Pendengar IKIM FM dinasihatkan untuk menala frekuensi kepada 102.7MHz dari Gunung Telapak Buruk sekiranya terdapat gangguan frekuensi pada 89.6MHz di Sri Jaya dan Gambang.

Frekuensi IKIM FM di Kuantan ialah 89.6MHz, dan ia dipancar dari Bukit Pelindung. IKIM FM 89.6MHz dari Bukit Pelindung meliputi Kuantan, Pekan, Kemaman dan Gambang.

 

Dari Kuantan ke Maran, oleh kerana RTM Ai FM menggunakan frekuensi 89.6MHz di Bukit Senggora untuk kawasan Bandar Maran, Pahang dimana frekuensi sama dengan IKIM FM di Kuantan, gangguan isyarat antara IKIM FM dan Ai FM berlaku di Sri Jaya dan sebahagian kawasan Gambang.

 

Semasa perjalanan dari Kuantan ke Kuala Lumpur hari ini, saya mengesan gangguan isyarat pada FM 89.6MHz di R&R Gambang Arah Barat dan Sri Jaya, manakala FM 91.5MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali lemah dan diganggu oleh Zayan FM 91.6MHz dari Bukit Pelindung, tetapi siaran IKIM FM boleh didengari lebih jelas dari R&R Gambang ke Maran pada frekuensi FM 102.7MHz yang dipancar dari Gunung Telapak Buruk dimana frekuensi tersebut khusus untuk kawasan Negeri Sembilan.

 

Kepada pendengar IKIM FM di Sri Jaya dan sebahagian kawasan Gambang, sekiranya frekuensi Kuantan FM 89.6MHz diganggu oleh Ai FM 89.6MHz dari Bukit Senggora, anda dinasihatkan untuk menala frekuensi kepada FM 102.7MHz dan terus mendengar siaran IKIM FM.

 

Penerimaan siaran IKIM FM 102.7MHz di Sri Jaya boleh dikatakan sederhana.

 

Ini adalah liputan siaran IKIM FM dari Kuantan ke Kuala Lumpur, berdasarkan di Lebuhraya Pantai Timur LPT.

 

- Kuantan ke R&R Gambang: FM 89.6MHz Bukit Pelindung

- R&R Gambang ke Maran: FM 102.7MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk

- Maran ke Kuala Lumpur: FM 91.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali

Mediacorp Capital 95.8FM from Singapore was received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia when Fly FM 95.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter was facing interruption

On 26th October 2023, Fly FM Klang Valley frequency 95.8MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali was down between 1900-1945 hours (UTC+8), the listeners could tune to 98.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk which is Seremban frequency.

During the downtime transmission of Fly FM 95.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali, I took opportunity to check RTM Negeri FM 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin signal in Balakong, Selangor, but no signal was detected, however I could detect a very mild signal of Chinese radio station, hence it was Mediacorp Capital 95.8FM from Singapore.

It was my very first time to receive Singapore FM radio station signal in Balakong, Selangor in my DXing history.

Very mild signal was detected in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia. Until 2000 hours, this Singapore radio station was no longer receivable as Fly FM 95.8MHz transmission is back to normal.

==Capital 95.8FM reception in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia==

* Frequency: FM 95.8MHz

* Power: 10kW

* Transmission site: Bukit Batok, Singapore

* Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

* Distance: 291km

* Reception date: 25.10.2023 1923H (UTC+8)

* Note: Fly FM transmission was down during the footage recording of Singapore Capital 95.8FM signal.

Why do many radio stations have Taiping frequencies (Bukit Larut) as their important broadcast coverage? Can Taiping receive Ipoh radio signal from Gunung Kledang?

Ipoh is the state capital of Perak, most of the radio stations are available there, transmitted from Gunung Kledang.

Some of us may feel curious about many radio stations have frequencies in Taiping too. Example: MY FM 100.6MHz in Ipoh and 100.2MHz in Taiping.

This is because:

1. Taiping cannot receive Ipoh (Gunung Kledang), Penang (Bukit Penara) and Kedah (Gunung Jerai) radio signal clearly. Some of radio stations regardless Ipoh, Penang or Kedah have adjacent channel interference each other in Taiping, Perak.

Example: 

* MY FM 99.7MHz Gunung Jerai vs. 988 FM 99.8MHz Gunung Kledang

* MY FM 100.6MHz Gunung Kledang vs. RTM Nasional FM 100.5MHz Gunung Jerai

When MY FM 99.7MHz and 100.6MHz are having interference in Taiping, so Astro Radio launches MY FM frequency in Taiping on 100.2MHz, transmitted from Bukit Larut. Hence, Bukit Larut also solves the interference between Gunung Jerai and Gunung Kledang radio frequencies in Taiping and part of Manjung district.

2. Bukit Larut transmitter site does not only cover Taiping, it also covers rest of Perak areas where Gunung Kledang and Gunung Jerai signal are poor there such as Segari, Pantai Remis, Terong, Kuala Sepetang, Padang Rengas, Kuala Kangsar, Sungai Siput (U) and Enggor. In addition, Bukit Larut covers Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, Selama and part of Penang. In Penang, there are two locations cannot receive Gunung Jerai signal such as Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar, so Bukit Larut takes place.

3. In Malaysia broadcast history, Bukit Larut is the oldest transmitter station, alongside Gunung Kledang and Gunung Jerai. It was established since 1960s under TV broadcast.

There is no reason to close down Bukit Larut radio transmission.

Here are the list of radio stations where have Taiping frequency by broadcasters, transmitted from Bukit Larut:

==Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM)==

* Radio Klasik FM 103.3MHz (0.25kW)

* Nasional FM 107.1MHz (0.25kW)

* Perak FM 104.1MHz (0.25kW)

* Traxx FM 105.3MHz (0.25kW)

* Ai FM 106.1MHz (0.25kW)

* Minnal FM 107.9MHz (0.25kW)

==Astro Radio==

* Era FM 95.2MHz (2kW)

* Sinar FM 96.4MHz (0.25kW)

* MY FM 100.2MHz (2kW)

* Melody FM 104.9MHz (2kW)

* Raaga FM 102.1MHz (0.5kW)

* Hitz FM 93.6MHz (2kW)

* Mix FM 91.3MHz (2kW)

* Lite FM 89.3MHz (2kW)

==Media Prima==

* Hot FM 90.5MHz (0.25kW)

==Star Radio Group==

* Suria FM 91.7MHz (1kW)

* 988 FM 101.0MHz (1kW)

Some of radio stations have no Taiping frequencies, the listeners can tune them from Penang and Kedah (Gunung Jerai) in Taiping with weaker signal, such as:

* Eight FM 87.8MHz (Gunung Jerai)

* IKIM FM 89.0MHz (Gunung Jerai)

* Fly FM 89.9MHz (Bukit Penara)

* Kool 101 FM 90.2MHz (Bukit Penara)

* Zayan FM 98.1MHz (Gunung Jerai)

* GoXUAN FM 107.6MHz (Bukit Penara)

Minnal FM can be tuned in Kuala Rompin, Pahang on the frequency FM 88.3MHz from Bukit Tinggi without TM Kuala Rompin repeater like Pahang FM 91.9MHz, Traxx FM 90.7MHz, Ai FM 89.9MHz and Radio Klasik FM 93.7MHz

In Kuala Rompin, RTM has the local repeater for its 4 radio stations currently such as Radio Klasik FM 93.7MHz, Pahang FM 91.9MHz, Ai FM 89.9MHz and Traxx FM 90.7MHz, however Minnal FM does not have Kuala Rompin transmitter like Nasional FM as per mentioned previously in June 2023.

 

Minnal FM is not launched in Kuala Rompin because there are very less Indians in that town, anyway this Tamil radio station is still receivable in Kuala Rompin through distant frequencies.

Without Kuala Rompin repeater like other RTM radio stations, Minnal FM can be tuned in Kuala Rompin via 88.3MHz from Bukit Tinggi which is Mersing frequency.

Back to 29th August 2022, I went to Kuala Rompin from Kuantan to conduct radio signal monitoring. I did the radio signal comparison of Minnal FM with two frequencies such as 88.3MHz from Bukit Tinggi and 103.3MHz from Gunung Ledang.

 

By comparing two frequencies, Minnal FM 88.3MHz signal is better than 103.3MHz in Kuala Rompin, even 88.3MHz shows more stable STEREO signal than 103.3MHz.

