NEWS & UPDATE

MIRI
4 JULY 2025

Sarawak Energy, through its operations and retail arm Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO), in a joint operation with the police, uncovered a power theft case involving cryptocurrency mining operations. The illegal activity was discovered at a double-storey semi-detached house along Jalan Pujut, Miri, where electricity was stolen from the main supply through direct tapping.

The unmetered connection bypassed the electricity meter and resulted in estimated losses of about RM7,000 per month. A total of 17 cryptocurrency mining servers and illegal tapping cables were seized during the recent operation.

A police report has been lodged and investigations are ongoing under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which provides for a fine of up to RM200,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five years upon conviction.

Cryptocurrency mining activities consume high amounts of electricity and operators resort to illegal setups to reduce overhead cost. Sarawak Energy warns that unauthorised electricity connections are dangerous as they normally bypass essential safety mechanisms, posing serious risks of electrocution, electrical fires, and damage to neighbouring properties.

Landlords are urged to remain alert and perform regular checks on their properties. Unusual patterns of electricity consumption, signs of tampering, or rooms with constant cooling equipment could be red flags for illicit mining activity. While tenants are responsible for their actions, property owners may still face consequences if they fail to exercise due diligence.

Sarawak Energy continues to work closely with enforcement agencies to identify and act against power theft. Reports can be made anonymously to Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111, via email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com or through the SEB cares app.

Operation team inspecting ceiling area above the meter board for illegal tapping connection

Direct tapping cables concealed above the ceiling, used to bypass the electricity meter

Some of the cryptocurrency mining servers discovered at the premises during the joint operation

Direct tapping cables routed from the wall and connected to the cryptocurrency server rack