What is Amateur Radio

Amateur Radio is a radio service that anyone can get involved with. Amateur radio is
also known as Ham radio, which you may have heard of it at one time or another. No
one knows for sure why amateur radio operators are called hams, the original meaning
has been lost over the years. Many theories exists as to the meaning of "ham", but
nothing concrete. Amateur radio operators have been around since the beginning of radio,
but the Amateur Radio Service did not come along until the advent of a licensing body.
During the beginning of radio, around the turn of the century, many basement
experimenters built radio transmitters and receivers. These were called Spark Gap
transmitters. They occupied a very wide bandwidth when transmitting. These stations
would interfere with ship to shore communications on several occasions with their wide
bandwidth transmissions. After years of complaints from these ship to shore stations, and
among other concerns, it was decided that this new technology needed a structure and
regulation. Hence the US FCC (Federal Communications Commission) was born, it was
called something else at that time. Band segments were set aside for each specific service
that was created and the "amateurs" enjoyed their own segments of the radio spectrum.
Extending up into the HF, VHF and UHF bands, which at that time were considered
"worthless! Hams enjoy worldwide communications daily using homemade as well as
commercially built equipment. Amateurs do not broadcast their transmissions, they have
two-way communications with other amateurs. In fact, it is illegal for amateurs to
broadcast information for the general public on the amateur radio bands or communicate
with non-amateurs. Every amateur radio station has a call sign and in Malaysia the
amateur radio license is issued by the Suruhanjaya Multimedia dan Komunikasi or
Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Other countries have
their own licensing body, and just about every country in the world has an amateur radio
service. Internationally, the requirements for obtaining a license are similar. A ham in
China is required to take a test similar to that of a ham in the USA or any other country,
although the licensing structure may vary with regards to license classes. All amateurs are
restricted to the same bands or frequencies depending on his or her class of license. Just
like all air traffic is controlled on the same frequencies around the world. It would be very
difficult if you didn't know where to look for other amateurs!
Amateurs provide emergency communications when disaster strikes around the world.
Floods, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes etc. have all called the active ham into public
service. Providing emergency communications when ordinary communications are out of
service. Thereby making the amateur radio service a vital source for communications
when needed. Many lives have been saved over the years because of amateur radio, vital
life saving information has been passed through amateur radio stations. It is a hobby and
no monetary gains can be made from the use of amateur radio, which is strictly
prohibited. Amateur radio is not CB radio. Citizens Band, or CB, is a completely different
service altogether . One of the goals of amateur radio is to spread international
goodwill around the world amongst other hams, it is kind of like a brotherhood of sorts.
Countless friendships have grown through the means of amateur radio. Hams on one
coast become friends with hams on the other, people that otherwise would have never
known about each other have met while enjoying their hobby. Sure, there are times when

someone will do or say something on the air that invokes an argument or rude behavior.
But like any aspect of the human society, we learn to deal with it and make amends. For
the most part, hams are ladies and gentlemen, and respect the wishes of others. Most
hams will welcome you into their roundtable at anytime, provided you follow good
operating practices. Many are very willing and eager to help a beginner with his or her
station operation or getting licensed.
Have you recently received your amateur radio operators license and don't know what to
do with it? Why not check out your local radio club and find an Elmer? Don't know
what an elmer is? Then keep reading. Questions have been asked on some insiders
information as to what some of the lingo which you hear on the bands means. So
hopefully answers to some of your questions can be found here and clear up some of the
mysterious words and phrases you will encounter while tuning to the ham frequencies.
Most phrases and codes come from communicating via morse code. It is much faster to
send a series of code letters or numbers than it is to spell each word out one at a time.
Therefore, a group of codes was derived to make it easier on the Morse operator during
his/her sending. I will not list them all as most are not relevant to your operating
practices, but will list the most common ones heard on the bands today.
The meanings carry over to phone (SSB, AM, FM) as well as the digital modes . Try to
refrain from using the Q codes on phone unless the band conditions are really poor.
Why? Because if you are communicating with someone else who speaks your same
language (which is most likely) there is no need to use codes as they will better
understand you if you speak plain English (or whatever language you are speaking!).
An elmer is a kindly ham who helps newcomers get started in amateur radio. Many are
happy to invite you into their shacks for a demonstration as to how an amateur radio
station operates. Others enjoy helping with the testing procedures, and getting a station
set up and on the air. Many Elmers can be found at your local ham radio club, contact the
Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters' Society (MARTS) for information on any clubs
you may have in your area.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 10 May 2007 )