 

Meanwhile FM 90.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk is badly interfered by Traxx FM 90.7MHz Kuala Rompin repeater in Kuala Rompin, and 96.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is weak there like Nasional FM 95.3MHz.

 

Among 4 frequencies of Minnal FM, 88.3MHz from Bukit Tinggi is the clearest in Kuala Rompin.

 

==Minnal FM radio reception in Kuala Rompin, Pahang==

* 88.3MHz Bukit Tinggi (60km): Clear

* 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang (108km): Moderate to weak

* 90.5MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk (157km): Weak, adjacent channel interference with Traxx FM 90.7MHz from TM Kuala Rompin

* 96.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (202km): Weak

 

To all Indians regardless local residents or travelers who are tuning to Minnal FM in Kuala Rompin, please tune the radio frequency to FM 88.3MHz. Alongside FM 88.3MHz, Minnal FM can be tuned digitally via MYTV CH703 on DVB-T2 UHF 490MHz (CH23) which transmitted from TM Kuala Rompin or Astro CH873.   

RTM Asyik FM is now digitally available in Gunung Telapak Buruk for Negeri Sembilan via MYTV CH706 on the frequency UHF 490MHz (Channel 23), bypassing my proposal of Asyik FM's low power Gunung Telapak Buruk transmitter FM 95.5MHz

On 22nd September 2023, the Malaysia's digital terrestrial television transmission infrastructure company, MYTV Broadcasting officially began its DTT (Digital terrestrial television) transmission in Gunung Telapak Buruk for Negeri Sembilan. The tuning frequencies are UHF 506MHz/CH25 for MUX A, and UHF 490MHz/CH23 for MUX B.

RTM Asyik FM is available on MYTV with the logical channel number 706, regardless DTT or DTH. 

Before launching of MYTV's DTT transmitter in Gunung Telapak Buruk, I rolled out my coverage proposal of Asyik FM Gunung Telapak Buruk frequency 95.5MHz and the suggestion report was sent to RTM (Radio Televisyen Malaysia). The proposed paramater for Asyik FM in Negeri Sembilan areas are following below:

- Frequency: FM 95.5MHz

- Transmitter power: 0.25kW

- Transmitter site: Gunung Telapak Buruk, Negeri Sembilan

- Antenna type: Directional antenna

- Antenna beaming direction: 30DEG or 60DEG

- Target coverage: Kuala Pilah and Jelebu

Despite I may assume the proposed frequency FM 95.5MHz is likely suitable for Gunung Telapak Buruk radio transmission by Asyik FM after doing basic radio frequency analysis with existing stations, thus low power transmitter as much as 0.25kW, but I cannot guarantee FM 95.5MHz will cause more interference to the coverage of Pahang FM 95.5MHz Bukit Sulai and Asyik FM 95.6MHz Gunung Ledang in Chini/Sri Jaya (Pahang) and Northeast Johor respectively or not because Pahang FM 95.5MHz and Asyik FM 95.6MHz are already interfering each other in Muadzam Shah as I mentioned on previous post.

 

Although it is low power transmission, but the usage of the frequency FM 95.5MHz in Gunung Telapak Buruk may led more interference actually. The minimum frequency separation between Gunung Telapak Buruk and Gunung Ledang is 200kHz currently, I can't imagine if the separation is 100kHz. In addition, the co-channel interference between Asyik FM 95.5MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk and Pahang FM 95.5MHz Bukit Sulai within the coverage is needed to be taken into consideration of RF study. Therefore, the proposal is likely unsuitable.

In fact, RTM Asyik FM is now digitally available in Gunung Telapak Buruk for Negeri Sembilan areas through MYTV CH706 by tuning its multiplex frequency on UHF 490MHz (Channel 23) since 22nd September 2023. Hence, Orang Asli listeners can tune to this radio station digitally via MYTV CH706, meanwhile UHF 490MHz/CH23 (MUX B) when they receive MYTV signal with UHF antenna (regardless outdoor or indoor). They can even listen digitally via MYTV DTT transmission from Gunung Telapak Buruk with a portable TV too in Negeri Sembilan.

 

The availability of Asyik FM on MYTV DTT transmission in Gunung Telapak Buruk can bypass my proposal to RTM for launching Asyik FM in Gunung Telapak Buruk on the suggested frequency FM 95.5MHz at 0.25kW low power transmitter.

