The History of PerakFM and the Development of State Broadcasting Institutions
The History of PerakFM and the Development of State Broadcasting Institutions
On a historic morning, May 13, 1967, the entire state of Perak witnessed a significant moment in the nation's broadcasting world. DYMM Paduka Seri Sultan Idris Al Mutawakkil Alallahi Shah ceremoniously inaugurated PerakFM, the state radio station that would become the voice and heartbeat of the people of Perak for decades. This glorious event was not merely a standard protocol ceremony, but the starting point of a long journey for a broadcasting institution that continues to evolve with the times.
Before being known as PerakFM, this broadcasting institution originally began as Radio Ipoh in 1956. Its location near the Ipoh Airport at the time was a strategic site that facilitated broadcasting operations. The 1950s saw broadcasting technology in its modest form, with limited equipment and a staff of 50 people. However, the spirit of these broadcasting pioneers never faded in ensuring their voices continued to resonate over the airwaves.
Recognizing the importance of the growing broadcasting industry, a new, more modern building began construction in 1966 on Jalan Dairy, Ipoh (now known as Jalan Raja Musa Mahadi). The building, designed by the renowned architects Iversen Van Sitteren, became a new landmark in the state's broadcasting world.
Spanning 5.67 hectares, this complex was not just a home for standard broadcasting studios, but was equipped with various advanced facilities for that era, including three radio studios, an auditorium, engineering workshops, and comfortable office spaces.
After more than four decades of operating at its original location, PerakFM entered a major transformation phase with the construction of the Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Complex in 2008. This modern broadcasting complex was built with all the requirements of 21st-century broadcasting in mind. The three-story building houses more than just standard studios; it is equipped with various sophisticated facilities including multi-purpose studios, production studios, a large auditorium, as well as audio and video editing suites that meet international standards.
A major turning point occurred on September 16, 2012, when the Perak State Broadcasting Director, Puan Kham Siah Hindom Md Said, made an official live announcement on air. With a voice full of pride, she declared that the new continuity studio at the Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Complex was fully operational, marking the official closure of operations at the old building. This move was not just a change of physical location, but symbolized a major transformation in the broadcasting world of Perak.
Today, after more than half a century of operation, PerakFM continues to be a respected broadcasting institution. From a small station by the airport to a modern broadcasting complex, PerakFM's journey reflects the continuity of tradition and technological innovation. This station is not just a standard medium of broadcasting, but has become part of the identity and collective memory of the people of Perak.
With a burning spirit and a commitment to broadcasting quality, PerakFM is believed to remain relevant in meeting the information and entertainment needs of listeners in this challenging digital era. May this pride of the Perak state continue to progress and remain a voice that unites the community in the Land of Perak Darul Ridzuan.
References:
- Today in History, National Archives of Malaysia
- Berita Harian, December 4, 1961
- The Straits Times, March 31, 1964
- The Straits Budget, May 17, 1967
- Inauguration of the Sultan Nazrin Shah Complex, Sultan Nazrin Shah Website
