Listen Live
Bintulu FM, broadcasting on 97.5 FM from Bintulu, Sarawak, is a dynamic radio station operated by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), delivering an engaging mix of pop music, talk shows, and community-focused content in Bahasa Melayu. Based at Jabatan Penyiaran Bintulu, the station serves as a cultural and informational cornerstone for Bintulu’s population of 114,058, a diverse coastal town known for its oil and gas industry. Launched on January 1, 2024, following the closure of Astro Radio’s Era Sarawak, Bintulu FM has quickly become a beloved platform for local voices and entertainment. In this blog post, we’ll explore Bintulu FM’s origins, programming, reach, and why it resonates with Sarawak’s northern communities.
A New Chapter for Bintulu’s Airwaves
Bintulu FM emerged as a fresh RTM station on January 1, 2024, replacing Era Sarawak after Astro Radio ceased operations at its Kuching headquarters on September 30, 2023, due to a strategic decision made in August 2023. This transition marked a significant shift, with RTM stepping in to fill the void and maintain a vibrant radio presence in Bintulu, Sarawak’s fourth-largest town. The station operates from Tingkat 1 & 2, Bangunan BDA Lama, Jalan Sommerville, leveraging RTM’s legacy of public-service broadcasting to serve Bintulu’s multicultural population, including Malay, Chinese, Iban, and Melanau communities.
RTM’s history in Bintulu dates back to earlier efforts during the Malayan Emergency, when radio was used to counter communist influence. Today, Bintulu FM focuses on entertainment and information, aligning with RTM’s mission to promote unity and cultural diversity in Malaysia’s multinational landscape. Its launch reflects Bintulu’s growing importance as an industrial hub, with a strategic location 610 kilometers northeast of Kuching, making it a key player in Sarawak’s radio ecosystem.
Programming That Connects
Bintulu FM broadcasts from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, offering a lively mix of pop music and talk shows in Bahasa Melayu, with occasional segments in Chinese and Iban to reflect Bintulu’s diverse demographic. Its pop-heavy playlist features Malaysian hits from artists like Siti Nurhaliza and Dayang Nurfaizah, alongside international tracks, catering to urban youth and professionals in Bintulu’s bustling town center. The station’s programming emphasizes entertainment, local news, and community engagement, ensuring relevance for its listeners.
Key programs include:
- Pagi Ceria Bintulu: A morning show with upbeat pop, local news, and traffic updates, energizing listeners in Bintulu’s industrial and residential areas.
- Sembang Santai: A midday talk show discussing community issues, from local festivals to economic developments in Bintulu’s oil and gas sector.
- Petang Harmoni: An afternoon segment with pop hits and lifestyle tips, covering events like Bintulu’s Kite Festival or food markets.
- Malam Bersama Bintulu: An evening program with mellow tracks, listener call-ins, and discussions on cultural topics, such as Iban traditions or Chinese New Year celebrations.
Bintulu FM’s presenters bring authenticity and warmth, fostering a personal connection with listeners. The station’s focus on local content, such as updates on Bintulu’s Tanjung Kidurong port or community initiatives, ensures it remains a vital part of daily life. Its multilingual segments cater to Bintulu’s 26.4% Malay, 43.7% Chinese, and 26.7% Bumiputera population, promoting inclusivity.
Extensive Reach and Accessibility
Bintulu FM’s 97.5 FM signal, transmitted from Bukit Setiam in Tatau, covers Bintulu and surrounding areas, including Mukah and Selangau, reaching both urban centers and rural communities along Sarawak’s northern coast. The station’s coverage extends to workers in Bintulu’s oil and gas facilities, a key economic driver. For listeners beyond FM range, Bintulu FM streams live on https://bintulufm.rtm.gov.my/ and the RTM Klik app, connecting with the Malaysian diaspora and global audiences, particularly in Southeast Asia.
Bintulu’s advanced digital infrastructure supports seamless online streaming, aligning with Malaysia’s 94% radio listenership. The station’s accessibility on smartphones and computers ensures it reaches tech-savvy listeners in Bintulu’s industrial hub and beyond, making it a cultural bridge for Sarawak’s northern region.
| Region | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Bintulu | 97.5 FM |
| Mukah/Selangau | 97.5 FM |
Contact Information and Digital Presence
Bintulu FM maintains a strong digital presence, engaging listeners through its website and social media. Below is a table with its contact details and platforms:
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Jabatan Penyiaran Bintulu, Tingkat 1 & 2, Bangunan BDA Lama, Jalan Sommerville, 97000 Bintulu, Sarawak |
| Phone | +60 86-336 219 / +60 86-332 245 |
| rtmbintulu@rtm.gov.my | |
| Website | https://bintulufm.rtm.gov.my/ |
| Social Media | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rtmbintulurasmi X: https://twitter.com/bintulufm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bintulufm/ |
The station’s website offers live streaming, program schedules, and updates on local events, such as Bintulu’s development projects. Its Facebook page, with active engagement, shares DJ highlights and community news, while X and Instagram provide real-time updates and visual content, like photos of Bintulu’s waterfront. The email and phone lines facilitate direct listener interaction, ensuring responsiveness.
Why Bintulu FM Stands Out
Bintulu FM’s rapid rise since its 2024 launch highlights its ability to fill the gap left by Era Sarawak, offering a fresh, RTM-backed alternative to commercial stations like Cats FM. Its pop music and multilingual programming cater to Bintulu’s diverse ethnic makeup, fostering inclusivity. The station’s public-service ethos, rooted in RTM’s legacy, ensures educational and cultural content alongside entertainment, distinguishing it in Sarawak’s radio landscape.
The station’s focus on local issues, from industrial developments to cultural festivals, resonates with Bintulu’s residents, while its digital platforms broaden its appeal. Bintulu FM’s ability to blend modern pop with community storytelling creates a unique listening experience, making it a trusted companion for both urban and rural listeners.
Cultural and Community Impact
Bintulu FM is a cultural catalyst in Bintulu, promoting Bahasa Melayu music and Sarawak’s multicultural heritage. Its coverage of events like the Borneo International Kite Festival or Chinese New Year celebrations strengthens community bonds. The station’s news segments address local concerns, such as infrastructure projects or environmental initiatives, reflecting Bintulu’s role as an industrial hub.
By streaming online, Bintulu FM connects with the Sarawakian diaspora, keeping them tied to their roots. Its multilingual approach supports Malaysia’s multicultural ethos, uniting Malay, Chinese, and Iban listeners in a town where diversity thrives, fostering pride among its 114,058 residents.
The Future of Bintulu FM
Bintulu FM is well-positioned for growth, with its RTM backing and digital platforms. Extending broadcast hours beyond 10:00 PM, launching podcasts, or collaborating with local artists could attract younger listeners. Enhancing signal coverage in remote areas or improving streaming stability would broaden its reach. By staying true to its community-driven mission, Bintulu FM can solidify its place as a leading voice in Sarawak’s radio scene.
A Listener’s Rhythm
For Bintulu’s residents, Bintulu FM is a daily soundtrack. Whether it’s tuning into Pagi Ceria Bintulu in Tanjung Kidurong or streaming Malam Bersama Bintulu in Mukah, 97.5 FM delivers joy and connection. Listeners cherish its pop hits, local focus, and inclusive programming, which capture Bintulu’s vibrant, multicultural spirit along Sarawak’s coast.
Conclusion
Bintulu FM, with its 97.5 FM signal since January 2024, is a dynamic force in Bintulu’s radio landscape. Its pop music, community engagement, and RTM-backed programming make it a cherished platform for Sarawak’s northern communities.
