Power theft bust: 37 crypto-mining servers seized in Miri ops

KUCHING (Aug 9): Sarawak Energy Bhd’s operational and retail arm, Syarikat Sesco Bhd, while working with the police, recently seized 37 cryptocurrency mining servers from an operator involved in electricity theft in Miri following a tip-off.

A statement by the utility company today said the raid took place at a vacant building in Permy Technology Park.

During the operation, illegal direct tapping cables and servers were discovered and confiscated as evidence.

It is currently being investigated under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance for unregistered electricity consumption, which is considered a power theft in Sarawak, and offenders can face penalties of up to RM200,000 and/or five years’ jail.

Since last year, more than 40 power theft-related cases have been reported by the public, including seven cases in Miri.

Sarawak Energy thanks the public for supporting its fight against electricity theft in the state and encourages more to come forward and report if they have any information on such activities, especially in abandoned or vacant premises in industrial and remote areas.

The public is reminded that stealing electricity is dangerous, as it poses risks such as fire, damage to electrical appliances and potential loss of life.

Cryptocurrency mining demands high energy usage, which can also overload electrical systems, causing outages that affect surrounding communities.

Sesco is increasing inspections of abandoned or vacant industrial buildings and residential houses, which are often targeted by cryptocurrency miners to avoid detection.

The wiring in these locations, unused for some time, may pose undetected safety hazards.

Property owners are advised to exercise caution when renting out properties to protect themselves from potential unlawful activities conducted by tenants.

Moreover, meters should be registered under the tenant’s name to mitigate the risk of liability for illegal activities.

Members of the public should be cautious of anyone promising free or cheap electricity, as this is often indicative of electricity theft, which is punishable by law.

Sesco’s technical team is trained and equipped to identify various methods of electricity theft, ensuring effective prevention and enforcement.

Individuals with information related to electricity theft are encouraged to report it to Sarawak Energy by calling its Customer Care Centre on 1300-88-3111, or email to [email protected].

All information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.