How were Australian POWs treated by the Japanese in World War 2?

The Japanese clapped chopsticks into their ears. They were made to swallow poisonous snails, etc. They were tortured like hell and treated like animals. They did the same to the British POWs as well. In fact, the British had it worst. They were forced to walk on all fours and to lick the faeces left behind by the Japanese soldiers. I heard all these from a former POW. Many Australians died of malaria during the construction of the Burma Railway. They were made to work on even though they were clearly sick. They were not allowed to have any medical treatment.