KUALA LUMPUR: The authorities seen electrical energy theft by way of unlawful bitcoin mining actions significantly because it recorded a 400% increase over the previous 4 years, with an estimated lack of greater than RM2.3bil, mentioned Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (pic).
He mentioned a complete of seven,209 circumstances have been detected, particularly 610 circumstances in 2018, 1,043 in 2019, 2,465 in 2020 and three,091 in 2021.
“The increase in circumstances is a worrying pattern, because it impacts not solely the vitality trade in phrases of worth, but in addition the steadiness of the electrical energy provide system and public security,” he mentioned in an announcement on Monday.
He mentioned the intense use of high-powered cryptocurrency mining machines 24 hours continuous may trigger quick circuits because of using non-standard fuses and hundreds exceeding cable capability, risking inflicting fires.
Illegal connection or tampering with meter installations resulted in the studying on the meter now not displaying the precise electrical energy consumption, thus disrupting the steadiness of electrical energy provide as demand exceeded capability, thus affecting enterprise actions and other people’s consolation.
He mentioned any particular person discovered concerned in power theft by tampering with the installations of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) may very well be fined no more than RM1,000,000 or face imprisonment no more than 10 years, or each, beneath the Electricity Supply Act 1990.
In addition, people who dedicated such offences may be prosecuted beneath Section 379 and Section 427 of the Penal Code for theft and mischief, respectively.
“Both the proprietor of the premises and the person finishing up the exercise may be prosecuted beneath the provisions of the prevailing regulation,” he mentioned.
The ministry welcomes the cooperation of assorted companies, particularly the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Energy Commission (ST), TNB and native authorities in combating these unlawful actions.
He additionally urged members of the general public who suspected or had data on power theft to contact ST, TNB or PDRM in order that acceptable motion may very well be taken. – Bernama
