Power theft linked to crypto mining costs RM4.8bil in losses, says deputy minister
Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the situation is alarming and calls for continuous enforcement to prevent further losses.
"Since 2018, electricity theft involving cryptocurrency mining has cost RM4.8 billion.
"We recorded 2,399 cases from 2023 to 2024 and this year alone, up to June, there have already been 1,800 cases,' he said.
Akmal Nasrullah was speaking to reporters after a joint operation involving the Energy Commission, Tenaga Nasional Berhad and other agencies, targeting seven premises suspected of electricity theft here on Thursday (July 17).
He said the surge in cases is driven by the rising value of bitcoin, which now exceeds RM500,000 per unit.
"This creates challenges for enforcement, as more are willing to take the risk of stealing electricity for mining,' he said.
On today's operation, Akmal Nasrullah said the seven premises were raided under Section 37(3) of the Electricity Supply Act 1990, with warrants obtained from the court.
"Our focus is to stop electricity theft, and public cooperation is crucial.
"If you see cables being connected illegally without going through the meter, report it,' he said. — Bernama
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