MIRI, July 1: A cryptocurrency mining centre concealed on private land along Jalan Bakam had been stealing electricity to run its operations.
Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) in a statement today, said a power-theft surveillance team led by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Sarawak Energy technical team, discovered the cryptocurrency mining centre in a makeshift hut on private property on Saturday (June 26).
“All the items were dismantled and seized as evidence and a police report was lodged over the incident. Police are also looking for the landowner to assist in the investigation.
“Sarawak Energy will continue to widen the search to track down cryptocurrency or bitcoin operation premises that steal electricity,” it said.
Sarawak Energy noted, based on previous cases, power theft activities are closely related to cryptocurrency mining activities and the current modus operandi is using abandoned houses or huts to avoid detection.
Those involved would tap electricity supply directly from overhead lines and use the supply for free at the expense of the safety of others.
“Tampered wiring can lead to electrocution to the public at large who may not know the existence of electricity cables in their vicinity,” it added.
Among the items seized were crypto mining servers, an Internet modem and non-standard wiring connection connected directly to the nearby overhead line without a meter.
“Unregistered electricity consumption is regarded as stealing electricity in Sarawak, is a criminal offense under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries a penalty of up to RM100,000 or five years jail if found guilty.
“Unsafe wiring connections pose a serious safety risk due to the potential threat of electrical fire
and electrocution,” it said.
On the same note, Sarawak Energy reminded its customers to never compromise on electrical safety as stealing electricity does not guarantee them quick gains, but it is a hazardous risk to many.
It explained that non-standard wiring and illegal connections pose a serious risk to the public at large as those in the vicinity of power theft activities can easily fall victim to fire and electrocution due to this dangerous crime.
“Customers are also reminded not to trust service providers claiming to be able to reduce electricity bills or allow premises owners to enjoy limitless electricity through meter tampering as 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.
“As such, Sarawak Energy appreciates the support from members of the public and encourages reporting of cryptocurrency mining activities at 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,” it said. — DayakDaily
