Public tip-off leads to major power theft bust in Miri

MIRI: Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO) dismantled a cryptocurrency mining operation in Miri that was illegally tapping into the electricity supply.

“During the operation, illegal direct tapping cables and servers were discovered and confiscated as evidence. Investigations under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance for unregistered electricity consumption are now ongoing.

“Unregistered electricity consumption is considered as power theft in Sarawak, a criminal offence under Section 33 (5) of the Electricity Ordinance. Offenders face penalties of up to RM200,000 and/or five years’ jail,” the operational and retail arm of Sarawak Energy, said in a press release today.

SESCO was assisted by local police during the operation.

Sarawak Energy has been actively combating electricity theft, with more than 40 related cases reported by the public since 2023, including seven in Miri alone.

The company highlighted the dangers of electricity theft, warning that such activities could lead to fires, damage to appliances, and even fatalities.

The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, particularly in abandoned or vacant properties, which are often targeted by illegal cryptocurrency miners. Sarawak Energy continues to intensify inspections of such locations to prevent further incidents.

For more information, or to report suspected electricity theft, the public can contact Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or via email at [email protected]. All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality.

Illegal direct tapping of the power source.