How to Listen to Malaysia FM Radio on a Samsung Galaxy S7?

Malaysia’s FM radio scene is vibrant, reaching 20.2 million weekly listeners (95% of Peninsular Malaysia’s population, per the 2024 GfK Radio Audience Measurement survey). With 68 stations like ERA (4.8 million listeners), Hitz FM (2.2 million), and THR Raaga (1.7 million), FM radio offers diverse content in Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil. The Samsung Galaxy S7, released in 2016, is equipped with an FM radio chip (Qualcomm Snapdragon 820/Exynos 8890), but its functionality depends on regional settings and carrier restrictions. This blog post explains how to listen to Malaysian FM radio on a Galaxy S7 in 2025, covering built-in FM radio, online streaming options, required equipment, costs, and compliance with local regulations.

Quick Answer

To listen to Malaysia FM radio on a Samsung Galaxy S7, use the built-in FM radio (if enabled) with wired earphones as an antenna, tuning to stations like ERA (98.8 MHz, Kuala Lumpur) or Hitz FM (92.9 MHz). If the FM chip is disabled, stream via apps like SYOK, RTMKlik, TuneIn, myTuner Radio, Radio Garden, or RadioListen.my using a 4G/Wi-Fi connection. Alternatively, use an FM transmitter or portable FM radio connected via Bluetooth or AUX. Data plans cost RM30–RM100/month, and earphones or an FM transmitter cost RM10–RM150. Ensure compliance with the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Why Listen to Malaysia FM Radio on a Galaxy S7?

• Diverse Content: Access Malay (Sinar FM), English (BFM 89.9), Chinese (MY FM), and Tamil (Minnal FM) stations, catering to Malaysia’s multicultural audience.
• Convenience: The S7’s portability makes it ideal for in-car or on-the-go listening, with 15.4 million Malaysians tuning in during commutes (2023 GfK data).
• Cost-Effective: FM radio is free with the built-in chip, while streaming offers podcasts and global access.
• Engagement: 66% of listeners value radio for companionship (2018 GfK survey), enhancing the S7 user experience.

Challenges

• FM Chip Availability: The S7’s FM radio chip may be disabled by carriers (e.g., Maxis, Celcom) in some regions, requiring apps or external devices.
• Internet Dependency for Streaming: Online radio requires 4G/5G or Wi-Fi, which may be unreliable in rural areas like Sabah or Kelantan.
• Regulatory Compliance: Streaming or public playback must adhere to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, with licenses needed for commercial use (~RM750–RM3,000/year via Music Rights Malaysia).

Methods to Listen to Malaysia FM Radio on a Galaxy S7

1. Use the Built-In FM Radio (If Enabled)

The Galaxy S7 has an FM radio chip, but its activation depends on the region and carrier. In Malaysia, some S7 models (e.g., SM-G930F) may have FM enabled via the NextRadio app or Samsung’s pre-installed radio app.

Steps:

• Check FM Radio Availability:
  • Open the pre-installed Radio app (if available) or download NextRadio from the Google Play Store (free, though discontinued updates may limit compatibility in 2025).
  • If no app is pre-installed and NextRadio fails, the FM chip may be disabled by the carrier.
• Setup:
  • Plug in wired earphones (e.g., Samsung AKG earphones, ~RM10–RM50) to act as an antenna (required for FM reception).
  • Open the Radio/NextRadio app and scan for stations.
  • Tune to Malaysian FM frequencies, e.g.:
    • ERA: 98.8 MHz (Kuala Lumpur), 103.3 MHz (Penang).
    • Hitz FM: 92.9 MHz (Kuala Lumpur), 94.0 MHz (Johor).
    • THR Raaga: 99.3 MHz (Kuala Lumpur), 101.9 MHz (Penang).
    • Minnal FM: 92.3 MHz (Kuala Lumpur), 107.9 MHz (Ipoh).
  • Save favorite stations for quick access.
• Benefits: Free, no internet required, ideal for urban areas with strong FM signals.
• Limitations: FM chip may be disabled; earphones are mandatory; no access in East Malaysia for some stations (e.g., THR Raaga).

Costs:

• Earphones: ~RM10–RM50 (if not owned).
• App: Free (if available).

2. Stream via Apps

If the FM chip is disabled or you prefer digital features (e.g., podcasts), stream Malaysian radio online using the S7’s 4G or Wi-Fi.

Steps:

• Choose a Platform:
  • SYOK: Streams Astro Radio stations (ERA, Hitz FM, MY FM, THR Raaga). Free on Google Play (syok.my).
  • RTMKlik: Streams RTM stations (Minnal FM, Ai FM, TraXX FM). Free on Google Play or rtmklik.rtm.gov.my.
  • TuneIn: Offers Sinar FM, Hot FM, BFM 89.9, and more. Free tier; premium (~RM40/month) for ad-free listening (tunein.com).
  • myTuner Radio: Lists 50+ Malaysian stations (e.g., Suria FM, Kool FM). Free with in-app purchases (~RM20–RM50, mytuner-radio.com).
  • Radio Garden: Interactive globe for stations like 988 FM. Free at radio.garden.
  • RadioListen.my: Dedicated portal for Malaysian stations (e.g., ERA, Osai). Free at radiisten.my.
• Setup:
  • Download the app from Google Play or visit the website on the S7’s browser (e.g., Chrome).
  • Search for stations by name, location, or language (e.g., Tamil for Minnal FM).
  • Stream live or download podcasts (available on SYOK, RTMKlik, BFM) for offline listening.
  • Connect to speakers or headphones via Bluetooth or the S7’s 3.5mm jack for better audio.
• Internet Requirements: Streaming uses 60–120 MB/hour (standard quality). A 10 GB data plan (RM50/month from Celcom or Digi) supports ~80–160 hours of listening. Wi-Fi is ideal for home use.
• Benefits: Access to podcasts, global stations, and stations unavailable on FM in East Malaysia (e.g., THR Raaga in Sabah).
• Limitations: Requires data; rural connectivity issues.

