tamperfinderOver the past several years, power theft for cryptocurrency mining has become an increasingly serious issue in Malaysia, especially in the state of Sarawak. Clandestine cryptocurrency mining operations in the Miri region were recently discovered in shophouses where stealing power has been reported. This has caused a huge loss to the exchequer. It is estimated that a monthly loss of 30,000 Ringgit ($6,276) has been caused to the power utility company by way of stealing electricity. More than 70 premises where cryptocurrency mining servers and other devices are discovered. To make matters worse, some crypto mining operators directly tapped electricity from cables and overhead lines to avoid metering and thus make the situation critical. The investigations under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, are going on and the perpetrators, If convicted, will face a maximum fine of 200,000 Ringgit ($42,000) or up to 5 years imprisonment.
Sarawak has one of the most reasonable electricity tariffs, attracting crypto operators to set up their mining operations in the state. These activities frequently entail dangerous and non-standard wiring, which poses a major risk of fires, short circuits, appliance damage, and even fatalities. To combat power theft, which has caused the firm to suffer large financial losses, Sarawak Energy is still dedicated to working in tandem with the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) and law enforcement organisations. This is especially true in situations where cryptocurrency mining is involved.
It is reported that over half of crypto-related power theft cases in Sarawak were found in the region of Miri. A few locations saw frequent power outages after Sarawak Energy discovered two illicit cryptocurrency mining operations in September of last year. Sarawak Energy has suffered a monthly loss of almost 4 million Ringgit ($837K) as a result of these power thefts. To validate concerns, the power provider and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) conducted an overnight raid at an abandoned shophouse. The discovery of seventeen high-grade bitcoin mining equipment in use led to overloading, which in April caused three outages that impacted the surrounding neighbourhoods. Nobody can quantify the quantity of electricity that has been taken. The cables and cryptocurrency mining equipment were quickly taken apart and seized, and an investigation will be conducted into the individuals involved.
Power theft has been linked to the rising trend of using vacant lots and private homes to steal electricity for Bitcoin mining operations to avoid drawing attention from the public and law enforcement. It was discovered that many of these properties were registered in the name of the building owner. Because of this, authorities now find it challenging to take additional legal action to punish them. Because cryptocurrency mining requires a significant quantity of power to operate, authorities call on the public to be aware of the risks involved and the illegality of electricity theft.
The company also advises customers to be wary of anyone who approaches them and offers to lower their power costs because this might be a sign of involvement in electricity theft. Those engaged in these illegal activities will be subject to harsh legal repercussions. The technical staff at Discom is well-versed in combating power theft and has the resources needed to recognise a variety of electricity theft tactics, including cutting-edge ones.
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