Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Malaysia’s largest national utility, helps authorities crack down on electricity thefts related to illegal crypto mining operations in the country.
The surge in complaints “reflects a growing public awareness of reports on illegal crypto mining activities.” statement TNB will provide it to local media on Monday.
Of the 610 cases first discovered in 2018, that number had risen to 2,397 by 2024, TNB said.
The increase was attributed to unauthorized miners sucking up subsidies, sucking up electricity through tampered or bypassed meters, costing the company hundreds of millions of dollars, and destabilizing the grid.
Meanwhile, Malaysian authorities have partnered with regulators, anti-corruption officers and local councils to launch a nationwide raid to dismantle underground mining setups.
These enforcement measures “protect the stability of the power grid,” the power provider said.
TBN did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Cheap electricity, growing demand
To combat illegal crypto mining, TNB said it has expanded its “smart meter” network that tracks power usage via radio signals, allowing real-time detection of abnormal consumption patterns.
TNB also calls for stricter enforcement in Malaysia Power supply methodimposes a penalty of up to $212,000 (RM11 million) or 10 years of prison for tampering with the grid.
Some property owners in Malaysia discovered that their homes had been transformed into secret mining farms when they were hit by a high bill of $278,400 (RM1.2 million), TNB said. Report From local media.
According to 2024, crypto mining rigs typically require 1,000 watts (1 kW) to 8 kW of power. study From the US Energy Information Agency.
Malaysia’s electricity production was 15,451 gigawatt hours, and in December 2024 the price was low at 0.052 cents. Numbers From the CEIC Data Show.
The state’s enforcement action against illegal code mining reflects what is happening elsewhere.
It was launched last week by Kuwait authorities. Executive BlitzFollowing the discovery of over, we ask 116 individuals 1,000 illegal crypto mining sites last month.
Kuwait authorities claim that these activities have caused tensions in the national power grid, causing widespread power outages.
edit Sebastian Sinclair