MIRI, Sept 11: Sarawak Energy and the police found a semi-detached house at Jalan Bakam here recently with 49 units of servers worth about RM245,000 and an internet modem using stolen electricity to create cryptocurrency.
Sarawak Energy, in a media release today, said that the mining activities in this building are estimated to have cost the utility company about RM8,200 of ‘stolen’ electricity a month.
During the raid, its technical team inspected the site and found evidence of illegal direct tapping of cables from the mains wiring connected directly to the cryptocurrency mining machines to steal electricity.
The investigation team also found illegal connections that were hidden in the ceiling of the premises.
All cryptocurrency mining machines were seized by the police and illegal direct tapping cables were dismantled as evidence of electricity theft. A police report has been lodged for further investigation.
The owner of the premises will be charged for electricity theft, which is a criminal offence under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance and carries a penalty of up to RM100,000 and/or five years jail if found guilty.
As cryptocurrency mining operations require a substantial amount of energy as they run 24-hours, Sarawak Energy warned that direct connection to the overhead lines can cause overload to the electrical network system and lead to unnecessary outages or low voltages that could damage appliances and affect nearby customers.
Tampered wiring are also dangerous as it can cause fire and electrocution to the occupants.
Sarawak Energy once again reminded customers not to compromise on electrical safety as stealing electricity is a hazardous risk that does not guarantee any quick gains.
The power utility also reiterated its commitment in curbing electricity theft, including those in cryptocurrency mining centres and will continue to work together with the Ministry of Utilities and the police to search and track down these electricity thieves.
Customers are also advised not to trust service providers claiming to be able to reduce electricity bills or allow premises owners to enjoy limitless electricity through metre tampering.
Meter inspection teams are trained to detect tampered meters, including fake electricity meter covers, as part of Sarawak Energy’s efforts to curb power theft.
Members of the public are strongly encouraged to report any suspected cryptocurrency mining activities in their neighbourhood or abandoned buildings to Sarawak Energy’s customer care centre at 1300-88-3111 or email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com. All information received will be kept strictly confidential.— DayakDaily
