Electricity Theft for Cryptocurrency Mining Surges 300% in Malaysia

Over four years, the number of electricity thefts by illegal cryptocurrency miners has surged nearly 300%, according to local media citing Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).

The country’s largest electricity company reported 610 theft cases in 2018, rising to 2397 by 2024.

TNB conducts raids to curb illegal mining in collaboration with police and local authorities. Since January 2020, the company has received an average of 340 complaints per month related to cryptocurrency mining.

Company experts also employ consumption pattern analysis to detect suspicious excessive electricity use.

As part of its strategy to combat illegal mining, TNB is expanding the installation of smart meters—devices that transmit data via radio in real-time.

“Additionally, we work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to maintain fair and sustainable electricity use, thereby ensuring reliability for all consumers,” the company added.

Under current law, tampering with electrical installations or making structural changes is punishable by a fine of up to 1 million ringgit (~$230,000) and imprisonment for up to 10 years. Offenders may face theft charges.

TNB has proposed tightening legal regulations in this area. The company also plans to use artificial intelligence to monitor consumption.

Since the beginning of 2025, there have been several incidents related to illegal mining. In January, about 60 homeowners and shopkeepers in Perak faced electricity bills ranging from 30,000 ringgit to 1.2 million ringgit (~$6980 to ~$280,000) as tenants illegally connected cryptocurrency mining equipment.

In April, police dismantled a syndicate involved in electricity theft for mining in the state of Terengganu.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Energy last year, from 2018 to 2023, cryptocurrency miners stole electricity worth 3.4 billion ringgit (~$791 million).

Back in August 2024, Malaysian law enforcement arrested seven suspects for organizing illegal bitcoin mining.