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.

Over 60 companies from across the radio industry set to attend ABU DBS 2019
27.02.2019 - Malaysia Malaysia
At least 56 exhibitors, sponsors and media partners have so far confirmed they will take part in the ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium 2019, with over 60 companies taking part in the exhibition. The primary role of the symposium, which turns 15 in 2019, is to help broadcasters in the region make a smooth transition to digital broadcasting.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


WorldDAB organises DAB+ workshop at ABU DBS 2019
20.02.2019 - WorldDAB News - Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) WorldDAB Member - Malaysia Malaysia
WorldDAB’s half-day workshop titled 'DAB+ - understanding the business case', will touch on a number of topics including DAB+ developments in the Asia Pacific region, European legislation and the latest DAB+ technical development, broadcast or 4G/5G, as well as connected vehicles and what broadcasters need to do to ensure their place in the digital dashboard.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


Registrations open for ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium 2019
03.01.2019 - Malaysia Malaysia
WorldDAB is principal sponsor of this year’s ABU DBS, which takes place between 4-7 March, and will host a DAB workshop on Monday 4 March, featuring presentations and discussions from speakers across the radio industry on the global development of DAB+ digital radio. A DAB+ pavilion within the exhibition will include several DAB+ supply chain companies with a footprint in the Asia-Pacific region, and their local experts will be on hand to provide expert advice and guidance on rolling out DAB+.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


WorldDAB principal sponsor of ABU DBS 2019
03.12.2018 - Malaysia Malaysia
WorldDAB, the principal sponsor of the event, will update delegates on the latest DAB+ developments in the Asia Pacific region and around the world, including market updates, in-car digital radio progress, and information on how broadcasters are employing broadcast and IP. The theme of the 2019 DBS conference is “Digital Transition and Transformation”.

(ABU DBS) Read more


WorldDAB gears up for ABU DBS in Kuala Lumpur
03.12.2018 - Malaysia Malaysia
WorldDAB will take the opportunity to update delegates on the latest developments on DAB+ in the Asia Pacific region and around the world, including market updates, in-car digital radio progress, as well as the latest information on how broadcasters are employing broadcast and IP. WorldDAB will hold a DAB+ digital radio workshop on March 4, featuring presentations and discussions from industry experts DAB+ developments.

(Radio World) Read more


New DAB+ pathways for developing digital radio markets
10.09.2018 - Arab States Broadcasting Union WorldDAB Member - Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) WorldDAB Member - Malaysia Malaysia
A DAB+ workshop held in Kuala Lumpur in July saw a diverse mix of countries working together to take the next steps in establishing DAB+ digital radio. Led by Dr Les Sabel of the WorldDAB Technical Committee, and jointly organised alongside the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) and Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcast Development (AIBD), the five-day workshop covered a wide range of topics aimed at the benefits of transitioning to DAB+ digital radio and the technical requirements for each market to successfully adopt digital radio.

(Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union - Q3 2018 Technical Review) Read more


DAB+ worskshop in Kuala Lumpur
05.08.2018 - WorldDAB News - Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) WorldDAB Member - Arab States Broadcasting Union WorldDAB Member - Malaysia Malaysia
A DAB+ workshop held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last week saw a diverse mix of countries working together to take the next steps in establishing DAB+ digital radio.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


ABU concludes 2018 Digital Broadcasting Symposium
12.03.2018 - Malaysia Malaysia - Australia Australia
Commercial Radio Australia CEO Joan Warner addressed delegates at last week's ABU DBS about the uniqueness of radio against new competitors online, including social media. “In radio’s case, and it has happened in some countries, is they’ve forgotten what people value about radio is it’s live and local – you can talk to people, you can talk to your Prime Minister live on air if you want to, you can tweet, you can engage via social media."

(Radio magazine) Read more


Recent DAB Developments around the world
12.03.2018 - Paneda WorldDAB Member - United Kingdom United Kingdom - Malaysia Malaysia - Italy Italy - Germany Germany
Paneda's Lars Peder Lundgren shared examples of advanced DAB and hybrid features at last week's ABU DBS at Kuala Lumpur. Italian broadcaster Rai will host a digital radio seminar on April 13. The Thuringen State Media Authority of Germany has welcomed a planned "Call for Interest" for the use of a state-wide private DAB+ multiplex, while 10 small-scale DAB trial multiplexes will continue in operation until 31 March 2020 in the UK.

(Radio magazine) Read more


Record attendance at DAB+ workshop #DBS2018
11.03.2018 - Malaysia Malaysia
At ABU DBS 2018, the WorldDAB workshop broke attendance records, with 150 delegates from across the region joining speakers to hear the latest digital radio news and updates.

(Asia Radio Today) 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