Malaysian Ham Radio FAQ
Frequently asked questions about amateur radio frequencies, repeaters, PMR446, CHIRP programming, and licensing in Malaysia.
What frequencies do Malaysian ham radio operators use?
Malaysian amateur radio operators primarily use the VHF band (144–148 MHz) and UHF band (430–440 MHz). The national simplex calling frequency is 145.000 MHz. Repeaters operate on various frequencies with standard offsets of 0.6 MHz for VHF and 5.0 MHz for UHF. APRS operates on 144.390 MHz. PMR446 license-free channels span 446.00625–446.19375 MHz. Our frequency database contains over 180 curated entries covering all these bands.
How do I program my walkie talkie with Malaysian frequencies?
Download the 9M2PJU.csv file from our site and import it into
CHIRP radio programming software.
CHIRP supports Baofeng UV-5R, Yaesu FT series, Icom IC series, Kenwood TH series,
and Wouxun KG series radios. Connect your radio via programming cable, open CHIRP,
go to File > Import, select the CSV file, then click
Radio > Upload to Radio. See our detailed
CHIRP programming guide for step-by-step instructions.
What is the APRS frequency in Malaysia?
The APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) frequency in Malaysia is 144.390 MHz FM. This is the same as the global APRS standard frequency used worldwide for position reporting, weather data, and short text messaging via amateur radio. APRS is listed as channel 1 in our database.
What are PMR446 frequencies in Malaysia?
PMR446 in Malaysia uses 16 channels from 446.00625 MHz to 446.19375 MHz with 12.5 kHz channel spacing. PMR446 is license-free for personal and business use with a maximum transmit power of 0.5 watts (500 mW). Any PMR446-compliant walkie-talkie can use these channels without an amateur radio license. See our PMR446 guide for the full channel list and usage tips.
Do I need a license to operate amateur radio in Malaysia?
Yes, to transmit on amateur radio bands (VHF/UHF) in Malaysia you need an Amateur Radio Operating Certificate (AROC) and a station license issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). You must pass the Radio Amateurs Examination (RAE). Malaysian callsigns begin with 9M (Class A license), 9W (Class B license), or 9W3 (Class C license). PMR446 channels are license-free and do not require any certification.
What CTCSS tone do Malaysian repeaters use?
Malaysian repeaters use various CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) tones to prevent interference. Common tones include 88.5 Hz, 103.5 Hz, 118.8 Hz, 127.3 Hz, 203.5 Hz, and 233.6 Hz. Each repeater in the 9M2PJU database lists its specific required CTCSS tone. You must program the correct tone into your radio to access a repeater - without the correct tone, the repeater will not retransmit your signal.
What is the VHF repeater offset in Malaysia?
The standard VHF repeater offset in Malaysia is 0.6 MHz (600 kHz). Most VHF repeaters use a negative offset (transmit below the receive frequency). For example, a repeater on 147.980 MHz would have an input frequency of 147.380 MHz. Some repeaters use a positive +0.6 MHz offset. The 9M2PJU database includes the exact offset and duplex direction for each repeater.
What is the UHF repeater offset in Malaysia?
The standard UHF repeater offset in Malaysia is 5.0 MHz. Most UHF repeaters use a negative offset. For example, a repeater on 439.600 MHz would have an input frequency of 434.600 MHz. The 9M2PJU database includes the exact offset for each UHF repeater.
What is MARTS in Malaysian amateur radio?
MARTS stands for the Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters' Society. It is the national amateur radio organization in Malaysia. MARTS operates a linking network that connects repeaters across different states, allowing operators to communicate over long distances through linked repeater systems. Many repeaters in our database are marked as part of the MARTS linking network.
Can I use a Baofeng UV-5R in Malaysia?
The Baofeng UV-5R is a popular dual-band radio used by Malaysian amateur radio operators. To transmit on amateur radio bands, you need a valid AROC license and station license. The UV-5R can also receive PMR446 and other frequencies. You can program it with the 9M2PJU CSV file using CHIRP software. Other popular radios in Malaysia include Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, and Wouxun models.
What is the Malaysian amateur radio callsign prefix?
Malaysian amateur radio callsigns use the prefix 9M for Class A licenses (e.g. 9M2 for Peninsular, 9M6 for Sabah, 9M8 for Sarawak), 9W for Class B licenses (e.g. 9W2), 9W3 for Class C licenses, and 9M4 for repeater/club stations. For example, 9M2PJU is a Malaysian Class A operator callsign.
How do I find repeaters near me in Malaysia?
Visit frequency.hamradio.my and click the "Near Me" button. The site uses your device's GPS to sort all Malaysian repeaters by distance from your location. Each repeater entry includes coordinates and a Google Maps link to the repeater site, typically located on hilltops and mountains for maximum coverage. Major repeater sites include Bukit Lanjan (Kuala Lumpur), Gunung Ulu Kali (Genting), Bukit Bendera (Penang), Gunung Ledang (Johor), and Gunung Kinabalu (Sabah).
What is the difference between simplex and repeater operation?
Simplex operation means both stations transmit and receive on the same frequency - communication is direct radio-to-radio. Repeater operation uses a station that receives on one frequency and simultaneously retransmits on another, extending the range of communication. Repeaters are typically placed on high locations (mountains, towers) to maximize coverage. To use a repeater, you transmit on the repeater's input frequency with the correct offset and CTCSS tone, and listen on the repeater's output frequency.
Is the 9M2PJU frequency database free to use?
Yes, the Malaysian Amateur Radio Frequency Database is completely free and open-source, licensed under the GNU General Public License 3.0 (GPL-3.0). You can freely download the CSV file, use it with CHIRP, and contribute updates via GitHub. The project is maintained by 9M2PJU and community contributors.
Still have questions?
Browse the full frequency database or check out our guides: