9M2 West Malaysia Summits on the Air (SOTA) Year 2024 Recap

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 Summits on the Air (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 https://www.sotadata.org.uk/, were:

• 6 Jan 2024 – Bukit Habu: Activated by 9M2PJU, 9W2UQU, 9M2YUT, 9M2RMT, and 9W2RFG.
• 7 Jan 2024 – Gunung Brinchang: Activated by 9M2PJU, 9M2RMT, 9W2UQU, and 9M2YUT.
• 13 Jan 2024 – Bukit Dinding: Activated by 9M2PJU, 9M2EDU, and 9W2SSO.
• 25 Feb 2024 – Bukit Mertajam: Activated by 9M2SFX and 9M2NAL.
• 13 Jul 2024 – Bukit Batu Kawan: Activated by 9M2NAL and 9M2SFX.
• 22 Dec 2024 – 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 active Facebook group facebook.com/groups/9m2sota and the Telegram group West Malaysia SOTA, which served as hubs for sharing updates, arranging activations, and fostering discussions.
• 9M2 SOTA Association Certificate: 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.

Conclusion

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,

9M2PJU