What is Amateur Radio ?

Amateur Radio, also affectionately known as "hamradio", is a hobby of constructing, experimenting and communicating. In Malaysia, hams are licensed by the Department of Telecommunication Malaysia.Once licensed an amateur can operate radio equipment from home, from theirvehicle and from anywhere in Malaysia. A number of radio frequencies havebeen set aside for Amateur Radio use. On these frequencies a ham can talkacross town or around the world. The scope and possibilities are endless-fromsending TV pictures to operating through Amateur Radio satellites.

Who can be Hams ?

Just about anyone can become a ham. Some famous peoplesuch as Kings and Prime Ministers are hams, but most are just people fromall walks of life who like communicating. Young people find Amateur Radioa great training ground, older people find "hamming" an absorbing retirementhobby.

In fact Amateur Radio is more than a hobby, itis a service. Hams provide their equipment and operating skills wheneverthe need arises-such as for Civil Defense emergencies and Search and Rescueoperations.

How do I become a Ham ?

Passing a ham license is quite easy. For a licenseyou are required to obtain a pass in a test on radio theory, a pass inunderstanding Radio Regulation and a morse code sending and receiving testat twelve words per minute.
Malaysia introduced the B-License in 1997. If you have all requirements except Morse, you may work underthis category. It privileges you to work 144-148 MHz only.

Where do I get more information ?

The Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters' Societyis a non-profit association of Amateur Radio Operations. For more information on Amateur Radio and details of licensing,

contact:

The Hon Secretary,
Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters' Society,
PO Box 10777
50724 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
e-mail:The Hon. Secretary

A brochure on How to Become a Radio Amateur is available for purchaseat the:
Jabatan Telekom Malaysia
Tkt.1 Wisma Damansara, Jalan Semantan, 50668 Kuala Lumpur.

Back to Main Menu