Malaysian shaman slammed for performing 'blood kiss' ritual on children. Here's what it is

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

In a strange incident, a Malaysian shaman was accused of carrying out abuse on children by performing a “blood kiss” ritual on them. 

In the ritual, the shaman used to cut his tongue and then kiss the children while claiming that this ritual would cure their illness.

The ritual was carried out by the faith healer in a temple in Klang, Selangor, which is located on the west coast of Malaysia.

The shaman performed this ritual on various children who were brought to him for healing by their parents.

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The temple documented the rituals by clicking its photographs which were later posted on social media. These images were circulated on the internet and ignited controversy.

Social media slams the shaman for such gory rituals

The netizens on social media slammed the parents for taking their children to the shaman and also accused him of child abuse. Some even called the behaviour unsanitary.

After the people had slammed the ritual online, the original posts were deleted by the temple, and its Facebook account has since been deactivated.

Speaking to China Press, Federation Of Taoist Associations Malaysia President Chen Hezhang said, “During the ‘blood kiss’ the child’s hands and feet appear to be restrained, and the child seems visibly uncomfortable, indicating they are not willingly accepting this method. Parents are advised against forcing their children to undergo such treatments – and excessive superstition." 

While trying to defend his actions, the so-called shaman whose last name is Lin, said that he only intended to help the children and not harm them. He spoke about how divine intervention guides him. 

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“As a shaman, when a deity descends, it possesses my body and dictates the methods used to treat believers. As someone chosen by the deity, I must accept this role," he added.

Reacting to the social media, one netizen said, “The parents are the ones who need ‘treatment’ the most, not the child. Those superstitious parents should get their heads checked in a hospital instead of harming the next generation."

“If this can cure diseases, why do we still need doctors? Just kiss all the severely ill patients in the hospital. Start with the parents who brought their children there because they are clearly crazy,” another user said.

(With inputs from agencies)