Senarai kawasan liputan dan frekuensi Asyik FM (List of Asyik FM's coverage and frequencies)

1. FM 91.1MHz Kuala Lumpur Tower/Menara Kuala Lumpur

- Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya

- Selangor: Kajang, Bangi, Sungai Buloh, Puchong, Shah Alam, Klang, Seri Kembangan, Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Ampang, Balakong, Cyberjaya, Semenyih, Beranang

 

2. FM 102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali

- Selangor: Hulu Langat, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Tanjung Sepat, Banting, Batang Kali, Rawang, Kuala Selangor, Tanjong Karang, Sekinchan, Sungai Besar, Jeram, Kerling, Rasa, Batu Arang, Sepang, Sungai Pelek, Teluk Panglima Garang, Beranang

- Perak: Tanjung Malim, Slim River, Sungkai, Bidor, Tronoh, Tanjung Tualang, Mambang Di Awan, Seri Manjung, sebahagian Tapah/Batu Gajah

- Negeri Sembilan: Nilai, Mantin, Lenggeng, Simpang Durian, Simpang Pertang, Port Dickson, Bukit Pelanduk, Lukut, Linggi

- Melaka: Masjid Tanah, Lubuk Cina, Kuala Sungai Baru, Sungai Udang

- Pahang: Bentong, Karak, Lanchang, Mentakab, Temerloh, Jengka, Chenor, Maran, Bera, Teriang, Bera Selatan, Keratong, Muadzam Shah, Chini, Kuala Krau, Kuala Lipis, Benta, Padang Tengku, sebahagian Raub.

 

3. FM 95.6MHz Gunung Ledang

- Johor: Batu Anam, Segamat, Bekok, Chaah, Labis, Yong Peng, Paloh, Pagoh, Muar, Sungai Mati, Tangkak, Jementah, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Simpang Renggam, Parit Sulong, Bukit Pasir, Gerisek, Panchor, Semerah, Ayer Hitam

- Melaka: Jasin, Asahan, Selandar, Nyalas

- Negeri Sembilan: Gemencheh, Gemas, Rompin, sebahagian Batu Kikir/Jempol

-  Pahang: Muadzam Shah, Kuala Rompin, Felda Selancar, Keratong

 

4. FM 105.1MHz Gunung Brinchang

- Pahang: Cameron Highlands 

- Kelantan: Sebahagian Lojing

- Perak: Sebahagian Ipoh, Chemor, Gopeng, Tanjung Tualang, Seri Iskandar, Batu Gajah and Sungai Siput (U)

5. FM 93.1MHz Bukit Ladang Teh

- Perak: Lenggong, Sauk dan sebahagian Kuala Kangsar/Enggor

6. FM 99.9MHz Bukit Botak

- Pahang: Damak

List of Malaysia radio stations which have Hindi music segment (as October 2023)

Hindi songs are minority international language music on Malaysia radio stations like Korean pop (K-POP). Despite Malaysia has Indian radio stations such as Raaga and Minnal FM, however they broadcast in Tamil which is totally different with Hindi and other Indian languages like Malayalam and Telugu.

 

I realize there are several Malay radio stations have a specialized music segment by playing Hindi songs such as Hindustan and Bollywood, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) has few state radio stations to play Hindustan and Bollywood songs. Seriously Hindi songs are the favorite of Indian Muslims and some Malay people.

 

For your information, Hindi music radio program broadcast in Malay language. The radio DJ hosts in Malay language for Hindi music radio program.

 

Dear Hindi music lovers in Malaysia, here are the radio stations which you can enjoy listening to Bollywood and Hindustan songs with the frequencies.

 

1. Perak FM

* Schedule: Saturdays 9am to 10pm 

* Program name: Carta Challo (Challo Chart)

* Frequencies: 95.6MHz Central Perak (Ipoh/Manjung/Hilir Perak/Kampar/Kinta)/Northwest Selangor, 104.1MHz North Perak (Taiping/Kerian/East Gerik), 94.2MHz Lenggong, 102.9MHz Lawin/Klian Intan/West Gerik, 96.2MHz Gerik town, 97.3MHz Tapah/Bidor/Chenderiang, 89.6MHz Tanjung Malim/Slim River, 94.7MHz Cameron Highlands

 

