In a historic milestone for Borneo’s broadcasting industry, KUPIKUPI FM has expanded its terrestrial FM broadcasting presence into Peninsular Malaysia, becoming the first privately owned radio station from Borneo to make the move.
Broadcasting on 106.0 FM, KUPIKUPI FM currently reaches parts of Negeri Sembilan (including Seremban) and Selangor (including Sepang, Klang, Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, and Kajang), as well as the Federal Territory of Putrajaya, extending the station’s reach beyond its home base in East Malaysia.
The expansion marks a significant chapter in the station’s development, creating a new platform for Sabahans and Sarawakians living in Peninsular Malaysia to stay connected to home while introducing West Malaysians to Borneo’s music, culture, heritage and stories.
Chief Executive Officer of OOGA X Sdn Bhd, Lester Calvin Miol, described the move as a proud moment for the company and Borneo’s broadcasting industry.
“This is a historic moment for us. We want our fellow Sabahans and Sarawakians living in Peninsular Malaysia to have an avenue they can tune in to whenever they miss home. At the same time, we want to give our brothers and sisters in West Malaysia an opportunity to get to know Borneo better.
“We are not here to compete with or dominate anyone. We are here to join the party, share our culture, music and stories, and contribute to Malaysia’s diverse broadcasting landscape. We hope this is the beginning of something meaningful that can be enjoyed not only by the Borneo community in Peninsular Malaysia, but by everyone,” he said.
Launched in January 2016, KUPIKUPI FM Sabah was established as a community radio station dedicated to serving Sabahans, promoting local talent and providing a platform for homegrown voices. Broadcasting on 96.3 FM, the station serves listeners across parts of Sabah, including Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Papar, Beaufort, Kuala Penyu, Tuaran, Kota Belud and surrounding vicinity.
Beyond broadcasting, community service has been a key pillar of the station’s operations. Over the years, KUPIKUPI FM has undertaken more than 30 corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Sabah, many focusing on restoring water supplies to rural communities. Through its Operasi Kerja Komuniti initiatives and collaboration with all of its partners, the station has contributed to efforts to improve access to water and support communities in need.
KUPIKUPI FM has also ventured into large-scale entertainment, organising five major concerts and one festival featuring international and local artistes, providing opportunities for local performers to share the stage with established names such as Repvblik, D’Masiv, Kotak from Indonesia just to name a few.
Its growth continued with the launch of KUPIKUPI FM Sarawak on June 9, 2023. Broadcasting on 92.5 FM in Kuching, the station brings together young Sarawakian talent through music, storytelling and community-focused programming, with the aim of fostering unity across the state’s diverse ethnic groups and beliefs.
The group subsequently expanded into digital journalism through INFO X, Sabah’s first dedicated Sabah news only online news portal focused on timely, relevant and ground-level news, particularly for audiences in Sabah.
Together, these platforms form part of OOGA X Sdn Bhd’s integrated media business, encompassing online, offline, on-ground and on-air services.
Lester Miol said the company’s capabilities extend beyond radio broadcasting, positioning it as a potential strategic partner for businesses seeking to enter or strengthen their presence in Sabah and Sarawak.
“We want potential clients to see us as a connector and a bridge to the Borneo market. Our role goes beyond the airwaves. We also specialise in event management, on-ground promotions, marketing activations and community engagement.
“We aim to provide a one-stop solution for businesses looking to expand their reach, build brand awareness and connect with consumers in Sabah and Sarawak. We understand the local communities and believe that meaningful engagement is essential to building lasting relationships,” he said.
With its expansion into Peninsular Malaysia, KUPIKUPI FM aims to strengthen connections between East and West Malaysia while bringing greater visibility to Borneo’s creative talent, cultural diversity and community stories. From its beginnings as a community radio station in Sabah to its presence in Sarawak and now Peninsular Malaysia, the organisation’s journey reflects its ambition to grow while remaining rooted in the communities it serves.
The move represents not only a new chapter for KUPIKUPI FM, but also a significant opportunity for Borneo’s voices, music and stories to reach a wider Malaysian audience.
For KUPIKUPI FM, the journey is about more than expanding its broadcast footprint. It is about bringing Borneo closer to the rest of Malaysia, one story, one song and one connection at a time.
