radio DXer, Labuan prayer time is 1 hour earlier than Peninsular Malaysia.

In conclusion, you are tuning to Nasional FM actually from 7pm to 6am on Langkawi FM's and Labuan FM's frequencies. Nasional FM is based in Kuala Lumpur as RTM's flagship Malay language national radio station like ABC Radio National in Australia, Voice of Vietnam VOV-1 in Vietnam, China National Radio CNR-1 in China and NHK Radio 1 in Japan.

How long can Era Sarawak and Era Sabah local broadcast survive after Hitz and My FM local branches in Sabah and Sarawak are closed down today?

On 30th September 2023, Hitz FM Sabah, Hitz FM Sarawak, MY FM Sabah and MY FM Sarawak cease their local radio broadcast today. Then, the frequencies of MY FM and Hitz FM in Sabah and Sarawak will relay the feeds from Peninsular Malaysia (headquarters) from 1st October 2023.

While MY FM and Hitz FM cease their local broadcast branches in Sabah and Sarawak, Era is not affected under the rationalization because Era local branches broadcast is still strong in Sabah and Sarawak. Hence, this means that Era Sabah and Era Sarawak continue their local broadcast.

Since Astro Radio closes down local broadcast branches of MY FM and Hitz FM in Sabah and Sarawak today to cut daily operation cost, I doubt regarding any happenings to Era Sabah and Era Sarawak in the future, especially their sustainability.

It is doubtful that how long do Era Sabah and Era Sarawak survive actually because the listeners' demands and the trends are changing frequently by months and years, therefore the changes of listeners' needs and the trends can affect a radio station performance.

Era Sabah and Era Sarawak will have same faith like Suria FM Sabah, KK12FM 89.5 and VOK FM (Voice of Kinabalu) if Astro Radio decides to cease Era Sabah and Sarawak one day, then relay Peninsular Malaysia feeds on Era frequencies in Sabah and Sarawak.

Will Era Sabah and Era Sarawak follow the trend of closing down Hitz/MY Sabah and Hitz/MY Sarawak local branches in the future? We don't know, it is unknown, instead we can observe their survival in the future (within 5 years), depends on their stations overall performances, including the listenership ratings and commercial revenue.

Last week, I expressed my opinion and suggestion to launch Era Sarawak's Bintulu frequency (102.8MHz Bukit Setiam as my proposed frequency), even I wrote a proposal report of Era FM Bintulu frequency to Astro Radio via email, but I don't know whether Astro Radio will take my proposal into the consideration or not because it needs more cost to launch only Era FM Sarawak in Bintulu without MY FM and Hitz FM. In addition, Astro is going to cut cost in several operations.

If Astro Radio closes down Era Sarawak and Era Sabah local branches, it is pointless to make Bintulu frequency proposal for Era FM to Astro Radio.

Currently Era Sarawak and Era Sabah performance are quite good, but I will continue observing the radio stations performance.

List of the empty frequency slots for FM radio broadcast in Kuching, Sarawak.

To get the vacant FM radio broadcast frequencies slots in Kuching, Sarawak for new radio stations, I make a frequency list table of existing radio stations in Kuching and distant transmitters from Serian, Sarikei, Entikong, Ulu Skrang, Sibu, Sri Aman and Off Spaoh.

 

Yellow stands as local radio stations in Kuching, meanwhile red stands as Indonesia radio station near Kuching area. 

After listing out the existing frequencies in Kuching and neighboring transmitters, I find out some empty frequency slots for Kuching radio broadcast.

 

==Bukit Djin==

* 91.3MHz

* 98.7MHz 

* 99.7MHz

* 103.1MHz

* 104.9MHz

* 105.7MHz

* 106.5MHz

* 107.5MHz

 

==Gunung Serapi==

* 98.7MHz

Kuching radio stations' transmitter sites

In Kuching, the capital of Sarawak state, there are 3 transmitter sites operated by the radio stations in the city for radio broadcast transmission, but formerly it was 5 transmitter sites.

Currently Kuching has Gunung Serapi, Bukit Djin and Bukit Antu for radio broadcast transmission, meanwhile formerly Kuching has radio transmitter towers in Pending and Muara Tabuan where are belonged to CELCOM.

Gunung Serapi is the oldest radio broadcast transmitter site in Kuching, Sarawak, mainly operated by 10 radio stations following below:

1. RTM Radio Klasik FM 92.9MHz

2. RTM Nasional FM 88.1MHz

3. RTM Sarawak FM 88.9MHz

4. RTM Traxx FM 89.9MHz

5. RTM Ai FM 90.7MHz

6. RTM Red FM 91.9MHz

7. RTM Wai FM Iban FM 101.3MHz

8. RTM Wai FM Bidayuh/Kayan FM 106.1MHz

9. Cats FM 99.3MHz

10. Hot FM 94.3MHz (Media Prima)

Meanwhile there are another transmitter sites located in Kuching town, but both towers are the neighbours, mostly operated by Kuching's commercial radio stations.

