GEORGE TOWN – Two men pleaded not guilty at the magistrates’ court here today to six charges of stealing electricity for the purpose of bitcoin mining last month.
Trader Ang Ming Kee, 35, and wireman Ung Kwan Meng, 40, entered their plea after the charges were read out in front of three magistrates, namely Rosnee Mohd Radzuan, Jamaliah Abdul Manap and R. Monamani.
The duo were charged with fraudulently preventing electricity meters belonging to Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) from recording readings properly.
The act was done by making additional wire connections using the services of a contractor.
The offences were allegedly committed on six premises in Sg Dua, Lorong Perak, Jalan Perak, Greenlane and Jelutong between 5pm and 2.30am on June 11 and 12.
The accused were charged under Subsection 37(3)(c) of the Electricity Supply Act 1990, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
They face a fine of between RM1,000 and RM50,000, or a jail term of not more than a year, or both, upon conviction.
The court allowed the duo bail at RM21,000 each. Case remention was fixed for August 25 and September 15.
Deputy public prosecutors Nurul Fatin Hussein, Yazid Mustakim Roslan and Mohammad Nazri Abdul Rahim prosecuted, while both accused were represented by lawyer K.C. Ang.
Last month, police cracked down on bitcoin mining and confiscated 411 machines estimated to be worth RM180,000.
Such activities have led to TNB recording losses of RM420,000 over two months. – The Vibes, July 29, 2021
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