Bomohs are generally known to be witch doctors who possess ‘healing powers’ with the use of magic. Bomohs are often associated with “black magic” – magic that usually causes harmful and chaotic consequences, which is why their practice is often disapproved. In some countries, such as Thailand and Malaysia, bomohs are prominent figures and receive recognition in the realm of black magic.

Previously, bomohs were mostly known as healers who specialised in medicinal herbs. Over time, they became known for many other roles. They may summon spirits to possess people with the objective to cause chaos and misery. People often seek bomohs when they need details on a missing person, reasons behind their bad luck, or when they wish to plot revenge against someone. Or in the case where a person believes his friend or family member to be possessed, he might consult a bomoh to mediate the situaton. Before the rituals and incantations, the bomoh will usually request for an object belonging to his client’s subject, such as a shirt or a strand of hair, to assist him with the ritual.

However, bomoh scams have been on the rise. The scams reported have involved rape and molest cases, where unknowing victims were convinced by the fake bomohs that they been under the influence of spells and require “healing”.