MIRI: Sarawak Energy has issued a warning regarding the risks of electricity theft, particularly for cryptocurrency mining activities.
This warning comes after an incident where an illegal power connection was used to supply electricity to 74 cryptocurrency mining servers, resulting in a fire that caused significant damage and losses for Sarawak Energy.
In a statement yesterday, the incident occurred in a shophouse at Saberkas Commercial Centre on March 26, and upon receiving a distress call, firefighters extinguished the fire safely after notifying Sarawak Energy to initiate an emergency power supply shutdown.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that the electricity supply to the servers had been illegally connected without circuit protection, resulting in an overloaded installation that caused the fire.
“The illegal power connection was immediately disconnected, and the cables were seized as evidence of electricity theft,” it said.
In this case alone, Sarawak Energy is estimated to have incurred monthly losses of approximately RM21,000.
Sarawak Energy is urging the public to take electricity theft seriously, particularly in relation to cryptocurrency mining activities, which require large amount of electricity to power the servers and prevent overheating.
Landlords are also advised to exercise caution and due diligence when renting out their properties to avoid potential illegal activities carried out by their tenants.
Metres should be registered under the tenant’s name to avoid the risk of liability for electricity theft.
Anyone caught stealing electricity will be charged under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, with penalties of up to RM100,000 and/or five years in jail.
Despite Sarawak Energy’s efforts to curb power theft, it continues to occur.
Sarawak Energy’s metre inspection teams are trained to detect various electricity theft methods, such as tampered meters, fake electricity metre covers, underground direct tapping, and smart metre indications.
Sarawak Energy will continue to work with the Sarawak Ministry of Energy and Telecommunication, the Police, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to fight against electricity theft.
Members of the public are reminded not to trust service providers claiming to be able to reduce electricity use or allow premises owners to enjoy unlimited usage through metre tampering.
Anyone with power theft information is encouraged to contact Sarawak Energy’s customer care centre at 1300-88-3111 or email customercare@sarawakenergy.com and all information received will be kept strictly confidential.
