Crypto Mining Theft Costs Malaysia Over $1.1 Billion in Power Losses

TLDR

• Crypto mining theft in Malaysia led to RM4.6 billion (over $1.1 billion) in electricity losses from 2020 to August 2024.
• A total of 13,827 premises across Malaysia were caught using electricity illegally for crypto mining operations.
• Illegal miners bypassed meters and tapped directly into the national grid, often shifting locations to avoid raids.
• TNB implemented smart meters and created a database to monitor suspicious premises and detect real-time tampering.
• Power theft cases tied to crypto mining in Malaysia rose by 300% between 2018 and 2024, with 2,303 cases yearly on average.

Illegal electricity use linked to crypto mining has led to over $1.1 billion in losses for Malaysia’s national utility company, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), between 2020 and August 2024. According to the Ministry of Energy and Water Transformation, 13,827 premises were identified as involved in crypto mining theft during this period. These sites bypassed electricity meters to power high-energy mining equipment without paying for the supply.

According to a report by Reuters, TNB confirmed that joint enforcement operations with various authorities, including the police and anti-corruption agencies, have resulted in the seizure of mining machines from numerous premises. Investigations revealed that illegal miners often rented low-traffic buildings such as shops, homes, and warehouses to avoid detection. These operations tapped directly into the main grid, consuming electricity volumes similar to residential blocks, while relocating frequently to stay ahead of enforcement.

Crypto Mining Theft Prompts Real-Time Surveillance and Data Tracking

In response to rising cases of crypto mining theft, TNB has established a detailed internal database. This system keeps records of both owners and tenants of suspect locations, allowing the utility to monitor and inspect premises flagged for irregular activity. Officials stated that this database forms the backbone of operational checks aimed at reducing unauthorized energy use across the country.

Smart meters have also been installed at substations to track electricity flow in real time. These meters detect manipulation instantly and trigger alerts when consumption patterns show signs of tampering. TNB is also exploring predictive analytics and artificial intelligence to analyze usage trends and identify abnormal spikes that indicate crypto mining theft.

Enforcement Efforts Uncover Expanding Underground Mining Networks

Between 2018 and 2024, cases of power theft involving crypto mining surged by 300 percent. Reports show incidents grew from 610 to 2,397, with an annual average of 2,303 crypto-related thefts recorded from 2020 to 2024. During this time, TNB received about 1,699 public complaints regarding illegal crypto operations.

Back in March, police investigations revealed losses of 520 million ringgit from power theft, mostly linked to mining setups. These findings led to coordinated crackdowns that disrupted underground operations and helped stabilize national grid infrastructure. Although crypto mining itself is not illegal, Malaysia currently lacks specific licensing and electricity pricing frameworks for the industry. Enforcement is limited to violations under the Electricity Supply Act, which covers meter tampering and power bypassing.

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