The government today expressed disappointment over New Zealand's treatment of three Malaysian cooks who were strip-searched last month at the airport.

The men have complained to the government that they were also locked up for a night and deported the next day after landing at Auckland airport on July 19 for a 10-day visit to New Zealand.

Liew Eng Teck, Tan Teck Hing and How Ah Wan are seeking an apology from New Zealand.

No reason

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said he had received a letter of complaint and officials were investigating the matter.

"From the report of the victims, we're very disappointed with the very inhuman treatment that was meted out to them when there was no reason to do so," he was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

Malaysia may send a protest note to the New Zealand mission here regarding the treatment of the Malaysians, he added.

New Zealand customs officials on Tuesday defended their right to strip search travellers.

While refusing to comment on the case of the Malaysians, Customs Service spokesperson Janice Rodenburg told AFP "strip searches are carried out when customs officers believe there is good reason." - AFP