KUCHING: In a recent joint operation conducted by Sarawak Energy’s operational arm, Syarikat Sesco Berhad, along with the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication and the police, it was discovered that two shophouses at Jalan Rentap and Jalan Jakar in Sarikei were engaged in stealing electricity for cryptocurrency mining activities.
According to a statement from Sarawak Energy on Wednesday (July 5), this marked the first instance of power theft for cryptocurrency mining in Sarikei.
Investigations revealed that both locations were managed by the same operator, and direct tapping cables were used to power 120 units of cryptocurrency mining servers.
“The monthly losses from these two sites are estimated to be around RM30,000. In response to the discovery, police reports were filed, and all evidence of power theft, including the mining servers, direct tapping cables, and related electronic gadgets, were seized.”
This incident follows the previous uncovering of two cryptocurrency mining centres in Serian and Siburan that were also operating with stolen electricity.
Sarawak Energy reported monthly losses of over RM35,000 from these illegal operations, and 120 cryptocurrency mining servers were confiscated from the two locations.
In an effort to combat power theft, Sarawak Energy, in collaboration with relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication and the police, has expanded its operations to rural areas to track down elusive offenders.
Offenders found guilty of electricity theft will face charges under Section 33 (5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carry penalties of up to RM100,000 and/or five years in jail.
Sarawak Energy encourages individuals with information regarding power theft to come forward and contact their customer care centre at 1300-88-3111 or via email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com
The company assures the public that all received information will be treated as strictly confidential.
