How to become Radio Amateur Station in Malaysia

To operate an amateur radio station, the operator must hold the ASAA (Amateur Station Apparatus Assignment) issued by the MCMC. Application can be applied from any MCMC regional offices. A callsign will be issued to the successful applicant according to their AROC class. The ASAA authorized the holder to participate and operate an amateur radio station.
There are 3 types of ASAA under Amateur Radio category.
a) Amateur Station Apparatus Assignment (Class A);
b) Amateur Station Apparatus Assignment (Class B); and
c) Amateur Repeater Station
To apply for an ASAA the applicant has to fill in the following forms.
a) Application for Apparatus Assignment(s) (Amateur Service) form for ASAA (Class A & B); or
b) Application for Apparatus Assignment(s) (Mobile Service) form for Amateur Repeater Station.
The validity period for ASAA is between three months to five years.

Eligibility for ASAA Application
To be eligible for ASAA application, applicant must meet the following conditions.
a) 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.
b) A Malaysian citizens or citizens of countries who have a reciprocal arrangement with our country.
c) Hold an AROC Class A or B or in lieu, a copy of Examination results issued by the MCMC.

The Examination
There are two types of examination pertaining to amateur radio: a) Radio Amateur Examination (RAE); and b) Morse Codes Test (CW Test).
Both examinations are conducted by the MCMC.

Radio Amateur Examination (RAE)
The RAE is a written examination on the following topics:
a) The fundamental theory of electricity, electronics and radiocommunications;
b) The theory and operation of any amateur radio equipment including the antenna systems, transmission lines, transistors, amplitude and frequency modulation and single sideband techniques;
c) The regulations made under the Act which is applicable to the establishment and operation of a station performing an amateur experimental service; and
d) The ITU Radio Regulations applicable to the operation of a station performing an amateur experimental service and those provisions relating to the operation of stations generally.
The RAE comprises 100 objective questions. Candidates are given three hours to answer all questions. No marks are deducted for a wrong answer.


Morse Codes Test
The Morse Code (CW) test is a practical test that measure skill of the following proficiencies;
a) An ability to send message correctly on a radiotelegraph key, semi-automatic key or an electronic hand key for three consecutive minutes at a speed of not less than 12 words per minute in plain language, including figures, punctuation marks, —Q“ signals and emergency signals in the international Morse Codes; and
b) An ability to receive message correctly by ear and write legibly or type for not less than three consecutive minutes at a speed of not less than 12 words a minute in plain language including figures, punctuation marks, —Q“ signals and emergency signals in the international Morse Codes.

In CW sending tests, applicant must be able to send 36 words (averaging five letters per word) in plain language within three minutes or equivalent to a speed of 12 words per minute without uncorrected error. A maximum of four errors as well as four corrections are allowed. In sending figures, 10 five-figure groups are to be sent in 1.5 minutes without uncorrected error. A maximum of two corrections are allowed.
In CW receiving tests, applicant is required to receive 36 words (averaging five letters per word) in plain language in three minutes, and 10 five-figure groups in 1.5 minutes. Each letter or figure incorrectly received counts as one error. A word in which more than one letter is incorrectly received counts as two errors. A maximum of four errors in plain language and a maximum of two errors in the figure test are allowed.


How to Apply for the Examination
The examination will be held from time to time. The actual date and venue for the examination will be specified by the MCMC. The notice or announcement will be made through a public notice in the local press and electronics media available. The notice will detail the terms and conditions, application procedures, payment mode and other related matters pertaining to the examination.

Examination fee
The fee for the examinations are as followed.
Radio Amateur Examination (RAE)
RM 50.00
Morse Code Test
RM 50.00
The examination fee is not refundable to any candidates who withdraw from or fail to attend the examination. The fee cannot be transferred from one examination to another at a later date or from one candidate to another.
Minimum Age Requirement for the Examination
The minimum age limit for candidate to sit is 14 years for the RAE and 18 years for CW. This is due to take into consideration of the responsibility required to operate a higher power transmission and privileges accorded to a Class A amateur station operator.

Reference from Guideline Amateur Radio Service Malaysia