Examinations
There are two types of examination pertaining to amateur radio in Malaysia:
1. Radio Amateur Examination (RAE)
2. Morse Code (CW) Test
Both examinations are conducted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia
Commission (MCMC).
In order to operate an amateur radio station in Malaysia, a candidate must pass the RAE.
A foreign operator may apply for a reciprocal license to the MCMC.
After passing your RAE, you will apply and obtain your Class B license.
In order to upgrade to a Class A license, a Class B licensee shall wait for at least a year
before sitting for the Morse Code Test.
Both examinations are conducted separately on different dates, and at multiple centers.
Since 2005, MCMC has been conducting the RAE twice yearly. And CW Test was held
twice in 2005, and annually since 2006.
Upcoming Examinations:
RAE - June 6, 2007; most recent on Nov 29, 2006 and May 25, 2006
CW - September 2007; most recent on April 10, 2007, Mar 28-29, 2006, and Sept 27-28,
2005
Radio Amateur Examination (RAE)
The RAE is a written examination on the following topics:
1. The fundamental of theory of electricity, electronics, and radio communications.
2. The theory and operation of any amateur radio equipment including the antenna
systems, transmission lines, transistors, amplitude and frequency modulation, and
single sideband techniques.
3. The regulations made under the Communication and Multimedia Act (CMA),
which is applicable to the establishment and operation of a station performing an
amateur experimental service.
4. The ITU Radio Regulations applicable to the operation of a station performing an
amateur experimental service, and those provisions relating to the operation of
stations generally.
The RAE comprises of 100 multiple choice questions. Candidates are given 3 hours to
answer all questions. No penalty for wrong answers. For syllabus, refer to the Part C of
the Guidelines for Amateur Radio in Malaysia published by the MCMC.

Morse Code (CW) Test

The CW (continuous wave) Test is a practical test that measures skill of the following
proficiencies:
1. An ability to send message correctly on a radio telegraph key, semi-automatic key,
or an electronic hand key, for three consecutive minutes, at a speed of not less
than 12 words per minute in plain language, including figures, punctuation marks,
Q signals, and emergency signal in the international Morse Code
2. An Ability to receive message correctly by ear, and write legibly, or type for not
less than three consecutive minutes, at a speed of not less than 12 words a minute,
in plain language, including figures, punctuation marks, "Q" signal, and
emergency signals in the international Morse Code.
In CW sending tests, applicant must be able to send 36 words (averaging 5 letters per
word) in plain language within 3 minutes or equivalent to a speed of 12 words per minute
without uncorrected error. A maximum of 4 errors as well as 4 corrections are allowed.
In sending figures 10 five-figure groups are to be sent in 1.5 minutes without uncorrected
error. A maximum of 2 corrections are alllowed.
In CW receiving tests, applicant is required to receive 36 words (averaging 5 letters per
word) in plain language in 3 minutes, and 10 five-figure groups in 1.5 minutes. Each
letter or figure incorrectly received counts as 1 error. A word in which more than 1 letter
is incorrectly received counts as 2 errors. A maximum of 4 errors in plain language, and
a maximum of 2 errors in the figure test are allowed.
The tests will not include any punctuation or other symbols except for full stops,
commas, oblique strokes, question marks, and error symbols. The foregoing particulars
are summarized in the following:
Type

No. of words Test

or groups
Duration

Sending
Max no. of
corrections

Receiving
Max no. of
Max no. of
uncorrected errors errors

Plain
language

36 words

Figures

10 five-figure
1.5 min
group

3 min

Examination Fee
RM50 each for RAE and CW Test.
Minimum Age Requirement for the Examination
14 years old for RAE
18 years old for CW Test

How to Appy for the Examination

Please refer to MCMC web site for RAE and CW Test details.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 17 May 2007 )

Licensing
The Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is the license
issuer and regulator of amateur radio service in Malaysia.
There are only 2 classes of amateur radio license in Malaysia for individuals, namely
Class A and Class B. Please refer to Band Plan page for operating privileges.
9M4 prefix Class A licenses may also be applied for clubs, repeaters, special events,
beacons, gateways, and other experimental use. The applicant of 9M4 prefix call sign
must have a Class A license holder to supervise the operations. Please refer to Call Sign
Prefixes page for respective 9M4 prefix allocations.
To apply for a Class B License
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Be at least 14 years of age on the date of RAE.