==Bukit Djin==

* Kupi-Kupi FM Sarawak FM 92.5MHz

* IKIM FM 93.7MHz

* Hitz FM 95.3MHz (ASTRO)

* Era FM 96.1MHz (ASTRO)

* MY FM 96.9MHz (ASTRO)

* Mix FM 97.7MHz (ASTRO)

* Eight FM 98.3MHz (Media Prima)

* Lite FM 100.1MHz (ASTRO)

* Sinar FM 102.1MHz (ASTRO)

* Kool 101 FM 104.3MHz (Media Prima)

==Bukit Antu==

* Bernama Radio FM 100.9MHz

* Tea FM 102.7MHz

Bukit Antu and Bukit Djin radio towers are located together in same location at Lorong Batu Lintang in Kuching city, Sarawak.

Muara Tabuan was formerly operated by Astro Radio before moving to Bukit Djin, meanwhile Pending was operated by IKIM FM until 2016 before Bukit Djin.

None of commercial radio stations except Cats FM and Hot FM are using Gunung Serapi as the radio transmittet site for Kuching because:

* They mainly focus in Kuching city without other locations in Sarawak.

* Gunung Serapi transmission can reach West Kalimantan territory in Indonesia, several frequencies can cause the interference to Indonesia radio stations' coverage in the districts of West Kalimantan province where are near from the Sarawak border.

Hot FM 94.3MHz is the only Media Prima radio station operating in Gunung Serapi while Eight FM 98.3MHz and Kool 101 FM 104.3MHz operates in Bukit Djin because FM 94.3MHz was already operated by Wow FM  in Gunung Serapi since 1998, Wow FM was the English radio station operated by Natseven (ntv7) in 1998 before it was acquired by Media Prima in 2005 due to financial crisis.

In terms of the coverage, Gunung Serapi is wider than Bukit Djin and Bukit Antu because it can reach signal to Serian and coastal areas of Sarikei and Sri Aman division, alongside Indonesia, meanwhile Bukit Djin and Bukit Antu signal can be tuned too, but very weak signal.

As today, here are the Peninsular Malaysia based, but nationwide radio stations don't have Kuching frequency such as:

* 988 FM

* Suria FM

* Media Prima Fly FM

My first ever DVB-T2 DXing, receiving MYTV Gunung Telapak Buruk digital TV signal in Balakong, Selangor (UHF 490MHz/CH 23 & UHF 506MHz/CH25)

On 22nd September 2023, MYTV launched digital terrestrial television transmission in Gunung Telapak Buruk officially, the frequencies are same as Bukit Tampin, Gunung Ledang, Kuala Rompin and Bukit Tinggi which are on:

MUX A: CH25 (UHF 506MHz)

MUX B: CH23 (UHF 490MHz)

After I receive the news where MYTV Gunung Telapak Buruk transmission is activated this morning, I decide to perform my very first DVB-T2 DX of receiving MYTV Gunung Telapak Buruk digital TV signal in Balakong, Selangor where is my home this evening with my LEDSTAR 7 inch portable digital TV (Model: D7).

Although MYTV digital TV is tuned from Bukit Sungai Besi in Balakong, Selangor, but I could capture its DVB-T2 signal from Gunung Telapak Buruk, the receiving distance is 41km from Gunung Telapak Buruk to Balakong.

The digital TV signal strength of MYTV from Gunung Telapak Buruk in Balakong is below the average, I get only 31-35 over 100, meanwhile Bukit Sungai Besi is above 40/100, bad or no signal if I receive with moving condition.

No signal if I receive indoor with my mobile TV antenna, so I tune outdoor and put the magnet on a metal barrier.

Era FM Sarawak is not affected in Astro Radio's rationalization to cease MY and Hitz Sarawak local broadcast, Astro Radio can expand Era FM Sarawak coverage in Bintulu.

Few days ago, I got the news of Astro Radio would cease MY FM and Hitz FM Sarawak and Sabah local program on 1st October 2023, then both radio stations in Sabah and Sarawak will relay Peninsular Malaysia feed, meanwhile Era FM Sabah and Sarawak local branches are not affected in Astro Radio's rationalization.

 

Era FM Sarawak has 3 frequencies in 3 major towns of Sarawak state, such as FM 96.1MHz in Kuching (Bukit Djin), FM 96.3MHz in Sibu (Bukit Lima) and FM 101.3MHz Miri (Bukit Lambir). As Era FM Sarawak is more successful than MY FM Sarawak and Hitz FM Sarawak, in my opinion, Astro Radio can expand Era FM Sarawak coverage in Bintulu.

