MARUDI: An illegal cryptocurrency mining operation was uncovered by Sarawak Energy’s retail and operations arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO), during a routine inspection in Lubok Nibong, Marudi recently.
The illegal setup was discovered in an abandoned wooden house located in a remote area, deliberately concealed to evade detection.
However, SESCO’s vigilant technical team exposed the operation after discovering it was illegally tapping electricity from a nearby overhead power line.
Further investigation revealed direct tapping cables bypassing the electricity meter entirely and supplying power to three active cryptocurrency mining servers located in the premises.
All mining equipment at the scene was seized and a police report has since been lodged.
The culprits would be charged under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which provides for fines of up to RM200,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years upon conviction.
In a media statement, Sarawak Energy warned that electricity theft linked to cryptocurrency mining poses a growing risk to the state’s power grid.
“Such unauthorised connections can overload the system, causing potential power disruptions to nearby homes and businesses.
“They also pose serious safety hazards, including fire risks and damage to electrical infrastructure,” the company stated.
Sarawak Energy emphasised its ongoing commitment to combating electricity theft, particularly in abandoned properties and rural areas, where such illicit activities are more likely to go undetected.
Sarawak Energy routinely monitors abandoned and rural properties, with specialised inspection teams trained to detect various forms of electricity theft as part of its ongoing efforts to combat power theft.
However, members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activity related to electricity, where reports can be made anonymously through Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111, by email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com, or via the SEB Cares mobile app.
