Here you'll find activation reports, trail stories, equipment setups, event recaps, and community highlights from 9M2 Summits on the Air. Whether it's a first-time summit attempt, a successful DX contact from a remote peak, or a shared adventure among friends - every update reflects the passion and spirit of SOTA in our region.
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9M2 West Malaysia SOTA - Year 2024 Recap
27 December 2024
Summits on the Air (SOTA) is an international amateur radio program that combines hiking and portable radio operation, enabling enthusiasts to activate mountain peaks and make contacts with chasers from around the world. In Malaysia, SOTA under the 9M2 call sign prefix has been steadily growing, offering unique opportunities to explore the region's breathtaking summits while engaging in the exciting hobby of amateur radio. From casual operators to seasoned adventurers, SOTA in 9M2 provides a platform for camaraderie, skill-building, and appreciation of nature.
As the year 2024 comes to a close, it's the perfect time to look back on the incredible journey of SOTA activators and chasers in West Malaysia, under the call sign prefix 9M2. This year was filled with exciting achievements, challenges overcome, and milestones that reflect the dedication of the SOTA community in the region.
Record-Breaking Activations
The 9M2 SOTA community made a remarkable debut in 2024, with a significant number of activations marking its first year of operations. Over 373 summits were qualified to be activated, and among the notable activations recorded throughout the year, as taken from the SOTA database, were:
Bukit Habu
Activated by 9M2PJU, 9W2UQU, 9M2YUT, 9M2RMT, and 9W2RFG.
Gunung Brinchang
Activated by 9M2PJU, 9M2RMT, 9W2UQU, and 9M2YUT.
Bukit Dinding
Activated by 9M2PJU, 9M2EDU, and 9W2SSO.
Bukit Mertajam
Activated by 9M2SFX and 9M2NAL.
Bukit Batu Kawan
Activated by 9M2NAL and 9M2SFX.
Bukit Palong
Activated by 9M2NAL and 9M2SFX.
These activations not only brought QSOs (contacts) but also strengthened camaraderie among operators.
Community Highlights
The SOTA 9M2 community flourished through various events and gatherings. Highlights included:
- Online Platforms: The community stayed connected through the Telegram group West Malaysia SOTA and Google Group (mailing list) 9m2-summits-on-the-air, which served as hubs for sharing updates, arranging activations, and fostering discussions.
- 9M2 SOTA Association Award: 2024 marked the introduction of the 9M2 SOTA Association Certificate, an initiative to recognize and reward the efforts of activators and chasers who contributed to the growth of the program. This certificate has been warmly received as a symbol of achievement and dedication.
Challenges Faced
While 2024 was a year of triumphs, it was not without its challenges. The monsoon season caused delays in planned activations, and certain summits required enhanced safety precautions due to difficult terrain. However, the resilience of the community ensured that these hurdles were met with determination.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the SOTA 9M2 community looks toward 2025, there's much to anticipate. Plans are underway to:
- Introduce more youth and new operators to SOTA activities.
- Host an international SOTA event to bring together operators from across the globe.
A Tribute to Participants
To all who participated in 9M2 Summits on the Air in 2024 - whether as activators scaling peaks or as chasers supporting from home or the field - your enthusiasm and dedication have been the backbone of this program. Your efforts have not only showcased the beauty of Malaysia's summits but also demonstrated the spirit of amateur radio: connecting people, fostering learning, and building community. Each QSO made, every summit conquered, and all the moments shared contribute to the vibrant legacy of 9M2 SOTA. Thank you for being an essential part of this incredible journey.
The year 2024 was a testament to the vibrant and passionate SOTA community in West Malaysia. From record-breaking activations to technological advancements and a focus on sustainability, the journey has been inspiring. Here's to reaching greater heights in 2025, both literally and figuratively!
73,
9M2 SOTA Association
6-7 Jan 2024 - Bukit Habu (9M2/PH-016), 1st SOTA Activation
Operators: 9M2RMT, 9W2UQU, 9W2FLD, 9M2YUT, 9W2AEV, 9M2RSI, 9W2RFG, 9M2CIO and 9M2PJU
Bukit Habu is located at Kampung Habu, a farming village in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. It is a neighborhood of Ringlet, situated between the Ringlet town center in the south and Tanah Rata in the north. The main road starts its ascent up the mountain range north of Habu, and flattens off upon reaching Tanah Rata.
Habu is home to several attractions including the Fairlie Estate, Boh Tea Centre, Highland Apiary Farm, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple, Jambatan Sungai Bertam, Robinson Falls Power Station, and Sungai Bertam Riverside Pavilion. The area is known for its greenhouses and vegetable farms beside Sungai Bertam. Access to Bukit Habu requires special authorization as it is situated on the private property of the Boh Tea estate.
One of the notable places in Habu is the BOH Tea Centre. It is part of the original BOH tea plantation in the Cameron Highlands, which has been in existence since 1922. The center offers a unique atmosphere that differs from other tea plantations in the area. Habu is also known for its steep hilltop location, offering quiet and serene surroundings.
6-7 Jan 2024 - Gunung Brinchang (9M2/PH-005)
Operators: 9M2RMT, 9W2UQU, 9W2FLD, 9M2YUT, 9W2AEV, 9M2RSI and 9M2PJU
Gunung Brinchang, or Mount Brinchang, stands as the second highest peak in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia. Nestled within the Titiwangsa Range, it straddles the border of the Malaysian states of Pahang and Perak. The summit, reaching just over 2,000 meters, offers a breathtaking panorama of the Cameron Highlands, adorned with a verdant rainforest. The mountain is a haven for a variety of flora including pitcher plants, orchids, and shrubs. It is accessible via a paved road that diverges from the main road near the Butterfly Garden, and for the adventurous, a hiking trail begins near the Brinchang police station.
Before reaching the peak of Gunung Brinchang, you will traverse the enchanting Mossy Forest. This unique ecosystem, found only at the highest elevations of the Cameron Highlands and other Malaysian mountain ranges, is constantly shrouded in mist and moisture from low-level clouds. This creates a perfect environment for the growth of moss, ferns, lichen, and orchids. The forest is also home to a diverse range of montane creatures, including insects, snakes, frogs, birds, and mammals, all adapted to the cool climate. A boardwalk allows visitors to explore the mossy forest, located 2km before the peak of Gunung Brinchang.
13 Jan 2024 - Bukit Dinding (9M2/KL-002)
Operators: 9M2PJU, 9M2EDU and 9M2SSO
Bukit Dinding is a notable hill located within the city limits of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Height and Location: Standing at 291m, just under 1000 feet, Bukit Dinding is one of the highest hills within the city limits of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. It is located in the north east of the city in the area of Taman Setiawangsa, not far from Klang Gates Quartz Ridge and Zoo Negara.
- Accessibility and Activities: The hill is easily accessible for Kuala Lumpur residents and is a popular hiking and cycling spot. A concrete and tarmac road reaches all the way to the summit where Telekom Malaysia facilities are located. There are also a few jungle trails available.
- Environment: The hill once formed part of a rubber plantation.
- Views: There are a few lookout points that offer good views towards Klang Gates (Bukit Tabur) and beyond as far as Genting Highlands. However, most views are obscured by trees.
- Facilities: At the foot of the trail, there is a stall selling coconut drinks for hikers.