 

It is not clear if the listeners tune to Era Sarawak in Bintulu on 101.3MHz from Bukit Lambir, the radio reception is too far.

Bintulu is the 4th largest town in Sarawak state. Era FM Sarawak broadcasts in Sarawak Malay language, as Sarawak Malay language is partially same as Iban, so Era FM Sarawak can target Iban listeners too.

Regarding the transmitter site of Era FM Sarawak for Bintulu, there are two transmitters in Bintulu, namely Bukit Setiam in Tatau, and Bukit Nyabau in Bintulu town. Currently, Bukit Nyabau is operated by television broadcast transmission, meanwhile radio broadcast transmission is in Bukit Setiam. The first Sarawak's commercial radio station Cats FM in Bintulu is transmitted from Bukit Setiam on FM 88.3MHz.

 

1. Bukit Nyabau coverage map

2. Bukit Setiam coverage map

By comparing the coverage between Bukit Setiam and Bukit Nyabau, actually Bukit Setiam is wider than Bukit Nyabau.

 

Bukit Setiam radio transmission does not only cover the entire Bintulu division, however its radio signal can reach Mukah, Balingan and part of Selangau in Sibu division. The transmitter power based on the coverage map between Bukit Setiam and Bukit Nyabau is at 2kW.

About the proposed frequency, Bintulu has limited empty slots after I conduct deeper frequency study of that location with consideration of existing frequencies from Miri, Mukah, Selangau, Sibu and Brunei. So, I nominate FM 102.8MHz as my proposed frequency for Era FM Sarawak in Bintulu.

==My radio transmission parameter proposal for Era FM Sarawak in Bintulu==

* Frequency: FM 102.8MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmitter site: Bukit Setiam, Tatau, Sarawak

* Coverage: Bintulu, Tatau, Sebauh, Balingan, Mukah and part of Selangau

==RF analysis==

102.5MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Lima (Sibu)

102.8MHz: Era FM Bukit Setiam (Bintulu)

<300kHz, OK>

102.4MHz: Melody FM Bukit Lambir (Miri)

102.8MHz: Era FM Bukit Setiam (Bintulu)

<400kHz, OK>

102.8MHz: Era FM Bukit Setiam (Bintulu)

103.0MHz: Sibu FM Belaga

<200kHz, OK>

102.8MHz: Era FM Bukit Setiam (Bintulu)

103.2MHz: MY FM Bukit Lambir (Miri)

<400kHz, OK>

Based on RF analysis, the proposed frequency FM 102.8MHz for Era FM Sarawak has no interference to existing radio stations' coverage. So, it is safe to use 102.8MHz in Bintulu from Bukit Setiam.

Meanwhile for MY FM and Hitz FM coverage expansion in Bintulu, I doubt whether Astro Radio has plan to expand these radio stations there or not because MY and Hitz Sarawak local broadcast will be ceased on 1st October 2023.

 

Other than the areas in Bintulu division, Era FM Sarawak's listeners can enjoy listening to the radio station on FM 102.8MHz (proposed) from Bukit Setiam in Mukah, Balingan and Selangau.

As Era Sarawak is quite successful in Sarawak, I hope Astro Radio will take my proposal of expanding coverage in Bintulu into the consideration.

List of the radio stations which are available in Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia

Labuan is an island of Federal Territory of Malaysia, located not far from Brunei and the coast of Sabah, however I'm curious of its radio stations availability.

In Labuan, only 1 commercial radio station is available there, meanwhile the rests are RTM and Brunei radio stations. Hence, I would like to list down the radio stations availability in Labuan Island.

==RTM==

* Radio Klasik FM 87.6MHz (Bukit Timbalai)

* Nasional FM 88.5MHz (Bukit Timbalai)

* Labuan FM 89.4MHz (Bukit Timbalai) & 103.7MHz (RTM Labuan)

* Traxx FM 90.3MHz (Bukit Timbalai)

* Ai FM 92.3MHz (Bukit Timbalai)** & 99.9MHz (Bukit Tampalagus)

* Sabah VFM 93.3MHz (Bukit Timbalai)** & 102.9MHz (Bukit Tampalagus)

* Sabah FM 97.9MHz (Bukit Tampalagus)

* Sarawak FM 101.5MHz (Bukit Mas) or 95.1MHz (Bukit Siang-Siang)

* Limbang FM 104.9MHz (Bukit Mas) or 90.5MHz (Bukit Siang-Siang)

* Red FM 104.1MHz (Bukit Mas)

**Co-channel interference with RTB Nasional FM 92.3MHz and RTB Nur Islam FM 93.3MHz. The listeners who tune Ai FM and Sabah VFM can switch to alternative frequency on FM 99.9MHz (Ai FM) and FM 102.9MHz (Sabah VFM) from Bukit Tampalagus.

