13-5-2025 – Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Malaysia’s premier electricity provider, has revealed an alarming upward trajectory in cryptocurrency mining-related power theft, with incidents soaring nearly threefold since 2018.
The utility giant’s surveillance network has documented a stark escalation from 610 cases six years ago to 2,397 incidents in 2024, reflecting heightened public vigilance in reporting suspicious mining activities.
In response to this mounting challenge, TNB has deployed an extensive network of sophisticated smart meters, utilising radio signal technology to monitor consumption patterns in real-time. This technological intervention aims to swiftly identify irregular power usage associated with unauthorised mining operations.
The illicit operations have demonstrated remarkable ingenuity in circumventing standard power meters, exploiting subsidised electricity rates while threatening grid stability. Some unsuspecting landlords have faced staggering power bills reaching RM1.2 million, only to discover their properties had been surreptitiously transformed into mining facilities.
A coordinated crackdown involving Malaysian regulatory bodies, anti-corruption units, and local authorities has intensified nationwide. These efforts mirror similar initiatives globally, with Kuwait recently launching its own enforcement campaign after uncovering more than 1,000 illegal mining sites that had contributed to widespread power outages.
According to recent CEIC Data, Malaysia’s power generation reached 15,451 Gigawatt-hours, with notably competitive rates. Industry analysis from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicates that typical mining rigs consume between 1 kW and 8 kW of power.
TNB is advocating for more rigorous enforcement of the Electricity Supply Act, which carries severe penalties including decade-long imprisonment or substantial fines up to RM1 million for power theft offences.
