RTM Sibu FM should add a gap filler transmitter in Kanowit, Sarawak, so the people in Kanowit can tune this radio station loudly and clearly.

From Sibu to Kapit, RTM Sibu FM is covered by 3-4 transmitters all the way, FM 87.6MHz Bukit Lima, FM 102.1MHz Bukit Singgalang, FM 99.8MHz Bukit Song and FM 94.3MHz Bukit Kapit, however there is a blindspot coverage of these transmitters in Kanowit, Sarawak.

RTM Sibu FM has no local gap filler transmitter in Bukit Memaloh for Kanowit like Sarawak FM 107.1MHz and Nasional FM 104.5MHz, so I need to tune Sibu FM on 102.1MHz from Bukit Singgalang transmitter.

In Kanowit, RTM Sibu FM 87.6MHz and 102.1MHz are not clear, but in terms of signal strength, 102.1MHz has better signal and dominates more coverage than 87.6MHz in Kanowit town. If I tune from Kanowit to Song, 87.6MHz and 102.1MHz are moderate and weak together vice-versa.

While Bukit Song transmitted radio stations like RTM Radio Klasik FM 91.1MHz, Traxx FM 96.7MHz, Red FM 99.0MHz, and RTM Ai FM 97.5MHz can be tuned clearly in between Kanowit and Song (Nanga Ngerah), but Sibu FM 99.8MHz cannot be tuned clearly due to adjacent channel interference with Cats FM 99.9MHz Bukit Singgalang transmitter as both radio stations' frequency separation is at 100kHz.

In my opinion, RTM Sibu FM should launch a gap filler transmitter in Bukit Memaloh to cover Kanowit, Sarawak where is the blindspot coverage of 102.1MHz (Bukit Singgalang) and 87.6MHz (Bukit Lima). Hence, the listeners can tune Sibu FM in Kanowit loudly and clearly from Bukit Memaloh transmitter tower. When Sibu FM 102.1MHz and 87.6MHz are super weak in between Kanowit and Song, while 99.8MHz is interfered with Cats FM 99.9MHz, the listeners can tune to this radio station on Kanowit frequency clearly.

If RTM Sibu FM adds Kanowit transmitter, so RTM has 3 radio stations in this town. In addition, Sibu FM instantly fills the coverage gap in between Sibu and Song.

Regarding the frequency, there are plenty of empty frequencies slots in Kanowit. Based on radio frequencies bandscan, I have listed down the frequency availability for Sibu FM in Kanowit.

