MIRI, March 11: Since 2021, there were nine fire cases linked to cryptocurrency mining recorded in Sarawak, with eight of them from Miri alone.
The latest case was a cryptocurrency mining centre operating at a rented double-storey commercial unit at Permyjaya, Miri, which was found to have been stealing electricity following a fire incident.
Sarawak Energy was alerted after the firefighters responded to a distress call.
The fire was successfully put out after an emergency shutdown was performed to disconnect the electricity supply to the premises for safety purposes.
In the follow up investigation and site inspection, Sarawak Energy’s technical team found 48 units of burnt cryptocurrency mining servers and evidence of electricity supply connected illegally with direct tapping cables bypassing the electricity meter.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was caused by the unsafe illegal wiring connection.
Cryptocurrency mining servers are energy-intensive machines operating 24 hours daily, often requiring cooling units to avoid them from overheating.
Non-standard fuses and illegal wiring connections commonly used in power theft can easily overload the electrical system capacity, increasing the risk of short circuits, appliance damage, fires and even loss of lives in addition to disrupting the stability of supply in the area.
Sarawak Energy is estimated to have incurred losses of more than RM13,000 per month in
unregistered electricity consumption from this case and a police report has been lodged over this matter.
Both the premises owner and the tenant will be called to assist in the investigation.
Even though there were no fatalities in all these incidents, building owners and neighbours have incurred significant losses and property damage.
Sarawak Energy reminded customers not to steal electricity as it is an illegal and a very dangerous act.
Electricity theft is a criminal offence under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries a penalty of up to RM100,000 or five years jail if found guilty. — DayakDaily
