By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 27: Sarawak Energy’s operations and retail arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO), in collaboration with the police, recently uncovered a power theft involving cryptocurrency mining at a premises in Eastwood Industrial Estate along Jalan Miri Bypass.
According to a media release, the operation was powered by an unauthorised connection directly tapping into the main electricity supply, bypassing proper metering systems and posing serious safety risks.
The unmetered electricity, estimated to be worth nearly RM20,000 monthly, was used to sustain high-powered cryptocurrency mining servers.
“Cryptocurrency mining operations require a constant high load of electricity, which can easily overload electrical systems and increase the risk of electrocution, fire and infrastructure damage.
“Such unauthorised connections typically bypass safety mechanisms designed to protect users, endangering lives and property,” said the media release.
During the joint raid, SESCO’s inspection team confiscated 28 cryptocurrency mining servers and illegal connection cables.
A police report has been lodged, and investigations are ongoing. Under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, those found guilty of electricity theft face fines of up to RM200,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years.
Property owners are urged to be vigilant and monitor tenant activities, as landlords may be held liable for illegal electricity connections found on their rented premises.
Warning signs include unusually low electricity bills, continuous 24-hour operations or irregular power consumption patterns. For those with Smart Meters installed, these can be monitored conveniently via the SEB cares mobile app.
The public can assist in combating power theft by reporting suspicious activities by calling Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111, emailing customercare@sarawakenergy.com, or via the SEB cares mobile app and web portal.
The company ensured that all reports would be kept strictly confidential. — DayakDaily