Sit for RAE.
Receive result notification by postal mail 6~8 weeks after the examination date.
Obtain a set of forms for applying for Apparatus Assignment from MCMC.
Visit two Class A license holders to sign the Letter of Reference.
Visit a Commissioner for Oath to make Statutory Declaration Regarding Secrecy
of Wireless Communications.
7. Deposit fees for Apparatus Assignment into MCMC's bank account:
1. RM60 admin fee (for each processing including future renewals)
2. RM24 annual fee (1 - 5 years)
8. Submit the following documents to MCMC:
1. Application for Apparatus Assignment
2. Documentary proof of citizenship or identification
3. A copy of RAE result notification letter
4. A letter of reference from two Class A license holders
5. A declaration of secrecy
6. Call sign request form
7. Original bank deposit slip (customer's copy) payable to MCMC
9. Receive Apparatus Assignment within a day or two upon submission.
10. Cleared to transmit on approved apparatus/radios and frequencies.
To apply for a Class A License
1. Obtained an Apparatus Assignment for Amateur Radio Class B for at least a year.
2. Be at least 18 years of age on the date of CW Test.
3. Sit for Morse Code Test.
4. Receive result notification by postal mail 6~8 weeks after the examination date.
5. Obtain a set of forms for applying for Apparatus Assignment from MCMC.
6. Visit two Class A license holders to sign the Letter of Reference.
7. Visit a Commissioner for Oath to make Statutory Declaration Regarding Secrecy
of Wireless Communications.
8. Deposit fees for Apparatus Assignment into MCMC's bank account:

1. RM60 admin fee (for each processing including future renewals)

2. RM36 annual fee (1 - 5 years)
9. Submit the following documents to MCMC:
1. Application for Apparatus Assignment
2. Documentary proof of citizenship or identification
3. A copy of RAE result notification letter
4. A letter of reference from two Class A license holders
5. A declaration of secrecy
6. Call sign request form
7. Original bank deposit slip (customer's copy) payable to MCMC
10. Receive Apparatus Assignment within a day or two upon submission.
11. Cleared to transmit on approved apparatus/radios and frequencies.
Reciprocal Operating Agreement
Foreign amateur radio operator may apply for Amateur Radio Apparatus Assignment
under the reciprocal arrangement between their country and Malaysia. MCMC may issue
an Apparatus Assignment to the foreign amateur radio operator if they meet all the
requirements. The class of the Apparatus Assignment issued will be equivalent to the
license class or assignment issued by their home country authority in their original home
country. List of countries which have reciprocal arrangement with Malaysia:
1. Thailand
2. Indonesia
3. Laos
4. Vietnam
5. Myanmar
6. India
7. China
8. Mongolia
9. United Kingdom
10. Germany
11. Switzerland
12. Finland
13. Czech Republic
The Apparatus Assignment will not be issued for a period of more than the validity of the
home country license, or 1 year which ever is earlier.
Foreign amateur radio operator which came from country which has no reciprocal
arrangement will be dealt on case by case basis. However, an introduction from a
member of MARTS will be preferred.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 10 May 2007 )

Call Sign Prefixes

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has allocated the prefixes of 9MA to
9MZ, and 9WA to 9WZ to Malaysia for all radio stations.
The call sign for amateur radio stations is formed by two characters of prefix, followed
by a digit, and a group of not more than three letters.
Call Sign
License
Geographical Area
9M1
Reserved
9M2LLL
Class A
Peninsular
9M3
Future allocation
9M4BLL Amateur radio beacon
Malaysia
9M4CLL Amateur radio club
Malaysia
9M4ELL
Experimental
Malaysia
9M4GLL Amateur radio gateway
Malaysia
9M4RLL Amateur radio repeater
Malaysia
9M4SLL
Special event
Malaysia
9M5
Future allocation
9M6LLL
Class A
Sabah
9M7
Future allocation
9M8LLL
Class A
Sarawak
9M9
Future allocation
9W2LLL
Class B
Peninsular
9W3
Future allocation
9W4
Future allocation
9W5
Future allocation
9W6LLL
Class B
Sabah
9W7
Future allocation
9W8LLL
Class B
Sarawak
9W9
Future allocation
RECIPROCAL CALL SIGNS
Peninsular:
Class A - 9M2/home country call sign
Class B - 9W2/home country call sign
Sabah:
Class A - 9M6/home country call sign
Class B - 9W6/home country call sign
Sarawak:
Class A - 9M8/home country call sign
Class B - 9W8/home country call sign
Last Updated ( Thursday, 10 May 2007 )