Costs:

• Apps: Free (SYOK, RTMKlik, RadioListen.my, Radio Garden) or ~RM40/month (TuneIn Premium).
• Data: RM30–RM100/month for 5–30 GB.
• Accessories: Bluetooth speaker (RM50–RM200) or earphones (RM10–RM50).

3. Use an FM Transmitter or Portable FM Radio

If the S7’s FM chip is disabled, use an external FM receiver or transmitter connected to the phone.

Steps:

• FM Transmitter:
  • Purchase a Bluetooth FM transmitter (~RM50–RM150, available on Shopee or Lazada).
  • Plug into the S7’s 3.5mm jack or pair via Bluetooth.
  • Set to an unused FM frequency (e.g., 88.1 MHz) and tune a nearby FM radio (e.g., car stereo) to that frequency.
  • Play FM radio through NextRadio or stream via SYOK to transmit to the radio.
• Portable FM Radio:
  • Buy a portable FM radio (~RM30–RM100, e.g., Sony ICF-P36).
  • Connect to the S7 via Bluetooth or AUX for audio output.
  • Tune the radio to local stations (e.g., Sinar FM 96.7 MHz, Kuala Lumpur).
• Benefits: Bypasses disabled FM chip; portable for travel.
• Limitations: Additional equipment needed; FM reception limited to Peninsular Malaysia for some stations.

Costs:

• FM Transmitter: ~RM50–RM150.
• Portable Radio: ~RM30–RM100.

4. Use a Smart Speaker or External Device

Connect the S7 to a smart speaker or streaming device for enhanced audio at home.

Steps:

• Purchase a Device: Google Nest Mini (RM150), Amazon Echo Dot (RM250), or similar, available on Shopee.
• Setup:
  • Pair the speaker with the S7 via Bluetooth or connect to Wi-Fi.
  • Use SYOK, TuneIn, or RadioListen.my to stream stations.
  • Voice commands: e.g., “Hey Google, play Hitz FM on TuneIn.”
• Benefits: High-quality audio, hands-free operation.
• Limitations: Less practical for mobile use; requires Wi-Fi or data.

Costs:

• Speaker: ~RM150–RM500.
• Internet: ~RM100–RM200/month (Wi-Fi) or RM30–RM100/month (mobile data).

Legal and Practical Considerations

• MCMC Compliance: Personal FM or streaming use is legal under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Public playback (e.g., in shops) requires an MRM license (~RM750–RM3,000/year).
• Content Restrictions: Avoid public streaming of sensitive content to comply with MCMC guidelines.
• Connectivity: Urban areas (Kuala Lumpur, Penang) have strong FM and 4G/5G signals, but rural areas (Sabah, Sarawak) may face issues. Use podcasts for offline listening.
• S7 Limitations: The S7’s aging hardware (Android 8.0 max) may face app compatibility issues. Ensure apps are updated via Google Play or use browser-based platforms like radiisten.my.

Tips for Success

• Check FM Chip: Test NextRadio first; if unavailable, contact your carrier (e.g., Maxis) to confirm chip status.
• Optimize Data: Use low-quality streaming (64 kbps, ~30 MB/hour) to save data, especially on 4G.
• Download Podcasts: Save BFM or SYOK podcasts for offline listening in rural areas.
• Station Frequencies: Check station websites (e.g., era.my, bfm.my) for FM frequencies by region (e.g., Kelantan FM 102.9 MHz).
• Support: Contact enquiry@astroradio.com.my (Astro Radio), enquiry@bfm.my (BFM), or RadioListen.my’s support for streaming issues.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Challenges: Disabled FM chip on some S7 models, data costs, and rural connectivity issues. Limited FM coverage in East Malaysia for stations like Minnal FM.
• Opportunities: Malaysia’s 14.9 million Astro Radio listeners and digital platforms (7.2 million social media engagements) make streaming accessible. RadioListen.my and SYOK enhance user experience with podcasts and multilingual content.

Conclusion

To listen to Malaysia FM radio on a Samsung Galaxy S7, use the built-in FM radio (if enabled) with earphones (RM10–RM50), tuning to stations like ERA (98.8 MHz) or Hitz FM (92.9 MHz). If disabled, stream via SYOK, RTMKlik, TuneIn, myTuner Radio, Radio Garden, or RadioListen.my with a 4G/Wi-Fi connection (RM30–RM100/month). Alternatively, use an FM transmitter (RM50–RM150) or portable FM radio (RM30–RM100). Comply with the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and download podcasts for offline access. With 20.2 million listeners, Malaysia’s radio scene is vibrant—start by visiting radiisten.my or downloading SYOK in 2025.