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Labuan FM, broadcasting on 103.7 FM from Victoria, Labuan, is a vibrant radio station operated by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), delivering a dynamic mix of music, news, talk, and cultural programming in Bahasa Melayu. Based at Jabatan Penyiaran WP Labuan, the station serves as a cultural and informational hub for Labuan’s population of approximately 100,000, a federal territory known as Malaysia’s offshore financial center and a gateway to Sabah and Sarawak. Established on August 31, 1986, Labuan FM has become a cherished platform for the island’s diverse communities, blending modern entertainment with local traditions. In this blog post, we’ll explore Labuan FM’s history, programming, reach, and why it resonates with its coastal audience.
A Historic Voice for Labuan
Labuan FM was launched on Malaysia’s 29th National Day, August 31, 1986, as Radio Malaysia Labuan, later rebranded in June 2005 to align with RTM’s nationwide restructuring. Its establishment marked a milestone in providing localized broadcasting for Labuan, a federal territory with a unique blend of Malay, Kadayan, Chinese, and indigenous communities. Operating from Jalan Tanjung Taras in Victoria, the station leverages RTM’s public-service ethos to promote national unity and cultural diversity, a mission rooted in Malaysia’s broadcasting history since 1946.
The station’s role in Labuan, an island with a growing tourism sector and a population density of 1,100 per square kilometer, is critical. It covers local issues, such as the 2025 Aidilfitri ferry passenger surge or community events, fostering connectivity in a region where radio remains a key medium, with Malaysia boasting a 94% radio listenership. Labuan FM’s Facebook page, with over 5,000 followers, reflects its active engagement, emphasizing its tagline, “Suara Pesisir Anda” (Your Coastal Voice).
Programming That Reflects Labuan’s Spirit
Labuan FM broadcasts from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, offering a diverse mix of music, news, and talk shows in Bahasa Melayu, with a two-hour local segment in the Kadayan/Brunei Malay dialect. Its music spans contemporary Malaysian hits by artists like Siti Nurhaliza and international pop, alongside traditional tunes, catering to Labuan’s multicultural audience. The station’s talk and news segments focus on local issues, such as offshore finance, tourism, and community welfare, ensuring relevance for its listeners.
A standout feature is its “Edidih” program, airing daily from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, which uses the Kadayan/Brunei Malay dialect to celebrate Labuan’s cultural heritage. This segment includes music, storytelling, and discussions on local arts, aligning with Malaysia’s 1Malaysia concept. Key programs include:
- Pagi Labuan: A morning show with pop hits, local news, and traffic updates, energizing Victoria’s residents and offshore workers.
- Berita Terkini: A news segment airing three times daily (7:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM), covering Labuan’s economic developments and regional events.
- Edidih: An afternoon cultural program in Kadayan/Brunei Malay, featuring traditional music and community stories, highly popular among locals.
- Malam Pesisir: An evening show with mellow tracks and discussions on Labuan’s tourism and cultural heritage.
Presenters bring authenticity, blending standard Bahasa Melayu with local dialects to connect with listeners, as noted in listener feedback on radioonline.my. The station’s coverage of events, such as Labuan’s water village festivals or financial sector updates, reflects its role in community engagement, making it a vital part of daily life in Victoria.
Extensive Reach and Accessibility
Labuan FM’s 103.7 FM signal covers Victoria and surrounding areas, with an additional frequency at 89.4 FM serving other parts of Labuan, ensuring clear reception across the island’s 92 square kilometers. Its transmitter supports listeners in urban Victoria and rural water villages, where fishing and tourism are economic pillars. Below is a table of Labuan FM’s frequencies:
| City/Area | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Victoria | 103.7 FM |
| Labuan | 89.4 FM |
For listeners beyond FM range, Labuan FM streams live on https://labuanfm.rtm.gov.my/ and platforms like RTM Klik, radioonline.my, and Streema, reaching the Malaysian diaspora and global audiences, particularly in Southeast Asia. Labuan’s improving digital infrastructure supports seamless streaming, catering to a tech-savvy audience. The station ranks at position 180 on radioonline.my with a rating of 7, reflecting its steady listener base in a region with high radio engagement.
Contact Information and Digital Presence
Labuan FM engages its audience through multiple channels, maintaining a robust digital presence. Below is a table with its contact details:
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Jabatan Penyiaran WP Labuan, Jalan Tanjung Taras, Peti Surat 81311, 87023 Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan |
| Phone | +6087-506 516 |
| labuanfm@rtm.gov.my | |
| Website | https://labuanfm.rtm.gov.my/ |
| Social Media | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LABUANfmRTM X: https://twitter.com/LABUANfm |
The station’s website, https://labuanfm.rtm.gov.my/, offers live streaming, program schedules, and updates on local events, such as Labuan’s cultural festivals. Its Facebook page is a lively hub, sharing DJ highlights and community news, while the X account provides real-time updates on programming. The email and phone lines facilitate direct listener interaction, ensuring responsiveness and fostering a strong community connection.
Why Labuan FM Stands Out
Labuan FM’s blend of contemporary music, news, and cultural programming distinguishes it in Labuan’s radio landscape, where it is the primary local station. Its RTM-backed independence ensures a public-service focus, delivering educational content on finance, health, and heritage alongside entertainment. The “Edidih” program, unique for its Kadayan/Brunei Malay dialect, celebrates Labuan’s cultural identity, setting it apart from mainstream stations like Era FM.
The station’s coverage of local issues, such as tourism growth or community welfare, resonates with listeners, as seen in its reporting on Labuan’s role as a duty-free hub. Its ability to balance modern music with traditional elements creates a unique listening experience, fostering inclusivity among Labuan’s diverse communities and aligning with RTM’s mission of national unity.
Cultural and Community Impact
Labuan FM is a cultural cornerstone for Victoria, promoting Bahasa Melayu programming and Labuan’s coastal heritage. Its “Edidih” segment preserves Kadayan/Brunei Malay traditions, while its music and news segments strengthen community bonds. The station’s coverage of events like Labuan’s water village festivals or financial summits reflects its role in a territory balancing tradition and economic growth.
By streaming online, Labuan FM connects with the Malaysian diaspora, keeping them engaged with Labuan’s cultural pulse. Its role in preserving linguistic and cultural diversity supports Malaysia’s multicultural ethos, fostering pride among Labuan’s residents. The station’s community-driven approach, evident in its social media engagement, makes it a trusted voice for Victoria’s coastal communities.
The Future of Labuan FM
Labuan FM is well-positioned for growth, with its RTM support and digital platforms. Extending broadcast hours beyond 9:00 PM, launching podcasts on Labuan’s heritage, or collaborating with local artists could attract younger listeners. Enhancing signal coverage or improving streaming stability would broaden its reach. By staying true to its “Suara Pesisir Anda” ethos, Labuan FM can solidify its role as Labuan’s leading radio station.
A Listener’s Coastal Beat
For Victoria’s residents, Labuan FM is a daily companion. Whether tuning into Pagi Labuan in Victoria town or streaming Edidih in the water villages, 103.7 FM delivers joy and connection. Listeners cherish its music, cultural segments, and local focus, which capture Labuan’s vibrant coastal spirit.
Conclusion
Labuan FM, with its 103.7 FM signal from Victoria since 1986, is a cornerstone of Labuan’s radio landscape. Its music, news, and cultural programming, delivered in Bahasa Melayu, make it a cherished platform for the island’s diverse communities, blending modernity with coastal heritage.
