Firstly, I would like to thank TM Point Taipan for their excellent service in dealing with my complaint. Unfortunately, the TM's excellence ends there. Here's the story.

At about noon on May 23, someone at home was watching TV. A commercial incited the viewer to call the short code number 13772 and answer a simple question to win money. Someone called the number from my house phone - 73 times actually, billed at RM 2 per call.

It could have been my six-year-old daughter, my nine-year-old son, or one of the three teenaged cousins staying with me.

I found this out when I was billed RM146.00 for something called 'Mass Calling Service' . I lodged a complaint with TM based on the fact that I never requested for such a service to be activated. I asked for the service to be discontinued immediately. (TM No Ruj Aduan Smart: 488999).

I also argued that if such a service existed, it had nothing to do with making routine phone calls and therefore should not be included as a default service when I subscribed to my phone line. Furthermore, how does a subscriber understand the meaning of 'Mass Calling Service'.

In responding to my complaint , all TM could offer was that the phone calls were to 'Ring 8 Hot' and that they were indeed made from my phone. They advised me to be more careful so that my phone is not used for such purposes.

Well, thanks very much for the advice! Both the TV station and TM are allowed to make a handsome profit by closing an eye to what can only be considered outright gambling, leaving the onus on the consumer to police the home.

I would think this is absurd. Clearly, the regulators, in this case the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission, should urgently look into this matter (Consumer Forum Complaint No: 901168).

There is no reason for TM to offer such 'Mass Calling Service'. If indeed there is a legitimate public need, then surely it is to be offered as an optional 'opt in' service, with the implications clearly explained to the TM subscriber.

The regulators should also ensure that TV commercials follow guidelines that preclude various forms of gambling disguised as "contests". On the part of TM and television stations, I would expect no less than immediate voluntary action to stop this social ill.