* 98.1MHz

* 100.3MHz

* 103.7MHz

* 105.5MHz

* 106.3MHz

==RF analysis==

1. FM 98.1MHz

98.1MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

98.5MHz: RTM Nasional FM Bukit Lima

<400kHz, OK>

97.5MHz: RTM Ai FM Bukit Song

98.1MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

<600kHz, OK>

2. FM 100.3MHz

99.9MHz: Cats FM Bukit Singgalang

100.3MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

<400kHz, OK>

100.3MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

100.3MHz: RTM Sarawak FM Bukit Temudok

<0kHz, OK>

100.3MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

100.7MHz: Tea FM Bukit Lima

<400kHz, OK>

100.3MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

100.5MHz: RTM Red FM Bukit Setiam

<200kHz, OK>

3. FM 103.7MHz

103.3MHz: RTM Ai FM Bukit Lima

103.7MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

<400kHz, OK>

103.7MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

103.8MHz: RTM Traxx FM Bukit Temudok

<100kHz, OK>

103.7MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

104.1MHz: RTM Red FM Bukit Lima

<400kHz, OK>

103.7MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

104.5MHz: RTM Nasional FM Kanowit

<800kHz, OK>

4. FM 105.5MHz

105.1MHz: Hitz FM Bukit Lima

105.5MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

<400kHz, OK>

105.3MHz: RTM Ai FM Bukit Temudok

105.5MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

<200kHz, OK>

105.5MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

105.9MHz: MY FM Bukit Lima

<400kHz, OK>

104.5MHz: RTM Nasional FM Kanowit

105.5MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

<1MHz, OK>

5. FM 106.3MHz

105.9MHz: MY FM Bukit Lima

106.3MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

<400kHz, OK>

106.3MHz: RTM Red FM Bukit Temudok

106.3MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

<0kHz, OK>

106.3MHz: RTM Sibu FM Kanowit

107.1MHz: RTM Sarawak FM Kanowit

<800kHz, OK>

Among these 5 frequencies, based on the RF analysis, I recommend 98.1MHz or 105.5MHz as the Kanowit frequency of RTM Sibu FM because they meet the minimum frequency separation with the existing stations.

There is a limitation of launching gap filler transmitter for Sibu FM in Kanowit. Sibu FM has no C band satellite feed to link studio feed to satellite in order to send the feed signal to remote transmitter sites, meanwhile RTM radio stations in Kanowit tower are linked from satellite feed via C band signal where Sibu FM doesn't have. To launch frequency in Kanowit, RTM Sibu FM has to install microwave link at Kanowit tower to receive feed from studio.

As today, Sibu FM is tuned in Kanowit, Sarawak weakly on 102.1MHz from Bukit Singgalang transmitter.

Best locations for radio DXing (tuning radio stations via distant transmitters) in Sarawak (TOP 10)

From 2024 to 2025, I have visited Sarawak about 5 times for radio DXing activities. 

==2024==

* Bintulu, Sebauh, Batu Niah, Bekenu & Miri

==2025==

* Part 1: Sibu, Kanowit, Mukah, Sarikei, Dalat, Simanggang (Sri Aman), Engkilili, Betong, Spaoh, Debak, Saratok, Roban and Pakan

* Part 2: Kuching, Sematan & Serian

* Part 3: Daro, Matu & Song

* Part 4: Miri, Marudi & Long Lama

Based on my radio DXing experience and impression in Sarawak, hereby I would like to list 10 best locations for radio DXing activities in Sarawak.

1. Simanggang

2. Engkilili

3. Bekenu

4. Batu Niah

5. Sematan

6. Saratok

7. Miri

8. Marudi

9. Dalat

10. Sibu

RTM Wai FM 101.3MHz (Gunung Serapi) radio reception in Sri Aman & Betong Divisions, Sarawak [2025 WRAP UP]

 

1. Simanggang, Sarawak (147km)

 

2. Betong, Sarawak (151km)

3. Engkilili, Sarawak (172km)

4. Spaoh, Sarawak (145km)

5. Debak, Sarawak (138km)

6. Saratok, Sarawak (129km)

7. Roban, Sarawak (129km)

8. Pusa, Sarawak (120km)

9. Kabong, Sarawak (106km)

Indonesia's Radio Diva Nusantara FM 101.1MHz from Rokan Hilir, Riau reception in Malaysia (2025 WRAP UP)

1. Putrajaya (132km)

2. Morib, Selangor (99km)

3. Tanjung Sepat, Selangor (101km)

4. Batu Laut, Selangor (98km)

5. SKVE Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor (115km) 

6. SKVE Bandar Saujana Putra (125km)

7. Seremban, Negeri Sembilan (147km)

8. Taboh Naning, Melaka (155km)

9. Puchong, Selangor (131km)

10. SKVE Sierra 19 interchange, Puchong (133km)

 

11. Balakong, Selangor (141km)

 

12. Serdang, Selangor (139km)

RTM Wai FM Bidayuh/Radio Kayan reception in Sri Aman, Betong and Sarikei Divisions, Sarawak (2025 WRAP UP)

 

1. Simanggang, Sarawak

* Tuning frequency: 106.1MHz Gunung Serapi & 101.7MHz Gunung Ampungan

* Distance: 147km (for 106.1MHz) & 94km (for 101.7MHz)

* Result: 106.1MHz is slightly stronger than 101.7MHz

2. Betong, Sarawak 

* Tuning frequency: 106.1MHz Gunung Serapi

* Distance: 151km

* Result: 106.1MHz signal is extremely weak; 101.7MHz has no signal in Betong.