==Brunei==

* RTB Pelangi FM 91.4MHz

* RTB Pilihan FM 95.9MHz

* RTB Harmoni FM 94.1MHz

* Kristal FM 90.7MHz

* Al-Quran Radio FM 89.1MHz

==Commercial==

* Cats FM 88.7MHz (Bukit Mas) or 88.2MHz (Bukit Tiong)

Alongside RTB Perdana, RTB Aneka and RTB Sukmaindera as Brunei local TV channels, the people in Brunei can enjoy watching Malaysia digital terrestrial free-to-air TV channels (MYTV my Freeview) with UHF antenna

Do you know? In Brunei, the people there can access Malaysia's digital terrestrial television and radio channels, also known as MYTV my Freeview.

 

MYTV gets full coverage in entire country of Brunei via Bukit Lambir and Bukit Mas.

 

For your information, as MYTV in Bukit Lambir and Bukit Mas are using same frequency, so Brunei people tune to MYTV channels without different frequencies. To all Brunei people, please tune to UHF 682MHz (CH47) and UHF 650MHz (CH43) to watch Malaysia's digital FTA TV channels.

 

Bukit Lambir from Miri covers Kuala Belait and Seria, meanwhile Bukit Mas from Limbang covers Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei.

 

Other than RTB Perdana/Aneka/Sukmaindera, here are the Malaysia's TV and radio channels available in Brunei.

 

==TV==

1. RTM TV1

2. RTM TV2

3. Sukan RTM

4. Berita RTM

5. RTM TV6

6. RTM TVOkey

7. Bernama TV

8. TV Al-Hijrah

9. TVS (TV Sarawak)

10. TV3

11. NTV7/DidikTV KPM

12. 8TV

13. TV9

14. WowShop

15. SUKE TV

16. Awesome TV

17. Enjoy TV5

18. Drama Sangat

 

==RADIO==

1. RTM Radio Klasik

2. RTM Nasional FM

3. RTM Traxx FM

4. RTM Ai FM

5. RTM Minnal FM

6. RTM Asyik FM

7. RTM Wai FM

8. RTM Sabah VFM

9. RTM Sarawak FM

10. RTM Sabah FM

11. Bernama Radio

12. Manis FM

Complete frequencies and coverage list of RTM Sarawak FM

 

Here are the full frequencies list of RTM Sarawak FM from Kuching division to Limbang division.

 

* 88.9MHz: Kuching (Gunung Serapi)

* 94.8MHz: Serian (Bukit Ampungan)

* 100.3MHz: Sri Aman (Bukit Temuduk)

* 98.4MHz: Lubuk Antu

* 93.2MHz: Engkilili (Ulu Skrang)

* 94.4MHz: Off Spaoh & Betong

* 91.5MHz: Sarikei (Bukit Kayu Malam)

* 99.0MHz: Daro (Kampung Sungai Semob)

* 107.1MHz: Kanowit

* 101.5MHz: Sibu (Bukit Lima)

* 95.1MHz: Selangau (Bukit Singgalang)

* 95.7MHz: Song (Bukit Song)

* 92.7MHz: Kapit (Bukit Kapit)

* 89.9MHz: Mukah (TM Mukah)

* 93.7MHz: Bintulu, Tatau (Bukit Setiam)

* 95.5MHz: Sungai Asap, Bintulu

* 105.4MHz: Belaga

* 96.9MHz: Stesen Dalat

* 88.1MHz: Miri & Niah (Bukit Lambir)

* 100.3MHz: RTM Miri

* 97.9MHz: Marudi (Bukit Dabei Marudi)

* 98.1MHz: Long Lama Miri

* 101.5MHz: Limbang (Bukit Mas)

* 100.0MHz: Mendamit (Bukit Sagan Rudang)

* 95.1MHz: Kampung Siang-Siang, Lawas

* 97.5MHz: Lawas (Bukit Tiong)

 

Sarawak FM can be tuned in Brunei via FM 88.1MHz Bukit Lambir for Kuala Belait, and FM 101.5MHz Bukit Mas for Bandar Seri Begawan, meanwhile it is also available in Sindumin, Sabah via FM 97.5MHz from Bukit Tiong.

Sarawak FM 101.5MHz from Bukit Mas is also available in Labuan, and Sabah areas such as Menumbok & Sipitang.

 

Sarawak FM is also available in part of West Kalimantan, Indonesia via FM 88.9MHz Gunung Serapi, FM 94.8MHz Bukit Ampungan and FM 98.4MHz Lubuk Antu.