KUANTAN: The country loses an average of RM700 million each year due to cases of electricity theft for bitcoin mining activities, said Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
He said efforts to combat such activities would continue and be intensified nationwide to curb losses, as well as provide justice to consumers who pay their bills legally.
Abdul Rahman said illegal bitcoin mining activities were found to be taking place not only in business premises but also in residential areas.
“I want to ask homeowners to be aware of who is renting the house because if action is taken, they (homeowners) will be responsible.
“To avoid this, I advise them to also change the Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) bill account to the tenant’s name so that actions related to electricity usage and any errors are not borne by the owner,” he told reporters after “Ops Steal” here yesterday.
In the integrated operation involving the Energy Commission (ST) and TNB, two residences were inspected and it is believed that a case of electricity theft involving bitcoin mining activities occurred with losses estimated at RM34,000 per month and could reach more than RM200,000 within six months.
Both cases are being investigated under Section 37(3) of the Electricity Supply Act 1990.
Abdul Rahman said that stealing electricity for the activities involved was very dangerous and posed a risk of fire.
“Connecting cables that do not comply with the safety specifications set by ST can cause a risk of electric shock,” he said.
Apart from that, the use of high-powered mining machines operated at a high rate of speed can also cause short circuits and fires.
At the same time, he advised the public to also play a role by reporting any suspicious activities related to electricity usage to the authorities.
— BERNAMA