3. Engkilili, Sarawak

* Tuning frequency: 106.1MHz Gunung Serapi & 101.7MHz Gunung Ampungan

* Distance: 172km (for 106.1MHz); 112km (for 101.7MHz)

* Result: 106.1MHz is slightly stronger than 101.7MHz

4. Spaoh, Sarawak 

* Tuning frequency: 106.1MHz Gunung Serapi & 101.7MHz Gunung Ampungan

* Distance: 145km (for 106.1MHz); 102km (for 101.7MHz)

* Result: Both are very difficult to be tuned in Spaoh, but 106.1MHz has more signal than 101.7MHz

5. Debak, Sarawak

* Tuning frequency: 106.1MHz Gunung Serapi

* Distance: 138km

* Note: No signal on FM 101.7MHz in Debak.

6. Saratok, Sarawak

* Tuning frequency: 106.1MHz Gunung Serapi

* Distance: 129km

* Note: Very weak signal on FM 101.7MHz in Saratok.

7. Roban, Sarawak

 

* Tuning frequency: 106.1MHz Gunung Serapi

* Distance: 129km

* Note: No signal on 101.7MHz in Roban.

8. Pusa, Sarawak (by Cock DXer)

* Tuning frequency: 106.1MHz Gunung Serapi

* Distance: 120km

9. Sarikei, Sarawak

* Tuning frequency: 106.1MHz Gunung Serapi

* Distance: 158-161km

10. Pakan, Sarawak

* Tuning frequency: 106.1MHz Gunung Serapi

* Distance: 168km

[2025 WRAP UP] Penerimaan siaran radio Hot FM 94.3MHz di Bahagian Serian, Sri Aman, Sarikei & Betong, Sarawak (Radio reception of Hot FM 94.3MHz in Serian, Sri Aman, Sarikei & Betong Divisions, Sarawak)

 

1. Simanggang (147km)

 

2. Engkilili (172km)

3. Debak (138km)

 4. Saratok (129km)

5. Roban (129km)

6. Kabong (106km)

7. Pusa (120km)

8. Maludam (93km)

9. Kabong (106km)

10. Serian (63km)

11. Pantu (115km)

12. Pakan (168km)

Paying a visit at Media Prima Audio studios in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur

Today is the public holiday in Selangor in conjunction with Sultan Selangor's Birthday, it is also my off day. Hence, I take the opportunity to pay a visit to Media Prima Audio office building in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

This is my very first time to visit the Malaysia's giant commercial broadcaster company office. Previously I only visited small radio stations studios like BFM 89.9, CityPlus FM and Putra FM 90.7.

Unfortunately I missed out the visit of former Media Prima office at Sri Pentas in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, but it's ok because I still visit Media Prima at Balai Berita in Bangsar, KL.

Thanks to Mr Alex Poon, the General Manager, Technology & Shared Services of Media Prima Audio for inviting me to visit the studios, alongside with some small discussion about the radio stations frequencies transmission coverage. Expressing our opinion to improve the radio services to serve the listeners perfectly.

In addition, I also met with Mr Nazri Noran, the CEO of Media Prima Audio. Nice to meet him today.

Here are some photos of me visiting Media Prima Audio today.

1. Outside the studios

2. The studios corridor entrance 

3. Kool FM

4. Hot FM

5. Eight 無限 (Eight Infinity ♾️)

Coincidentally, I met with the DJ Hana XinYi 心怡, she hosts Na麼十在 from 10am to 2pm weekdays.

Note: I'm not a radio guest DJ, I'm just a visitor.

6. Fly FM

7. Molek FM

Thanks to Media Prima Audio again for the invitation.

Kool FM masih boleh didengari di kawasan luar Kuching, Sarawak seperti Sri Aman & Serian pada frekuensi FM 104.3MHz

Kool FM mula bersiaran di Kuching, Sarawak sejak November 2017 pada frekuensi FM 104.3MHz yang dipancar dari Bukit Djin.

