Mount Evelyn DX Report: A VISIT TO RADIO TELEVISYEN MALAYSIA

A Visit to

Radio Televisyen Malaysia - Kajang

by Timm Breyel (Guest Contributor)

Timm Breyel is one of the most experienced DXers in Asia, and is based in Malaysia. My thanks to Timm for generously allowing me to reproduce the following article and images from his recent visit to the transmitter site of Radio Televisyen Malaysia at Kajang. Timm's visit reveals that changes have been underway and perhaps NOT for the better. - Rob

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For many short-wave listeners around the world, the Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) transmitter site in Kajang is the de facto "Voice of Malaysia." For much of this decade RTM stations Asyik FM, Sarawak FM, Wai FM, Radio Tawau - Limbang FM, TRAXX FM, Klasik Nasional and Voice of Malaysia have had simulcast short-wave transmissions originate from this sprawling facility. Of these stations, only Wai FM (on 11.665 kHz) continues to be heard from Kajang.

Insomuch as Malaysian short-wave transmissions have decreased significantly in recent years, I thought I should drop by before this bit of broadcasting history disappears altogether. For years I had wanted to see the site but never seemed to get around to a visit, even though I live roughly 32 kilometers from Kajang.

Kajang antenna array from the parking lot.
(Click on each image for a larger view.)

RTM antenna - south side of the building looking east.

Part of the Kajang antenna system and the power station.

So, my wife and I decided to drive over one afternoon. As we neared the transmitter site its awesome antenna masts could be seen from the SILK Highway. Within a few minutes, we were at the entrance of the facility. It looked empty. I assumed it was the end of the work week, and only a handful of staff were present.

As we spoke to the security guard on duty, he confirmed in so many words that the Kajang offices had been vacated -- permanently. And, indeed, the place certainly appeared abandoned, even the signage in front of the building had been stripped from the wall. Only CCTVs, a few vehicles and the guard were visible.

Permission granted to browse ONLY from the compound of the parking area, we proceeded to photograph the transmitter masts in the distance -- and I should add -- these were only just a few. The Tenaga Nasional power building and electrical lines and a satellite dish could be also viewed.

Tenaga Nasional Switching Station

Pond near the RTM parking area.

My overall impression was the facility had been constructed in the early 1970s, and it had not been maintained for quite a few years. The site could still be considered located in the Kajang countryside, although in recent years highways and newer buildings have slowly begun to encroach upon the area.

This all leads me to fear that the facility will soon be closed and razed in a few years, ending Malaysia's long history of short-wave broadcasting. It doesn't look good. And I should probably drop RTM a letter and enquire about the future of this site. Whatever becomes of the Kajang short-wave transmitter site, I'm happy to have had the chance to see it. - Timm Breyel

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In some further correspondence with me, Timm reports "I emailed a few people at RTM, today. Hopefully, within the week I'll know more about the future of RTM Kajang."

Timm's own DX blog called South East Asia DXing is well worth checking out. He reports on the many QSLs he receives each month, including the times and frequencies of each reception report, and has articles on other aspects of the hobby. Timm is interested in all aspects of the hobby and has extensive knowledge of Asian mediumwave broadcasters as well. You can find his website at: https://shortwavedxer.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much, Timm.

73 and good dxing to you all,

Rob Wagner VK3BVW