Power Theft for Cryptocurrency Mining Surges by 300% in Malaysia

In a span of four years, the instances of electricity theft by illegal cryptocurrency miners have surged by nearly 300%. This information has been reported by local media outlets citing Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).

According to the country’s largest energy provider, there were 610 reported cases of theft in 2018, while the figure rose to 2,397 in 2024.

TNB is conducting raids to combat illegal mining in collaboration with police and local authorities. Since January 2020, the company has received an average of 340 complaints per month related to cryptocurrency mining activities.

Experts at TNB also employ consumption pattern analysis to identify unusual spikes in electricity usage.

As part of its strategy to tackle illegal mining, TNB is expanding the installation of smart meters, which transmit data wirelessly in real-time.

«Additionally, we are closely working with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure fair and sustainable energy usage, thus guaranteeing reliability for all consumers,» the company stated.

Under current laws, interference with electrical installations or making unauthorized modifications can lead to fines up to 1 million ringgit (approximately $230,000) and imprisonment for up to 10 years. Offenders may face charges of theft.

TNB has proposed to tighten regulations in this area and plans to utilize artificial intelligence for monitoring consumption.

Since the beginning of 2025, there have already been several incidents related to illegal mining. In January, around 60 homeowners and shop owners in Perak received electricity bills ranging from 30,000 to 1.2 million ringgit (about $6,980 to $280,000) due to tenants illegally connecting cryptocurrency mining equipment.

In April, police dismantled a syndicate involved in electricity theft for mining purposes in the state of Terengganu.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Energy last year, from 2018 to 2023, cryptocurrency miners stole electricity worth 3.4 billion ringgit (approximately $791 million).

Notably, in August 2024, Malaysian law enforcement apprehended seven individuals suspected of organizing illegal bitcoin mining operations.