Di Sarawak, frekuensi Kool FM 104.3MHz di Kuching boleh didengari dengan jelas di Kuching, Bau, Kota Samarahan, Asajaya dan Siburan, manakala isyarat lemah diterima di Sematan dan Lundu.

Tahukah anda? Siaran Kool FM 104.3MHz masih boleh didengari di luar kawasan Kuching seperti Serian, Simunjan, Sebuyau, Lingga, Maludam dan sebahagian Sri Aman.

Pada bulan Mei 2025, saya membuat rakaman video dengan menerima isyarat radio Kool FM 104.3MHz di tiga buah kawasan wilayah Sarawak seperti Simanggang, Engkilili dan Saratok.

Dari Kuching ke Sibu, siaran Kool FM 104.3MHz boleh didengari sehingga Engkilili, tiada isyarat boleh diterima di Betong, Debak dan Spaoh, tetapi stesen radio ini boleh didengari lagi pada frekuensi yang sama di Pusa, Saratok, Kabong dan Roban.

Selain itu, Cock 🐓 DXer (Sarawakian_12) pun memuat naik audio isyarat Kool FM 104.3MHz di Bahagian Sri Aman dan Betong, Sarawak.

Di sini terdapat video penerimaan siaran Kool FM 104.3MHz di luar Kuching, Sarawak yang dirakam pada tahun 2025.

1. Serian (Philip DXpedition Malaysia & Cock 🐓 DXer)

2. Simanggang/Sri Aman (Philip DXpedition Malaysia + Alexander Nyareng + Cock 🐓 DXer)

3. Engkilili 

4. Saratok

5. Sebuyau (Cock 🐓 DXer)

6. Pantu (Cock 🐓 DXer)

7. Maludam (Cock 🐓 DXer)

8. Kabong (Cock 🐓 DXer)

9. Lundu (Cock 🐓 DXer)

10. Sematan (Cock 🐓 DXer)

11. Balai Ringin & Gedong, Serian (Cock 🐓 DXer)

Di Bahagian Sri Aman dan Betong, Kool FM 104.3MHz boleh didengari di Lingga, Simanggang, Engkilili, Maludam, Pusa, Saratok dan Kabong.

Engkilili ialah kawasan yang paling jauh untuk mendengar siaran Kool FM 104.3MHz dengan jarak 153km dari pemancar Bukit Djin, Kuching.

Secara keseluruhan, di Sarawak, Kool FM 104.3MHz (Bukit Djin) boleh didengari di Kuching, Bau, Kota Samarahan, Asajaya, Siburan, Serian, Simunjan, Sebuyau, Lingga, Maludam, Simanggang, Engkilili, Pusa, Saratok dan Kabong.

Radyo Pilipinas World Service relaunched its shortwave broadcast on 1st December 2025.

The Philippines external radio station Radyo Pilipinas World Service relaunched its shortwave frequency transmission on 1st December 2025 after few months hiatus.

Radyo Pilipinas World Service relaunches its shortwave broadcast services in 2 languages.

English language service broadcasts daily from 0200-0330 hours UTC (1000-1130 hours UTC+8 Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Philippines time zone) on SW 12020kHz, 15640kHz and 17665kHz.

Filipino language service broadcasts daily from 1730-2030 hours UTC (0130-0430 hours UTC+8 Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Philippines time zone) on SW 9370kHz, 9925kHz, 12120kHz and 15200kHz.

On 7th December 2025 at 0200 hours UTC (1000 hours UTC+8 Malaysia time zone), I successfully receive Radyo Pilipinas World Service English service on 3 shortwave frequencies, 12020kHz, 15640kHz and 17665kHz in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia today before having family outing.

Radyo Pilipinas World Service SW 15640kHz and 17665kHz are loud and clear in my QTH location (Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia), meanwhile the signal of 12020kHz is just moderate.

