MIRI: A joint operation by the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) and Sarawak Energy’s Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO) has seen the destruction of 239 mining machines valued at over RM478,000.
The disposal, conducted at SESCO’s Miri Regional Office in early September, utilised an 8-ton steamroller to ensure the machines were completely inoperable.
The remnants were then handed over to a licensed contractor for responsible recycling.
“This exercise underscores our ongoing commitment to combat electricity theft in Sarawak,” said Sarawak Energy in a statement.
“Despite the state’s competitive electricity tariffs, cryptocurrency mining continues to be a growing concern, leading to significant losses for Sarawak Energy.”
Representatives from MUT, SESCO, and the State Attorney-General’s Chambers (SAGC) witnessed the disposal, highlighting the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the issue.
This action followed a similar operation in Kota Samarahan last July, where confiscated mining servers valued at over RM100,000 were destroyed.
The disposal is part of a broader effort to curb the rise of electricity theft associated with cryptocurrency mining.
Between January and September 2024 alone, authorities detected 29 cases across Sarawak, resulting in the seizure of 702 mining servers.
This theft has caused an estimated RM12 million in losses for Sarawak Energy this year.
The authorities are urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspected electricity theft. Residents can contact Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or email customercare@sarawakenergy.com with any information. All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.
