KUCHING: A tenant involved in illegal bitcoin mining and electricity theft has been jailed, but the financial fallout has shifted to the landlord, who is now facing a power bill exceeding RM165,000.
As revealed by the Sarawak Consumers Association (PPS), the case stemmed from a rented premises that was secretly used for cryptocurrency mining over an 11-month period.
The tenant was arrested, charged, and later pleaded guilty under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, before being sentenced to imprisonment.
Investigations found that the suspect had illegally tapped into the electricity supply to power mining operations, resulting in losses amounting to RM206,815.77.
Although the amount was later reduced to RM165,307, the electricity provider is seeking to recover the cost from the premises owner.
PPS said the case raises serious concerns as the convicted individual has already been punished, yet the financial liability is being imposed on a third party not involved in the crime.
It also revealed that the suspect is believed to be a repeat offender, carrying out similar activities at multiple locations, indicating a pattern of organised illegal operations.
According to PPS, the unusually high electricity usage, which is estimated at about RM20,000 per month, should have raised early red flags, as typical consumption for a similar unit is around RM300.
However, the illegal activity went undetected for nearly a year before enforcement action was taken.
PPS said the delay points to weaknesses in monitoring and enforcement, warning that prolonged undetected cases could expose more landlords to severe financial losses.
The association added that electricity theft linked to crypto mining is a growing issue, with estimated losses reaching RM4 million monthly.
PPS called on the electricity provider to explain the lapse in detection, review the billing calculation, and ensure a fair determination of liability in such cases.
At the same time, it urged property owners to formalise tenancy agreements, verify tenant backgrounds, and engage credible agents to reduce exposure to criminal misuse of premises.
PPS president, Dr Wynson Ong, said the association met with the utility company’s top management on March 3 to address the matter.
He said PPS will continue to monitor developments and assist the affected landlord in seeking a just resolution.
Members of the public who have complaints may lodge them via PPS’ official hotline at 017-7109299.
