On my way out of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) recently, I was stopped by a Customs official. First question asked was whether I was Malaysian, to which I replied yes. My luggage was hand-carried and small, and he requested me to open it.

I pointed the bag to him told him to open it and gave him permission to check out whatever he was curious about. At this point he started getting loud and annoyed. He raised his voice and told me that I had to open my own bag as it was my own responsibility

I was shocked and did as he asked but then told him he need not be rude. He checked my bag briefly and then I requested for his badge name and identity number as I was appalled by his behaviour.

After writing it down, he became ruder. What shocked me next was him snatching my shopping bag which consisted of one bottle of duty free liquor which I had just purchased (the liquor was within the allowable amount - one litre).

What right did he have to do that? He responded that I should have opened my own bag in the first place and that I shouldn't have given an 'attitude'. Maybe it was my mistake in not opening my bag myself but that is not an excuse to treat me rudely.

I was clearly upset and extremely frustrated with the situation. He then wanted my passport as he wanted me to meet his senior officer. He refused to return my shopping bag until I handed my passport over to him (and all this because I had written down his ID number).

We proceeded to his senior's office and he was complaining the entire time about me not wanting to open my luggage on my own. The senior officers, who were much more polite, proceeded to explain to me that I am required by law to open the luggage on my own.

I told them that I wouldn't repeat my error again. The seniors officers finally agreed to let me out and return my passport, much to this particular Customs officer's disappointment. I must that this officer should never have abused his power by using scare tactics on people and by being downright rude.

So to all visitors and citizens arriving at KLIA, be careful of this Customs officer. His name tag shows the name 'Nava' and his badge ID number is 581229015381.