The State of Sarawak Cracks Down on Illegal Crypto Mining Operations
The state of Sarawak in Malaysia has been plagued by illegal crypto mining operations, resulting in recurrent power disruptions. Sarawak Energy, the state-owned electric utility firm, recently announced that it has identified two illegal mining sites responsible for the power outages in certain areas. The firm is currently investigating the mining operators who have set up operations in residential areas.
Complaints from locals about power outages prompted the investigation, which revealed that the energy-intensive activities of the illegal mining operations overloaded the Sarawak Energy lines. Closer inspection found that direct tapping cables had been illegally connected to two premises containing 74 units of cryptocurrency mining servers.
In response, Sarawak Energy confiscated all direct tapping cables, crypto mining gadgets, and servers involved in the illegal operations.
Risk and Loss
The unauthorized mining operations have caused a loss of more than 16,000 Malaysian Ringgit ($3400) per month to Sarawak Energy. The company warned the illegal operators about potential legal consequences if they continue to operate outside the law. These operations also pose severe risks such as short circuits, fires, appliance damage, and even loss of life due to electricity theft.
Sarawak Energy is working closely with relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, police, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to enhance its methods for detecting new electricity theft techniques.
This incident is not isolated; several similar cases have been reported in the state. In a previous incident in June, a crypto miner was caught stealing electricity for their mining activities in Miri. Sarawak Energy has issued a warning to individuals and businesses against electricity theft due to safety hazards it poses.
Hot Take: Sarawak Cracks Down on Illegal Crypto Mining
Sarawak Energy, the state-owned electric utility firm, has taken a strong stance against illegal crypto mining operations in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. The company recently identified and shut down two illegal mining sites that were causing recurrent power disruptions in certain areas.
These unauthorized operations not only result in financial losses for Sarawak Energy but also pose severe risks such as fires and appliance damage due to electricity theft. To combat this growing issue, Sarawak Energy is collaborating with relevant authorities to improve its methods for detecting electricity theft techniques.
The crackdown on illegal mining operations sends a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated. Sarawak Energy’s actions aim to protect the integrity of the power grid and ensure the safety of both individuals and businesses in the state.
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