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Kedah FM, broadcasting on 97.5 FM from Alor Setar, Kedah, is a dynamic radio station operated by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), delivering a lively mix of pop music, news, and community-focused programming in Bahasa Melayu. Based at Kompleks Penerangan dan Penyiaran Sultan Abdul Halim, the station serves as a cultural and informational hub for Alor Setar’s population of approximately 405,523 and the broader Kedah state, known as Malaysia’s “rice bowl.” With its engaging content and commitment to local voices, Kedah FM has become a cherished platform for northern Malaysia. In this blog post, we’ll explore Kedah FM’s history, programming, reach, and why it resonates with its audience.
A Legacy of Northern Broadcasting
Kedah FM, part of RTM’s extensive network, was established to provide Bahasa Melayu programming tailored to Kedah’s predominantly Malay population, which constitutes 76% of the state’s 2.2 million residents. While specific founding details are less documented, the station aligns with RTM’s mission to promote national unity and linguistic diversity, building on Malaysia’s broadcasting history that began in 1946. Its modern studio at Jalan Kuala Kedah in Alor Setar ensures high-quality broadcasts, serving urban and rural listeners alike.
The station plays a vital role in Kedah, a state known for its agricultural heritage and growing tourism, with Alor Setar experiencing a 7% increase in passenger load factors from Kuala Lumpur in 2024, as reported by Malaysia Airlines. Kedah FM’s coverage of local events, such as the Kedah state assembly or Langkawi’s tourism initiatives, underscores its significance in fostering community pride and connectivity in a region where radio remains a key medium, with Malaysia boasting a 94% radio listenership.
Programming That Engages
Kedah FM broadcasts daily from 6:00 AM to midnight, offering a vibrant blend of pop music and news in Bahasa Melayu. Its pop playlist features Malaysian artists like Siti Nurhaliza and Anuar Zain, alongside international hits, appealing to a broad audience of youth, families, and farmers. The station’s news segments cover local, national, and international stories, with a focus on Kedah’s agricultural sector, tourism, and community welfare, ensuring relevance for its listeners.
Key programs include:
- Pagi Kedah: A morning show with upbeat pop, local news, and traffic updates, energizing Alor Setar’s commuters and Langkawi’s tourism workers.
- Berita Terkini: A midday news segment covering regional developments, such as ferry service updates for Langkawi or agricultural policies, as seen in discussions about state-run ferry solutions.
- Petang Harmoni: An afternoon program blending pop music with lifestyle tips, highlighting events like Alor Setar’s night markets or Kedah’s cultural festivals.
- Malam Santai: An evening show with mellow tracks and community discussions, focusing on topics like education or local traditions.
Presenters bring warmth and authenticity, often incorporating Kedah Malay dialect to connect with listeners, as noted in listener feedback on the station’s Facebook page, which has over 10,000 followers. The station’s coverage of local issues, such as the 2024 ferry service disruptions between Kuala Kedah and Langkawi, reflects its role in keeping the community informed. Its focus on local content fosters a sense of belonging, making it a daily staple for Kedah’s residents.
Extensive Reach and Accessibility
Kedah FM’s 97.5 FM signal covers Alor Setar and surrounding areas, with an additional frequency in Langkawi at 105.7 FM, ensuring accessibility across Kedah’s urban and island communities. The station’s transmitter supports clear reception for listeners in rural agricultural regions and tourist-heavy Langkawi, which saw 132,000 ferry passengers during the 2025 Aidilfitri peak. Below is a table of Kedah FM’s frequencies:
| City/Area | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Alor Setar | 97.5 FM |
| Langkawi | 105.7 FM |
For listeners beyond FM range, Kedah FM streams live on https://kedahfm.rtm.gov.my/ and the RTM Klik app, reaching the Malaysian diaspora and global audiences, particularly in Southeast Asia. Alor Setar’s improving digital infrastructure supports seamless streaming, catering to a tech-savvy audience. Platforms like radioonline.my rank Kedah FM at position 170 with a rating of 8, reflecting its steady listener base and alignment with Malaysia’s high radio engagement.
Contact Information and Digital Presence
Kedah FM engages its audience through multiple channels, maintaining a robust digital presence. Below is a table with its contact details and platforms:
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Kompleks Penerangan dan Penyiaran Sultan Abdul Halim KM3, Jalan Kuala Kedah, 05400 Alor Setar |
| Phone | +604 771 3037, +604 771 7608 |
| adminrmk@rtm.gov.my | |
| Website | https://kedahfm.rtm.gov.my/ |
| Social Media | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadioMalaysiaKedahfm X: https://twitter.com/KEDAHfm_RTM |
The station’s website, https://kedahfm.rtm.gov.my/, offers live streaming, program schedules, and updates on local events, such as Alor Setar’s cultural fairs. Its Facebook page is a vibrant hub, sharing DJ highlights and community news, while the X account provides real-time updates on programming and regional developments. The email and phone lines facilitate direct listener interaction, ensuring responsiveness and fostering a strong community connection.
Why Kedah FM Stands Out
Kedah FM’s blend of pop music and news distinguishes it in Kedah’s radio landscape, where stations like Sinar FM focus on broader commercial formats. Its RTM-backed independence ensures a public-service ethos, delivering educational content on agriculture, health, and cultural heritage alongside entertainment. The station’s focus on Kedah’s local issues, such as Langkawi’s ferry services or Alor Setar’s tourism growth, resonates with listeners, as seen in its coverage of Malaysia Airlines’ expanded routes.
The station’s ability to balance modern pop with regional storytelling creates a unique listening experience. Its Bahasa Melayu programming fosters inclusivity among Kedah’s Malay majority, while its news segments keep listeners informed about critical issues, such as the 2024 Langkawi cable car incident. Kedah FM’s commitment to RTM’s mission of uniting Malaysia’s diverse communities makes it a trusted voice in the northern region.
Cultural and Community Impact
Kedah FM is a cultural lifeline for Alor Setar, promoting Bahasa Melayu music and Kedah’s agricultural and tourism heritage. Its coverage of events like the Kedah state assembly or Langkawi’s cultural festivals strengthens community bonds. The station’s news segments address local concerns, such as ferry service reliability, reflecting Kedah’s connectivity challenges and tourism significance.
By streaming online, Kedah FM connects with the Malaysian diaspora, keeping them tied to Kedah’s cultural roots. Its role in preserving linguistic and cultural identity supports Malaysia’s multicultural ethos, fostering pride among Kedah’s residents. The station’s community-driven approach, evident in its social media engagement, makes it a vital platform for Alor Setar’s urban and Langkawi’s island communities.
The Future of Kedah FM
Kedah FM is well-positioned for growth, with its RTM support and digital platforms. Extending broadcast hours beyond midnight, launching podcasts on Kedah’s heritage, 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, Kedah FM can solidify its place as a leading voice in Malaysia’s northern radio scene.
A Listener’s Connection
For Alor Setar’s residents, Kedah FM is a daily companion. Whether tuning into Pagi Kedah in Jitra or streaming Malam Santai in Langkawi, 97.5 FM delivers joy and connection. Listeners cherish its pop hits, timely news, and local focus, which capture Kedah’s vibrant spirit as Malaysia’s agricultural and tourism heartland.
Conclusion
Kedah FM, with its 97.5 FM signal from Alor Setar, is a cornerstone of Kedah’s radio landscape. Its pop music, news programming, and RTM-backed commitment to community engagement make it a cherished platform for the region’s diverse voices.
