I received this text message around midnight recently: "Be the 1st to try the No 1 beer in JAPAN ASAHI Draft is now available @..... Subang SS15 What are you waiting for? (phone number)".

Many people receive such messages, often late at night.

I think the relevant authorities should look into this, such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Information, Communications and Culture Ministry and the Direct Marketing Association of Malaysia, as well as the police and auditor-general's office.

This kind of invasive marketing has been going on for too long.

To cite another example, I had recently accompanied a colleague to a clinic.

While waiting to see the doctor, my colleague received a call from an unknown number. He simply ended the call.

After his consultation, the doctor (a foreigner) told him that there was someone waiting to see him.

A Singaporean sales representative came up to my colleague and said, "You fit all our requirements. Can you be a volunteer and try our product for a year? During this time, we will monitor you. This is necessary to get approval from the ministry."

My colleague asked her how she got his details and she hesitantly said that the hospital had given her permission to approach him. Suffice to say, my colleague declined the offer.

This is simply annoying.

Perhaps the marketing personnel, especially those in direct marketing, should be more professional and ethical.

Mena Jeyaram, Petaling Jaya, Selangor