MIRI – Illegal bitcoin (cryptocurrency) operations that have been mushrooming throughout Sarawak have caused millions of ringgit in losses for power company Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) due to blatant electricity tapping.
In a statement today, SEB revealed that the syndicates are most active in Miri.
“SEB had lost RM43 mil in lost revenues caused by the theft of electricity by these illegal bitcoin operators.
“Since the beginning of January last year until now, there have been 72 different cases of illegal bitcoin operations uncovered by SEB in joint operations with police and local authorities.
“Out of these 72 cases found throughout Sarawak, 46 of them were found in Miri,” said the statement.
Since January last year until now, there have been 161 separate incidents of power outages in Miri, occurring in residential estates and commercial centres stemming from electricity theft by illegal operators.
The tapping had also caused 11 major fire outbreaks in the state, with 10 happening in Miri.
The utility company warned that it will carry out more intensive crackdowns to tackle these bitcoin syndicates.
SEB enforcement teams are coordinating very closely with police and other relevant agencies on this, it said.
Offenders will be dealt with severely, it said, with penalties of up to RM100,000 fine and five years’ jail upon conviction under the Sarawak Electricity Ordinance. – The Vibes, April 28, 2022
