NEWS & UPDATES

MIRI
30 MAY 2024

Sarawak Energy’s campaign to inform the public on the severe dangers and legal repercussions of electricity theft continues amidst intensified efforts to crack down on offenders, particularly targeting cryptocurrency miners in Miri and other cities across Sarawak.

A recent case involved a raid on a cryptocurrency miner operating in a two-storey shophouse at Pujut 7, Miri following alerts from members of the public.

In the anti-power theft raid, 17 mining servers were discovered with direct tapping cables connected from the shophouse's main electrical wiring to the server room through the five-foot way. Burn marks were observed near the direct tapping cables, indicating a serious fire hazard that could damage nearby properties and endanger lives with prolonged use. The cables were immediately seized, and a police report has been lodged for further investigation.

Since 2018, Sarawak Energy’s operations arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO) has recorded more than 260 power theft cases by cryptocurrency miners. As a result, SESCO has estimated its related losses to be nearly RM 4 million in terms of stolen electricity every month.

Sarawak Energy reminds the public that stealing electricity for the purpose of cryptocurrency mining is extremely dangerous and has significant consequences. The high electricity consumption and heat generated from this activity can easily cause fires, damage electrical appliances, result in loss of lives, and disrupt supply to neighbouring premises. All offenders are charged under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries a penalty of up to RM200,000 and/or a maximum of five (5) years imprisonment.

Landlords should be careful when renting out their properties to protect themselves from potential unlawful activities by tenants. Electricity accounts should be registered under the tenant’s name to mitigate the risk of being implicated in electricity theft.

Members of the public are advised to practice caution if approached by individuals offering to reduce their electricity bills, as this could indicate involvement in electricity theft. Those caught engaging in such illegal activities will face severe legal consequences.

SESCO's technical team is highly trained and equipped with the necessary tools to detect various methods of electricity theft, including innovative techniques.

Individuals with information related to electricity theft are encouraged to report it to Sarawak Energy through its Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or by emailing customercare@sarawakenergy.com. All information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Burn marks around the direct tapping cables connected to the premises at Pujut 7, Miri.

Direct tapping cables found connected at the premises at Pujut 7, Miri.

The operation team gaining access to the premises to check for signs of power theft at Pujut 7, Miri.

Direct tapping cables found hidden behind the distribution board and cable trunk at Pujut 7, Miri.

Direct tapping cables connected to the servers at Pujut 7 Miri.

Cryptocurrency mining servers found on-site.