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Malaysia loses an estimated RM700 million every year to electricity theft linked to illegal bitcoin mining
Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad revealed these figures during a special operation in Kuantan, Pahang, yesterday, 5 May.
According to the New Straits Times, he said authorities are now intensifying their crackdown on these high-voltage heists.
During a special operation dubbed Op Steal, officials from the Energy Commission and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) targeted two residential houses
The first property was found to be consuming 40,703 kW/h daily, which equates to roughly RM21,000 in monthly losses.
A second house nearby, which was running 10 mining machines, was racking up an additional RM13,700 in stolen power every month.
While the electricity supply to both premises have been disconnected, authorities confirmed that no arrests have been made so far.
Abdul Rahman said the ministry is now turning to high-tech solutions to identify suspicious power surges
"The Energy Commission and TNB officers not only have the expertise to detect electricity theft, but they are also using modern technology, including drones, to track down illegal crypto mining operations," the deputy minister added.
Under Section 37(3) of the Electricity Supply Act 1990, those convicted of stealing power face a fine of up to RM50,000 or one year in prison.
Repeat offenders could see fines double to RM100,000 and jail time increase to three years.
