AUTHORITIES have seized 75,578 cryptocurrency mining machines in 3,049 raids nationwide since 2022 as part of an intensified crackdown on illegal mining operations, the Dewan Rakyat hears today. told.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said 629 individuals had also been arrested during the coordinated enforcement operations carried out over the same period until May this year.
He said the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), through the Royal Malaysia Police would continue strengthening enforcement strategies by focusing on early prevention, intelligence gathering and the use of technology to identify suspected illegal cryptocurrency mining locations before operations are conducted.
“Strategic cooperation with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the Energy Commission, local authorities and other enforcement agencies will continue to be strengthened, particularly in terms of information sharing, operational implementation and coordinated action to ensure enforcement is faster and more effective,” he said.
Shamsul Anuar was responding to a supplementary question from Rantau Panjang Member of Parliament Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff during a Dewan Rakyat session on government efforts to combat illegal cryptocurrency mining activities, including the use of technology to detect such operations.
He said the continued occurrence of illegal mining activities was driven by strong demand for cryptocurrencies and their volatile value, which created opportunities for syndicates to generate significant profits.
“However, the potential for profit cannot be used as an excuse to commit crimes, including stealing electricity through illegal connections,” he said.
The deputy minister stressed that unauthorised electricity usage by illegal mining operators not only causes financial losses to utility providers but also poses risks to public infrastructure and safety.
Meanwhile, Shamsul Anuar said any proposal to amend or tighten provisions under the Electricity Supply Act falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA).
He added that KDN remains ready to provide input and cooperation in any efforts to improve legislation and enforcement mechanisms to ensure stronger action can be taken against illegal cryptocurrency mining activities.
Authorities are expected to continue expanding intelligence-led operations and inter-agency cooperation as illegal crypto mining remains a persistent challenge due to its high profitability and reliance on large-scale electricity consumption. - July 8, 2026
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