Here are the videos of tuning Radyo Pilipinas World Service shortwave frequencies in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia.

* SW 12020kHz

* SW 15640kHz

* SW 17665kHz

All are transmitted from Tinang, Philippines.

The loudest and clearest frequency to tune Radyo Pilipinas World Service in Malaysia is SW 17665kHz, following by 15640kHz and 12020kHz.

Congratulations to Radyo Pilipinas World Service for relaunching shortwave frequencies transmission. Shortwave radio is still relevant as today, despite there is growing of digital platform and online radio streaming.

==Radyo Pilipinas World Service reception report in Malaysia==

- Frequency: SW 12020kHz/15640kHz/17665kHz

- Power: 250kW

- Transmitter site: Tinang, Philippines 

- Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

- Distance: 2484km

- Receiving date/time: 07.12.2025 1002-1005H (UTC+8)

FM radio stations from China tuned in Tutong, Brunei, but Sproadic E propagation

In Brunei's Tutong town, I had already successfully recorded the signal video of Malaysia radio stations from Miri (Bukit Lambir) and Sabah (Bukit Tampalagus), however I also captured 3 China radio stations. 

According to the investigation, these China radio stations that I tuned in Tutong, Brunei were transmitted from Guangdong and Hainan Provinces, but Sporadic E propagation. 

Here are 3 China radio stations that I tuned in Tutong, Brunei on 1st December 2025 around 12pm (UTC+8).

1. Zhanjiang Traffic Music Radio 湛江交通音樂廣播 FM 102.1MHz (1888km from Zhanjiang City , Guangdong Province)

2. 海南民生廣播 Hainan Minsheng Broadcasting FM 101.0MHz (1673km from Ji Jin Ling, Qionghai City, Hainan Province)

3. Voice of South China Sea 南海之聲 FM 102.0MHz (1699km from Qionghai City, Hainan Province)

These China radio stations are zero signal in Tutong, Brunei during normal propagation.

RTM Miri FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Lambir suffers adjacent channel interference from RTM Nasional FM 95.5MHz in Long Lama, Sarawak, so RTM Nasional FM should change its Long Lama frequency to avoid interference.

Since 2016/17, RTM Nasional FM launched its gap filler transmitter in Long Lama, Sarawak on the frequency FM 95.5MHz, this has already caused RTM Miri FM 95.7MHz Bukit Lambir transmitter suffers strong adjacent channel interference in Long Lama.

In my opinion, it is caused by the poor frequency planning of MCMC about the frequency assignment for RTM Nasional FM's gap filler transmitter in Long Lama, Sarawak.

95.5MHz: RTM Nasional FM Long Lama

95.7MHz: RTM Miri FM Bukit Lambir

<200kHz, NOT OK>

Long Lama should be separated its frequency at least 400kHz from Bukit Lambir, instead of 200kHz or 300kHz.

When RTM Miri FM 95.7MHz Bukit Lambir transmitter is interfered by RTM Nasional FM 95.5MHz in Long Lama, Sarawak, there is no alternative frequency for Miri FM in Long Lama.

For Radio Kayan and Talidio Kenyah program, the listeners can tune alternatively on SW 11665kHz in Long Lama, alongside RTM Klik or Astro CH871.

RTM Miri FM has no gap filler transmitter in Long Lama like Nasional FM 95.5MHz and Sarawak FM 98.1MHz.

To solve this issue, as there are a lot of empty frequency slots in Long Lama, RTM Nasional FM should change its Long Lama frequency to avoid interference against RTM Miri FM 95.7MHz Bukit Lambir transmitter's coverage in Long Lama, Sarawak.

Empty frequencies in Long Lama, Sarawak:

* 87.6MHz

* 94.7MHz

* 97.3MHz

* 99.1MHz

* 100.1MHz

* 105.1MHz

* 106.5MHz

* 107.3MHz

Alternatively, RTM Nasional FM 95.5MHz Long Lama transmitter should be decreased its frequency deviation by reducing the audio volume at the audio processor.