KUCHING, Sept 7: A total of six fire incidents (four from Miri and two from Kuching) involving illegal cryptocurrency mining operations were recorded in Sarawak so far this year, with the latest case discovered at Jalan Datuk Mohd Musa, Kota Samarahan that has destroyed 108 units of servers.
In a media release today, Sarawak Energy said they received an alert when the firefighters requested the electricity provider to perform an emergency shutdown to put out the fire safely.
Onsite inspections also revealed that the wiring system had been tampered with, and direct tapping cables were connected to the premises which have been seized as evidence of electricity theft.
It is believed that the unsafe wiring and electrical system overload has caused the fire. However, the case is still under investigation by the firefighters.
Sarawak Energy has lodged a police report over the matter.
According to the utility company, the owner, who was present on site after the fire incident, revealed that the premises are currently rented to a tenant through a real estate agent.
With that, all involved parties will be called to assist in investigations.
Sarawak Energy thus reminded landlords to conduct background checks on potential tenants, as well as to be mindful and alert of their activities to avoid being implicated in electricity theft.
Cryptocurrency mining operators are a key target group of Sarawak Energy’s ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of electricity theft to the public and to deter power thieves.
Agencies involved in the campaign include the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, the police, and firefighters in joint operations and media advisories.
Although Sarawak has the lowest electricity tariffs in Malaysia and the region, and despite intensified efforts to highlight the dangers of power theft, cryptocurrency operators continue to be caught stealing electricity in their efforts to maximise their profits.
Sarawak Energy is estimated to have incurred monthly losses of approximately RM30,800 from this incidence of power theft.
It warned that electricity theft is a criminal offence under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries a penalty of up to RM100,000 and/or five years of jail if found guilty.
Members of the public are also strongly encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to electricity theft and service providers claiming to be able to reduce electricity use by contacting Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com. — DayakDaily
