MIRI: Cryptocurrency miners are still at it – stealing electricity from the grid to power their energy-consuming operations, much to the chagrin of Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).
In the latest incidence, the company found two shoplots at the Senadin Commercial Centre here resorting to electricity theft for cryptocurrency mining.
In a statement, it said the discovery was made when its technical team received complaints of electricity supply interruption at neighbouring shophouses.
“Upon reaching the site, the team found direct tapping cables connected directly from the incoming mains to the premises.
“On-site investigations also showed that more than 100 cryptocurrency mining servers were found together with other electronic equipment at both premises.
“Sarawak Energy estimates that it has incurred losses of around RM32,000 worth of stolen electricity per month from these two sites.
“All servers, electronic equipment and direct tapping cables have been seized as evidence,” it said, today (March 20).
According to Sarawak Energy, police reports have been lodged and offenders will be charged under Section 33 (5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which provides for penalties of up to RM100,000 and/or five years in jail.
“Despite enjoying the lowest electricity tariff in Malaysia and among the lowest in the region, cryptocurrency miners in Sarawak continue to engage in widespread electricity theft as they attempt to illegally reduce their operating costs.
“This behaviour is not limited to individual miners, but also extends to business entities.
“In 2023 alone, a total of seven cryptocurrency miners were found stealing electricity, with four in Kuching and three in Miri. Sarawak Energy estimates that it has incurred losses of more than RM87,000 per month from these cases,” it added.
Cryptocurrency mining consumes a large amount of electricity as the servers run non-stop and require a cooling system to prevent overheating.
Commonly utilised in power theft for such energy-intensive operations, non-standard installations can easily overload the electrical system, raising the risk of short circuits, appliance damage, fires, and even loss of life.
Those with power theft information are encouraged to step forward and contact Sarawak Energy’s customer care centre at 1300-88-3111 or email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com. Sarawak Energy assures that all
information received will be kept strictly confidential.
