Engaging Sepang folk via radio
Muhamad Shah (left) being interviewed by producer Nur Syahirah Abdul Ghani (right) during the pilot Kopi & Susu programme. Looking on is another producer Putri Fazlyen Azzaharah Mohd Fauziman.
SEPANG Municipal Council (MPSepang) has taken to the airwaves with its own radio station to provide updates to the local community.
Launched last August, Radio MPSepang is the first local authority-run station in Selangor.
The council staff, many of whom are from Sepang, double as on-air talent who are better able to relate to their target audience.
MPSepang deputy president Muhamad Shah Osmin revealed that the concept was inspired by a visit to Radio MBI, the online station of Perak's Ipoh City Council.
Seeing the potential of using internal staff as radio announcers, MPSepang decided to adopt the idea.
'We appointed two staff members as producers to oversee the station's operations,' Muhamad Shah said.
'MPSepang Radio serves as a direct link for the community to hear from us.
'Being online, it means anyone with Internet access can tune in from anywhere, at any time.'
An audition was held to select the radio announcers, who now host three-hour shifts once a week.
This schedule ensures their primary duties at the council remain unaffected.
Muhamad Shah said the station's programming was curated to provide updates on local government initiatives, public services and community matters.
The radio features two main segments: Semarak Pagi from 9am to noon, Mondays to Fridays, and Kopi & Susu from 3pm to 4.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
'We began with Semarak Pagi which focuses on important council announcements.
'In February, we launched Kopi & Susu, featuring guest interviews from government agencies and organisations, among others,' he explained, adding that he was the first guest on the slot.
The Kopi & Susu segment has seen a surge in listener numbers, reflecting strong community interest in interviews and informative discussions.
'Since its launch, the station recorded a total of 18,231 listeners by the end of March.
'However, for Kopi & Susu alone, we recorded 17,990 listeners in February and March.
'Our audience is drawn to relevant topics and expert guests,' he shared.
For example, during the fasting month, dietitian Faizah Ahmad Mokhtar from Hospital Cyberjaya shared tips on staying hydrated.
Leading up to Hari Raya, Sepang OCPD Asst Comm Norhizam Bahaman discussed home safety during the 'balik kampung' season.
Looking ahead, Muhamad Shah said plans are underway to expand programming with guest announcers and external personalities, and foster greater engagement with the local community.
Radio MPSepang can be accessed at https://radiompsepang.my
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