Malaysia

Last update: 08.02.2022 - older versions

The regulator, MCMC, requested input from broadcasters in 2020/2021, to develop a position statement on digitising radio. No public announcements or information has been released.

Last update: 05.03.2021 - older versions

In this country there is

on air.

Please note:

(a)    These web pages are updated regularly to reflect current services on air, however they may not be exactly up to date.

(b)    The logos shown on these pages are for illustrative purposes only – manufacturers and broadcasters are directed here for information on implementing station logos.

There is currently one trial local multiplex on-air with 12 DAB+ simulcast services (7 from RTM and 5 from commercial stations).

Simulcast on AM / FM Exclusive on digital Total of services
DAB+ programmes 12 0 12

Last update: 03.12.2014 - older versions

Malaysia has been running a DAB+ digital radio trial in Kuala Lumpur since October 2009. The technical trial is organised by Radio Television Malaysia (RTM), Telekom Malaysia and is supported by the regulator the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The trial involves one transmitter on the Kuala Lumpur Tower plus five filler transmitters in Kelang, Bukit Lanjan, Bukit Sungei Besi, Kajang and Sepang. The trial is broadcast on Band III, Channel 11B and carries 15 DAB+ simulcast services and 1 exclusive data service (EPG).

Last update: 03.10.2013 - older versions

Key features of digital radio regulation in Malaysia include;

  • Band III has been identified for DAB
  • There is an allocation for a “Digital Multimedia Services (DMS)” in the L-Band (1452 – 1492 MHz)

The first edition of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s Spectrum Plan was released on 1 January 2002 which identified Eureka 147 (DAB) as a Digital Sound Broadcasting System (DSB) and has allocated spectrum in its Spectrum Plan.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is the regulator for the converging communications and multimedia industry. There are two main broadcast groups under MCMC, Digital Sound Broadcast (DSB) and Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). Both DSB and DTT have completed their standard submission for DAB and DVB respectively and the standards are now under public scrutiny. DSB proposed DAB and DMB as the DSB standard to MCMC. Due to the current development of DAB+, DSB is proposing DAB+ to the MCMC as an attachment to the previous document.

ABU DBS 2015 to feature 13 workshops
26.02.2015 - WorldDAB News - GatesAir WorldDAB Member - Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG - Malaysia Malaysia
The other 12 workshops will take place during the symposium in parallel with the conference and exhibition. The workshops are being sponsored by, WorldDMB, GatesAir and Rohde & Schwarz.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium renews principal sponsorship with WorldDMB
05.12.2014 - WorldDAB News - Arab States Broadcasting Union WorldDAB Member - Malaysia Malaysia
For the second year, WorldDMB will be the Principal Sponsor of the ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium in 2015. More than 1,200 people from 52 countries attended the 2014 Digital Broadcasting Symposium. The symposium in Kuala Lumpur from 3-6 March will be themed “Enabling Change Smartly”, addressing how broadcasters can secure spectrum for future broadcasting by making use of latest opportunities emerging from Over-The-Top (OTT) and Integrated Broadband Broadcast (IBB) services.

(Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union ) Read more


ABU Gears Up for Symposium
04.12.2014 - WorldDAB News - Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) WorldDAB Member - Malaysia Malaysia
Topics addressed during the event include how broadcasters can secure spectrum for future broadcasting, diversity of media audiences and future transmission technologies. WorldDMB will be the principal sponsor of the Digital Broadcasting Symposium for the second year in a row. The global industry forum for DAB, DAB+ digital radio will also be an exhibitor.

(Radio World) Read more


Digital Radio an important topic at the RadioAsia 2014 conference
29.05.2014 - United Kingdom United Kingdom - India India - Hong Kong Hong Kong - Malaysia Malaysia
Digital radio broadcasting has become an important topic in at least four Asian countries. In Hong Kong, DAB+ has been on-air for some time, with 15 stations already available; in Malaysia, trials have started; and in Thailand and Indonesia, tests of the technology are slated for this year.

(Radio magazine ) Read more


RadioAsia2014: Successes and challenges for Asian radio
24.05.2014 - India India - Malaysia Malaysia - Hong Kong Hong Kong - Thailand Thailand - Bangladesh Bangladesh
Saturday’s final session at RadioAsia 2014 saw eight panelists from around the world share their expertise.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


ABU Symposium Speakers Predict Hybrid Approach to Digital Radio
13.03.2014 - Malaysia Malaysia
Traditional over-the-air radio is not going to be replaced by streaming over the Internet any time soon, according to several speakers at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Symposium held in Kuala Lumpur in March 2014.

(Radio magazine (press release)) Read more


Industry experts predict hybrid approach to digital radio
10.03.2014 - Malaysia Malaysia
“Broadcast radio is still the backbone of radio in Australia and will be for some time,” CRA’s Joan Warner told delegates in Kuala Lumpur. “Apps and streaming cannot take the place of free to air broadcast radio but they do offer us an opportunity to connect in more ways with our listeners.”

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


DAB+ radios on show at DBS2014
10.03.2014 - Malaysia Malaysia
Radio receiver manufacturers around the world have developed a range of DAB radios, with many of them on show at this week's Digital Broadcasting Symposium in Malaysia.

(Radioinfo (subscription)) Read more


Time is now for DAB+ in Asia
07.03.2014 - Malaysia Malaysia
WorldDMB, the global industry forum for digital radio promoting DAB+ radio broadcasting standard, along with ABU-RTM held a technology workshop from February 28 to March 2 with over 150 participants from 14 countries across the Asia Pacific region in attendance at Kuala Lumpur.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


The time is now for DAB+ in the Asia Pacific
05.03.2014 - Malaysia Malaysia
The WorldDMB-ABU-RTM DAB+ technology workshop and transmission demonstrations were held from 28 February to 2 March and saw over 150 participants from 14 countries from across the Asia Pacific region in attendance. The primary aim of the workshop was to demonstrate to delegates how to secure a digital radio broadcasting future and how to save millions of dollars in radio operating and power costs by switching to DAB+ broadcasting.

Read more


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Key Information

Status: trial and/or regulation
Population: 32.2 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 10%
Services: 12 DAB+
Last update: 18.02.2020

Useful Links

Radio Television Malaysia