Jaythaleela K
MIRI , April 27 : Between 2018 to 2022, Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) suffers losses of RM43,918,200 due to power theft from bitcoin operations.
The utility also recorded 161 power outages due to system overload, as result of bitcoin operations in residential and commercial areas in Miri since 2021.
According to Sarawak Energy in a press conference today, since 2021, there were a total 11 fire cases linked to cryptocurrency mining in Sarawak, with 10 of these cases happening in Miri division.
Also present was Acting Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Zone 6 Miri chief Supt Ahmad Nizam Sapaiee.
Since 2021, there were a total of 72 cases of power theft linking to bitcoin mining, out of which, 46 cases or 64 per cent were found in Miri division.
Sarawak Energy with the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) and the police will continue to track down power theft to combat the activity.
Sarawak Energy also cautioned the public against stealing electricity or meter tempering as it is an illegal and 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-year imprisonment upon conviction. — DayakDaily