Band Plan
Class A License Operating Privilege (for 9M call sign operators)

Frequency Band Maximum Power Level

Class of Emission
(MHz)
(watt PEP)
1.8 - 2.0
3.5 - 3.9
7.0 - 7.1
10.1 - 10.15
14.0 - 14.35
18.068 - 18.168
21.0 - 21.45
24.89 - 24.99
28.0 - 29.7
50.0 - 54.0
144.0 - 146.0
146.0 - 148.0
430.0 - 440.0
1,240 - 1,300
2,300 - 2,450
3,300 - 3,500
5,650 - 5,850
10,000 - 10,500
24,000 - 24,250
47,000 - 47,200
75.500 - 81,000
119,800 - 120,020
142,000 - 144,000
144,000 - 149,000
244,000 - 248,000
248,000 - 250,000

25
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
100
100
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
25
25
25
25
25

A1A, A2A, A3E,

F1A, F2A, F3E,
J3E, R3E

A1A, A2A, A3E,

A3C, C3F,
F1A, F2A, F3E,
J3E, R3E

Class B License Operating Privilege (for 9W call sign operators)

Frequency Maximum Power Level

Class of Emission
(MHz)
(watt PEP)
28.0 - 29.7
50
50.0 - 54.0
50
A3E, F1A, F2A,
144.0 - 146.0
50
F3E, J3E, R3E
146.0 - 148.0
50
430.0 - 440.0
50
Last Updated ( Monday, 16 January 2006 )
How to Read Emission Classes
First Code
Second Code
Third Code
A
Double-Sideband 1
Single Channel A
Telegraphy
without
F
Frequency
modulating
Modulation
Sub-carrier
J
Single-Sideband, 2
Single Channel E
Telephony
Suppressed
with modulating
(Broadcast)
Carrier
Sub-carrier
R
Single-Sideband, 3
Single Channel
reduce or variable
Analogue
level carrier

Import of New Radios

In the past, amateur radio operators in Malaysia lacked of guidelines on purchasing

radios. Discussions between MCMC, SIRIM Bhd, and MARTS have drawn up a set of
procedure to obtain import license or better known as Approved Permit (AP). The
society advocates that all members should enjoy this privilege of operating with radios.
Further more, the sets can be imported free of duty.
As you know, amateur radio transceivers used by hams have to be imported through the
proper channel and method. Some of us may still not know how we can purchase a radio
which has been approved for our use with the proper permit.
SIRIM was charging RM150 for the AP of each amateur radio transceiver, and RM30 for
the processing of the application.
In early 2005, MARTS Council Member for Public Relations & Publicity, Dato'
Muhammad Ismail, 9W2IL, and the MCMC regional representative got together with
SIRIM to discuss the issue of the fees to be charged.
The following outcome which resulted much to our benefit came about. Listed below is
how a ham with a valid Apparatus Assignment certificate can apply and import a radio:
1. Fill in Borang JK 69 (Pin 1/2000) form (this customs import form can be
purchased from the government printer or some bookshops).
2. Follow the list of approved radios as published in the MCMC website on Amateur
Radio Equipment List.
3. Include photocopies of:
1. Applicant's Apparatus Assignment certificate
2. Applicant's identification (eg. identity card, passport)
3. Brochure/catalog of the intended radio to be purchased/imported
4. Submit to the nearest SIRIM office. There will be no import license (AP) fee
charged, and the applicant has to pay only the RM30 processing fee. Approval
can be obtained within the same day, or next working day.
5. With the AP, the applicant can either import or carry the radio in to the country.
Clearance with the customs will be done with the showing of the SIRIM's AP.
Note: It is of the understanding that the import of the radio will be used solely by the
importer/applicant, and not for resale purpose. Should an importer wish to sell/present
the said imported radio to another ham, accompany the sale with a transfer note and a
photocopied of the AP to the new owner. Amateur radio transceivers are to be used on
amateur radio bands by radio amateurs who posses the valid Apparatus Assignment
certificates issued by MCMC.
Source: MARTS Bulletin, April 2005
Last Updated ( Thursday, 10 May 2007 )