TNB reveals the theft of electricity by illegal encryption miners in Malaysia, jumps three times between 2018 and last year

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 – The illegal mining electricity stolen in Malaysia has increased by about 300 percent from 2018 to 2024, according to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).

Star He cited the facility provider, saying that this rise was discovered through joint operations with the Energy Committee, the Police, the Malaysian Anti -Corruption Committee, and the local councils.

“The joint operations and raids worldwide have succeeded in closing illegal mining settings, which contributed to increasing the discovered cases from 610 in 2018 to 2,397 in 2024.

“For the same period, the average number of complaints related to encrypted currencies was 1,699, with an average of 340 per month. The number of complaints reflects the increase in public awareness of reporting illegal encryption mining activities.”

Between January 2020 and December 2024, TNB said it has recorded an average of 2,303 electricity theft on annually associated with encrypted currency activities.

TNB said it had discovered the use of suspicious electricity by analyzing the constant consumption pattern and cooperating with the authorities to ensure reliable energy supplies for all users.

To improve the detection, TNB has increased the publication of smart meters, which records the use of daily electricity and the transmission of data via the radio frequency of monitoring and bills in real time.

The company also defends a stronger application under the Electricity Supply Law and the use of artificial intelligence and predictive analyzes to determine and inform abnormal consumption.

Under the law, tampering with electrical installations carries a fine of a maximum of Malaysian Rangeit, up to 10 years of prison, or both, while fees can also be imposed on perpetrators under the 379 and 427 sections of the Penal Code for theft and harm.

In one prominent case in January, about 60 homeowners and store operators in Berak were struck with electricity bills between 30,000 Malaysian Rangeette and 1.2 million Malaysian Rangeette due to the illegal ties created by tenants participating in encryption mining.

On April 30, the police dismantled a union involved in stealing electricity for bitcoin mining in Holo Terringano and Marang.

TNB said that since Malaysia aims to become a major center for the digital economy, the use of Blockchain techniques, distinctive symbols, niches, and cryptocurrencies should be balanced with strong regulatory enforcement.