by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 22: In an ongoing effort to tackle illegal power usage, Sarawak Energy’s operations and retail arm, Syarikat SESCO Bhd (SESCO), in collaboration with the police, has uncovered a new case in Miri involving cryptocurrency mining activities.
In a statement, it said, during the joint raid, an illegal connection to the electricity supply was found in a two-storey shophouse in Desa Senadin.
“Direct tapping cables powering 25 cryptocurrency servers were found hidden in the ceiling of the building’s five-foot way, bypassing the electricity meter.
“The illegal setup has resulted in estimated monthly losses of RM18,000 in unpaid electricity consumption,” it said.
SESCO’s team dismantled the illegal installations at the locations and the servers were confiscated as evidence. Police reports have been lodged and investigations are ongoing.
This discovery follows a similar recent case in Vistana Perdana, Miri, where a rented single-storey property was found bypassing the electricity meter using direct tapping cables.
In 2024, Miri recorded 48 cases of electricity theft linked to cryptocurrency mining, contributing to a total of 56 cases across Sarawak, with financial losses exceeding RM20 million.
Illegal power connections not only result in financial losses but also pose serious safety hazards, including fire risks, electrocution and damage to infrastructure caused by unregulated wiring.
Unauthorised installations could also disrupt power supply to neighbouring areas, creating further risks and inconvenience.
Under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, offenders face penalties of up to RM200,000 in fines and/or imprisonment for up to five years.
“Landlords are advised to monitor their properties to prevent illegal activities, as property owners may also be held accountable,” it cautioned.
Sarawak Energy remains committed to collaborating with law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication to combat electricity theft and ensure offenders are prosecuted.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activities related to power theft by contacting Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or emailing customercare@sarawakenergy.com. All reports are treated with strict confidentiality. – DayakDaily
