A social media site such as Facebook has been purportedly used by 'bomohs' to hex their victims, claims CyberSecurity Malaysia communications officer Jazannul Azriq Aripin. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 — A federal agency staffer today warned social media users against uploading pictures of themselves online to avoid falling victim to “black magic.”

According to Harian Metro, CyberSecurity Malaysia communications officer Jazannul Azriq Aripin said there were reported cases of “bomoh” or local shamans purportedly using pictures on social media site such as Facebook to supposedly hex their victims.

“Do not be surprised if the 'bomoh' themselves are getting smarter and they may have installed wireless broadband to launch their black magic,” he told the local Malay daily.

“So, avoid uploading pictures of yourself to avoid the threat of black magic.”

He did not elaborate on what occurred in the cases he cited or how “black magic” worked online.

Jazanul also warned social media users from posting other personal details such as phone numbers and home addresses as well indecent pictures.

CyberSecurity Malaysia is an agency under the Science Technology and Innovation Ministry. It was launched in 2007 by former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to promote cybersecurity.