GEORGE TOWN – A total of 5,278 electricity theft cases linked to cryptocurrency mining were detected between 2018 and June this year as the utility provider recorded millions of ringgit in losses.
Tenaga Nasional Bhd chief distribution network officer Wan Nazmy Wan Mahmood said the company recorded 610 cases between January and June, 2,465 cases last year, 1,043 in 2019, and 1,160 in 2018.
He added that meter tampering cases amounted to 1,160 between January and June, 29,710 last year, 25,328 in 2019, 23,796 in 2018, and 14,577 cases in 2017.
“Several miners opted to steal electricity by tampering with the meter installation or bypassing the meter via illegal connections. They do it at the expense of the security and reliability of the power supply for the public.
“In 2018, miners contributed to only 2.68% of meter tampering cases, while in 2019 and last year, the numbers rose to 4.12% and 8.30% respectively.”
Wan Nazmy was responding to a recent report by The Vibes on illegal crypto-mining operations in the country.
He however declined to state monetary losses caused by these cases.
Wan Nazmy said it all started when the price of cryptocurrencies skyrocketed a few years ago.
“The energy usage by crypto miners is high as the infrastructure runs for 24 hours a day.
“Most perpetrators usually operate in new commercial or industrial areas or areas that see little foot traffic to avoid detection, as mining equipment can be noisy.”
Each mining machine is estimated to use 32kWh over 24 hours, equivalent to the usage of two 1HP air-conditioning units turned on for 24 hours. On average, mining premises utilise about 90 machines.
He warned that unauthorised electricity wiring could also lead to fires.
In an effort to clamp down on such activities, TNB with the Energy Commission, police, and local governments have conducted 92 raids between January and June this year in a bid to address the issue.
Under the Electricity Supply Act 1990, any individual who commits theft of electricity is liable to a fine not exceeding RM1,000,000 or an imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or both. In addition, offenders can be charged under Section 379 and Section 427 of the Penal Code.
He said TNB had increased its surveillance to detect premises suspected of electricity theft or illegal connections. – The Vibes, July 5, 2021
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