CITY+ Radio on the Rocks
On November 7, 2025, Chinese-language media in Malaysia reported that radio station CITY+ will likely cease broadcasting by the end of this month, after eight years on the air. Difficulties for the station come amid a shrinking market for Chinese-language radio in the country.
Launched by Malay media veterans Rita Sim, Rose Ismail, and Fui K Soong, the station officially launched in May 2017, under the tagline “Connecting You To The World,” providing entrepreneurial insights, market analysis, and cultural content designed for the Chinese-speaking community in Malaysia.
Several flagship programs have already aired their final episodes. “Hearing Jazz” (听爵享受) concluded on October 31, while “Editor’s Take on News” (主编点新闻) host Lum Chih Feng (蓝志锋) aired his last episode on November 7, 2025. In a lengthy Facebook farewell message, Lum attributed the closure to market forces rather than political pressure. “This is a business decision,” he said. “The brutal market supply and demand dynamics have determined the direction of programming. It has nothing to do with politics.”
Lum noted that traditional Chinese-language radio is facing declining listenership as audiences shift to digital platforms and seek more diverse content. Over the past eight years, his program covered two general elections, five prime ministers, and significant political scandals, including the 1MDB corruption case.
The station’s parent company, Ooga X Sdn Bhd, has yet to officially confirm the closure or announce restructuring plans.
