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 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


Content is king - highlights from ABU DBS 2018
09.03.2018 - Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) WorldDAB Member - Commercial Radio & Audio WorldDAB Member - Malaysia Malaysia
Joan Warner, CEO at Commercial Radio Australia and vocal advocate of radio reminded delegates about the uniqueness of radio when stacked up against new competitors online, including social media.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


Enhancing the audio experience: #DBS2018
08.03.2018 - WorldDAB News - Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) WorldDAB Member - Malaysia Malaysia
WorldDAB Technical Committee’s Les Sabel shared a vision for the future of broadcasting and audience engagement. “Combining streaming and broadcast… will give us the most cost-effective delivery of our primary content. But we want to use the IP to complement that to deliver alternative content, features and interactivity. It’s the best of both worlds. Minimum cost, maximum impact."

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


Enhancing the audio experience: #DBS2018
08.03.2018 - Malaysia Malaysia
WorldDAB Technical Committee’s Les Sabel shared a vision for the future of broadcasting and audience engagement. “Combining streaming and broadcast… will give us the most cost-effective delivery of our primary content. But we want to use the IP to complement that to deliver alternative content, features and interactivity. It’s the best of both worlds. Minimum cost, maximum impact."

(Radioinfo) Read more


ABU DBS Hosts Master Classes, Workshops, More
07.03.2018 - WorldDAB News - Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) WorldDAB Member - Malaysia Malaysia
The WorldDAB session provided information on different aspects of digital radio, including international DAB developments, hybrid infrastructure and implementing hybrid workflows, ASEAN regulation and policy.

(Radio World) Read more


Enhancing Multiplatform Content: #DBS2018 officially begins
07.03.2018 - Commercial Radio & Audio WorldDAB Member - Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) WorldDAB Member - Malaysia Malaysia
Commercial Radio Australia CEO Joan Warner delivered a keynote address Leveraging your uniqueness in the face of digital disruption. “Gaining access to digital broadcast spectrum is key for all broadcasters,” said Warner. “Digital radio broadcasting multiplies radio’s unique ability to create content 24/7 and offer that content across multiple digital platforms and over digital frequencies which can [now] seamlessly integrate into smart connected devices.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


WorldDAB at ABU DBS 2018
06.03.2018 - WorldDAB News - Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) WorldDAB Member - Malaysia Malaysia
WorldDAB will present a DAB+ pavilion in collaboration with DAB+ supply chain companies with a footprint in Asia Pacific – Factum Radioscape, GatesAir, Paneda and RadioDNS. Meet the experts who can provide advice on implementing DAB+ digital radio, and detail how DAB+ has helped their business.

(Content and Technology) Read more


DAB+ workshop at ABU DBS
06.03.2018 - WorldDAB News - Malaysia Malaysia
Reflecting on the increasingly competitive market for audiences, Warner reminded delegates that radio continues to provide a valuable service to the community, and that by being free and accessible for all, digital radio preserves the innate ability of radio to provide connection and to share local stories.

(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