How To Become A Radio Amateur Operator In Malaysia (Part 2)

(The following article is an extract from 'SKMM guidelines for amateur radio in Malaysia (1st edition)'. All materials are copyright of SKMM (http://www.skmm.gov.my/).

Amateur Radio Operator’s Certificate (AROC)

Regulation 27(1) of the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000 states that no person shall undertake or conduct any activity in designated skill area unless that person is certified. Amateur radio operator has been gazetted as a designated skill area category under this regulation; hence to operate an amateur radio station, a person needs to have an appropriate proficiency and skill i.e. certified in this area.

The certification (AROC) is necessary to prove that the radio amateur operators have good knowledge of the subject and able to operate an amateur radio station in the correct and responsible manner required by the law.

There are two class of AROC available.

1. Amateur Radio Operator’s Certificate - Class A (AROC Class A)
2. Amateur Radio Operator’s Certificate - Class B (AROC Class B)

Amateur Radio Operator’s Certificate (AROC) Class A

The AROC class A allows the holder to apply for ASAA class A. To be eligible for the AROC class A, the persons must pass the written theory test commonly known as RAE and practical test commonly known as Morse Code Test or CW Test.

Amateur Radio Operator’s Certificate (AROC) Class B

The AROC Class B only permits the holder to apply for ASAA class B. To be eligible for this certificate the persons are only required to pass the RAE.

How to Participate In Amateur Radio

To operate an amateur radio station, the operator must hold the ASAA issued by the SKMM. Application can be applied from any SKMM regional offices. A “call sign” will be issued to the successful applicant according to their AROC class.

For details about call sign issuance, please refer to document titled
“Guideline on the Allocation of Call sign to the Amateur Radio Service” published by the SKMM.

Amateur Station Apparatus Assignment

All amateur radio operators in Malaysia must be licensed by getting the ASAA from SKMM. You need to obtain an ASAA to operate an amateur radio station. The ASAA authorized the holder to participate and operate the amateur radio station.

There are 3 types of ASAA under Amateur Radio category:

1. Amateur Station Apparatus Assignment (Class A);
2. Amateur Station Apparatus Assignment (Class B); and
3. Amateur Repeater Station

To apply for an ASAA the applicant has to fill in the following forms.

• Application for Apparatus Assignment(s) (Amateur Service) form for ASAA (Class A & B); or
• Application for Apparatus Assignment(s) (Mobile Service) form for Amateur Repeater Station.

The validity period for ASAA is between three months to five years. Sample of the form is shown in Appendix 11. Please refer to “Guideline for Apparatus Assignment” published by the SKMM for details.

Eligibility for ASAA Application

To be eligible for ASAA application, applicant must meet the following conditions.

• Over 14 years of age for ASAA Class B and 18 years and above for ASAA Class A. Applicants under 21 years will be required to present consent from their parent, guardian or any other approved person who shall be responsible for the observance of the conditions of the applicants to countersigned their application.
• A Malaysian citizens or citizens of countries who have a reciprocal arrangement with our country. Please refer to Appendix 8 for the list of the countries.
• Hold an AROC Class A or B or in lieu, a copy of Examination results issued by the SKMM.

Detailed requirements to apply for the ASAA are described in “Guideline for Apparatus Assignment” published by the SKMM.

Compliance Requirement

The ASAA holder shall comply with the relevant provisions of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA98) and its subsidiary legislations or any amendments made thereof.

International Compliance Requirement

The ASAA holder shall comply with the relevant provisions of the Radio Regulations of the ITU and International Telecommunication Convention.

The usage of frequencies for repeater stations operating VHF and UHF bands within 50 kilometres of the Malaysian border will require border coordination with the neighbouring countries for a mutual arrangement between Malaysia and the neighbouring country.

Fee for Apparatus Assignment Amateur Station

The fees for the ASAA are tabled as below.

International Licensing and Operation

When travelling abroad, the visitor must hold a reciprocal license with the country in which she or he wishes to operate. Reciprocal licensing requirements vary from country to country. Some countries have bilateral or multilateral reciprocal operating agreements allowing hams to operate within their borders with a single set of requirements.

Reciprocal Operating Arrangement

Foreign amateur radio operator may apply for ASAA under the reciprocal arrangement between their country and Malaysia. SKMM may issue an ASAA to the foreign amateur radio operator if they meet all the requirements. The class of the ASAA issued will be equivalent to the license class or assignment issued by their home country authority in their original home country. Please refer to Appendix 8 for the list of the countries which have a reciprocal arrangement with Malaysia.

The ASAA will not be issued for a period of more than the validity of the home country license or one year whichever is earlier.

Foreign amateur radio operator from country which has no reciprocal arrangement will be dealt on a case by case basis. However an introduction from a member of MARTS will be preferred.