We call on the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communication and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to take urgent steps to investigate the voice-mail service provided by Telekom Malaysia Berhad.

CAP has received complaints from several subscribers informing us that this service has been forced upon them and some even call it a 'nuisance'. The voice mail is activated if the call is unanswered after 80 seconds or even when the line is engaged.

What the subscribers actually may not be aware is that they are paying for this service that they did not ask for. Subscribers are being charged when the call goes into the voice mail and charged again when they have to retrieve the calls by calling 1 300 88 6666.

Telekom Malaysia should be made responsible and be accountable for forcing a service upon their subscribers. All those who have been charged for the service todate have to be fully refunded. Subscribers must be given a choice as to whether they want this kind of service or not.

CAP reiterates its call to the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communication and MCMC to investigate this service and all services provided by Telekom Malaysia and other service providers.

The writer is president, Consumers Association of Penang.