(AFP) Malaysia's first Islamic radio station will be officially launched next month with an Islamic TV station likely to follow in its footsteps, an official said today.

The station - IKIM FM - has its own agenda and does not aim to compete with other stations, said Ismail Ibrahim, chief director of the Malaysian Institute of Islamic Understanding (Ikim).

"IKIM FM is more to airing entertainment that is balanced with information, messages and understanding of Islam," Bernama news agency quoted him as saying.

The radio, which will be on air 24 hours daily, has been broadcasting for the past few months on a trial frequency.

"The response has been good but we have received feedback that some of the songs aired are not so suitable," Ismail said.

It will be officially launched nationwide on July 21 by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Eighty percent of the broadcasts will be in Bahasa Malaysia and the rest in English.

Ismail added that IKIM would own its own television station soon. He said he hoped the radio station would play an important role in expanding understanding of Islam.

He said the idea of setting up the radio station was mooted as far back as in 1992 with the formation of IKIM.

Government broadcaster RTM has provided RM12.8 million to set up the Islamic station.

Islam is Malaysia's official religion. Just over half the population are Muslim Malays and there are also some Muslims among other races.