KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 19): Between 2020 and August 2025, 13,827 premises illegally used electricity for crypto mining, mostly bitcoin, causing Tenaga Nasional Bhd (KL:TENAGA) RM4.57 billion in losses, the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry told Parliament.

In a written reply to MP Khoo Poay Tiong, the ministry outlined Tenaga’s losses and subsequent moves to tackle the issue, saying Tenaga has:

Created a database of suspected premises and their owners or tenants to monitor and guide inspections.

Launched the Distribution Transformer Meter (DTM) pilot project and installed smart meters to track real-time energy use and detect tampering.

Conducted joint operations with enforcement agencies like the police, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to seize mining machines.

Under the Electricity Supply Act, tampering with electrical installations can lead to a fine up to RM1 million, up to 10 years in jail, or both. Offenders may also face theft or mischief charges under the Penal Code.

The ministry said these illegal activities not only threaten user safety, but also undermine national economic stability, threaten the national energy supply system, increase public safety risks and cause property damage.

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