Hot FM has once again pushed the boundaries of radio broadcasting, this time earning a prestigious place in the ASEAN Records for achieving the First and Deepest Outdoor Live Radio Broadcast Conducted Underwater in Open Sea by Radio Personalities — reaching a depth of 10 meters with a broadcast duration of 90 minutes.
Following last year’s “Bekpes Hot Tawan Puncak Kinabalu” campaign, which earned a Malaysia Book of Records title for the Longest Non-Stop Mountain Radio Broadcast on Mount Kinabalu, the Bekpes Hot team — comprising popular hosts Khairy Jamaluddin, Johan, Farah Fauzana & AG Azmeer — took on a daring new challenge: scuba diving to the seabed of Pulau Bidong while broadcasting live to listeners nationwide.
Broadcasting Beneath the Waves
The historic feat began at 10:00 AM from the Marine Research Station of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), with support from the UMT Diving School and the Special Actions Unit (UTK) of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). After a meticulous descent into open waters, the broadcast successfully concluded at 12:30 PM, marking a first-of-its-kind achievement in Asia.
Pushing Boundaries in Radio Broadcasting
Senior Content Director of Hot FM, Raja Khairil Idris Raja Aznan, said:
“After conquering Malaysia’s highest peak, we wanted to challenge convention once again — this time by venturing into the ‘silent world’ beneath the sea. This challenge reflects the fighting spirit, courage, and innovation that define Hot FM’s DNA. It’s how we stay relevant and close to the hearts of our listeners.”
UMT Programme Director, Associate Professor Dr. Hasrizal Shaari, added:
“This collaboration underscores the media industry’s confidence in UMT’s expertise in marine sciences and scuba diving. It also elevates Pulau Bidong’s profile nationally, creating a unique and historic underwater broadcasting experience.”
Making Regional History
The campaign made waves across 10 Asian countries as the first-ever live radio broadcast from the seabed in open sea. Adding to the symbolic achievement, Hot FM installed a microphone-shaped monument and mini underwater studio — contributing to marine ecosystem preservation while leaving a lasting mark of this historic moment.
This accomplishment demonstrates Hot FM’s ability to blend entertainment, adventure, and cutting-edge broadcast technology in ways never before attempted in the region, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the radio industry.
Acknowledgements
Hot FM extends its heartfelt thanks to its strategic partners Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) through UMT Diving School, Venticare Medical (M) Sdn Bhd, IST Malaysia, and main sponsor Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn Bhd via its Gardenia Puazz! brand. Special thanks also go to UTK (PDRM), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), all involved parties, and loyal listeners for their unwavering support.
