“CQ CQ Bunkers on the Air — from a site once guarding our shores, now echoing with RF!”

A new and exciting on-air activity is taking root in Malaysia — one that blends amateur radio, history, and adventure in a way we’ve never done before.

Introducing 9M Bunkers on the Air (9MBOTA) — the official Malaysian chapter of the global WWBOTA (World Wide Bunkers on the Air) movement. Designed for licensed radio amateurs who love portable operation and heritage exploration, this activity encourages hams to activate and operate near historical bunkers and fortifications — with proper respect, safety, and permission.

🖥️ Official Site: https://9mbota.hamradio.my

🌍 What is WWBOTA?

World Wide Bunkers on the Air (WWBOTA) is an international amateur radio initiative focused on activating historic bunkers, pillboxes, forts, and underground military sites. Operators set up portable stations near these locations and make contacts with other hams around the world.

Like SOTA (Summits on the Air) or POTA (Parks on the Air), WWBOTA is all about activating from specific reference sites — but with a unique twist: each one tells a military or wartime story.

🇲🇾 What is 9MBOTA?

9MBOTA is Malaysia’s official participation in WWBOTA. With a rich landscape of wartime bunkers, pillboxes, and forts from World War II, the Malayan Emergency, and the colonial era, Malaysia is a natural fit for this global movement.

Whether it’s a Japanese WWII bunker in Penang, an old British pillbox in Johor, or a hidden fort in Borneo — these sites are now being rediscovered and activated by Malaysian amateur radio operators under the 9MBOTA banner.

🔒 IMPORTANT: Always operate near the bunker, not inside. Do not enter private or restricted areas unless you have full permission. Your safety is your responsibility.

📡 How to Get Started with 9MBOTA

✅ Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit the official website
2. Find a reference site
   Use the map/list of bunkers in Malaysia with official WWBOTA reference codes (e.g. B/9M-0001).
3. Choose your activation site wisely
   Only operate from public, accessible land near the bunker. Avoid entering private or dangerous locations.
4. Set up your portable radio station
   HF or VHF/UHF — you decide. Most WWBOTA activations happen on 40m and 20m SSB, but FT8, CW, FM, and digital modes are welcome too.
5. Call “CQ Bunkers on the Air”
   Log your QSOs, take some photos, and submit your activation details on the website.
6. Spot yourself
   Use the WWBOTA cluster or apps like Ham2K Portable Logger or fieldspotter.radio to help other chasers find you.

🎖️ Why Participate?

• 🧭 Explore History: Learn about Malaysia’s wartime past in a hands-on way.
• 📡 Test Your Portable Skills: Practice off-grid operating in real-world outdoor conditions.
• 📷 Promote Heritage & Tourism: Share photos, logs, and experiences to raise awareness of these historical sites.
• 🏆 Earn Recognition: Points, awards, and certificates are available through WWBOTA.

🛑 Safety & Access Rules

WWBOTA and 9MBOTA do not take responsibility for your access or safety. Always follow local laws, respect property boundaries, and put safety first.

DO:

• Operate near bunkers from safe, legal locations
• Check maps, land ownership, and surroundings
• Inform someone of your location and carry a phone/GPS
• Get permission for private or protected land

DO NOT:

• Enter a bunker or tunnel unless explicitly allowed
• Trespass on private or restricted property
• Put yourself in unsafe or hazardous environments

📲 Helpful Tools

• WWBOTA Website
• 9MBOTA Website
• Ham2K Portable Logger
• Fieldspotter Map
• WWBOTA Cluster
• WWBOTA WhatsApp Spot Group (spots only, no chat)

🔊 Final Words

9MBOTA offers a unique and meaningful way for Malaysian hams to explore their country, share its hidden stories, and keep the spirit of radio adventure alive. With every activation, you’re not just making QSOs — you’re bringing forgotten pieces of history back to life.

So next time you plan your portable setup, think beyond summits and parks — think bunkers. Respect them, operate near them, and make history heard once again… over the air.