KUCHING, Sept 5: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) recorded a total lost of RM21.4 million due to power theft involving cryptocurrency mining activities from 2018 until Aug 2021.
According to a report from Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) today, Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi said in 2010, SEB lost a total of RM220 million in revenue and it has been decreased to RM73 million in 2020.
“Since 2018 until Aug 2021, a total of 125 power theft cases involving cryptocurrency activities were recorded, with 74 cases reported in Miri, 41 cases in Kuching, eight cases in Sibu and two cases in Bintulu, which resulted to SEB losing a revenue of RM21.4 million,” he said in a statement on yesterday (Sept 4).
Rundi said various measures have been taken to curb electricity theft activities such as continuous inspection throughout the state, collaborating with the Ministry of Utilities Sarawak, State Attorney’s Office, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“This includes detection using digital technology, prosecution of cases in court, as well informing the public in order to create the awareness,” he added.
To date, a total of 13 cases of electricity theft have been brought to the court with the perpetrators have pleaded guilty, while six other cases are still in the process of prosecution.
Those who are found guilty for stealing electricity is punishable under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance which carries a penalty of up to RM100,000 and/or five years’ jail. – DayakDaily.