2. Kedah FM

* Schedule: Saturdays 9pm to 10pm

* Frequencies: 97.5MHz Alor Setar/Penang/North Perak, 105.7MHz Langkawi/Perlis/Thailand: Satun, 90.5MHz: Baling/Pengkalan Hulu/Gerik/Thailand: Betong, 105.1MHz: Sik/UUM Sintok, 88.5MHz: Bandar Baharu

 

3. Selangor FM

* Schedule: Sundays 9pm to 10pm

* Frequency: 100.9MHz Selangor/Kuala Lumpur/West Pahang/South Perak/part of Negeri Sembilan/part of Melaka  

 

4. Terengganu FM

* Schedule: Saturdays 3pm to 4pm

* Frequencies: 88.7MHz Central Terengganu, 96.2MHz North Terengganu/Part of Kelantan, 88.9MHz Hulu Besut, 97.7MHz Dungun, 90.7MHz Kemaman/Part of Kuantan 

 

5. Mutiara FM

* Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays  12pm to 1pm

* Program name: Syoknya Hindi

* Frequencies: 95.7MHz Georgetown/East of Penang Island/Seberang Perai/South Kedah/Pengkalan Hulu/Northwest Perak, 93.9MHz Batu Ferringhi/Tanjung Bungah/Tanjung Tokong/Teluk Bahang/Taiping/part of Alor Setar, 90.9MHz Balik Pulau 

 

6. Asyik FM

* Schedule: Sundays 1pm to 2pm

* Frequencies: 91.1MHz Kuala Lumpur, 102.5MHz West-Central Pahang/Selangor/South Perak/part of Negeri Sembilan/part of Melaka, 95.6MHz Johor/South Melaka/South Pahang/part of Negeri Sembilan, 93.1MHz Lenggong, 105.1MHz Cameron Highlands, 99.9MHz Damak

7. Melaka FM

* Schedule: Tuesdays 8pm to 12am

* Frequencies: 102.3MHz  Melaka/North Johor/Part of Negeri Sembilan/Southwest Selangor/Keratong Pahang 

 

All the time schedule above are based on Malaysia timezone (UTC+8).

THR Raaga FM 102.4MHz from Gunung Jerai is the furthest radio station tuned in Chenderiang, Perak with 191km receiving distance.

After conducting radio DXing in Central Perak locations such as Seri Iskandar, Tronoh, Bota and Ayer Tawar yesterday, I dropped by Chenderiang when I departed to Balakong where is my home. The purpose of visiting Chenderiang after Central Perak was to film two radio stations from Gunung Ulu Kali such as Traxx FM 100.1MHz (my favorite) and Asyik FM 102.5MHz.

Traxx FM 100.1MHz is clearer than 90.1MHz in Chenderiang, that's good. However, Chenderiang has many Orang Asli people, so I never forgot to check the radio signal of RTM Asyik FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali there.

When I was DXing RTM Asyik FM 102.5MHz signal in Chenderiang, I heard unknown interference noise on my TECSUN PL-380 radio receiver and I slowly tuned the radio dial near 102.5MHz, I heard the adjacent signal of Raaga FM 102.4MHz. Hence, I got into my car to check Raaga FM 102.4MHz signal.

Yes, I could detect Raaga FM 102.4MHz in Chenderiang, the signal is transmitted from Gunung Jerai. By calculating the receiving distance, it is 191km from Gunung Jerai to Chenderiang, becoming the furthest radio station received there.

In Chenderiang, I could only receive radio stations signal clearly from Changkat Rembian. Gunung Ulu Kali transmitted radio signal is moderate there, meanwhile Gunung Kledang signal is weak. No signal from Bukit Larut can be tuned in Chenderiang, but I unexpectedly received Raaga 102.4 from Gunung Jerai.

Raaga FM 102.4MHz from Gunung Jerai and Asyik FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali are interfering each other in Chenderiang, Perak.

==Raaga FM 102.4MHz DXing report in Chenderiang, Perak==

* Frequency: FM 102.4MHz

* Power: 1kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Jerai, Kedah

* Receiving site: Chenderiang, Perak

* Distance: 191km

For your information, Chenderiang is a small town in Batang Padang district, Perak where it is located near Tapah and Temoh. This town is majority of Chinese and Orang Asli people.

(EXTRA) Other DX radio stations received in Chenderiang, Perak on 8th October 2023.

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.