NEWS & UPDATE

MIRI
22 DECEMBER 2025

Sarawak Energy, through its operations arm Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO), has uncovered another electricity theft case involving cryptocurrency mining at a single-storey terrace house in Tudan, Miri.

During the inspection, the enforcement team found that cables have been directly tapped from the incoming main supply, bypassing the meter to power 13 cryptocurrency mining servers. This illegal installation is estimated to have caused losses of over RM9,300 per month.

All equipment has been confiscated and investigations are ongoing under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance. If convicted, offenders face fines of up to RM200,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five years.

Power theft poses serious safety risks, including fire, electrocution and damage to infrastructure caused by overloaded circuits and unsafe installations.

Cryptocurrency mining consumes large amounts of electricity and generates substantial heat, often requiring additional cooling equipment. These setups may not appear obvious from the outside but can increase the risk of overheating for neighbouring properties.

Sarawak Energy advises property owners to be cautious when renting out their premises. Warning signs may include unusually low electricity bills despite heavy usage of cooling systems or other high-powered equipment. Property owners could unknowingly inherit unsafe electrical connections and may be held accountable if power theft is detected on their premises.

Members of the public can report any suspicious activities to Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or email customercare@sarawakenergy.com. All reports are treated with strict confidentiality.

Direct tapping cables hidden behind the distribution board (red arrow)

Direct tapping cables (red arrow) connected to the cryptocurrency mining servers in the premises during the operation

Cryptocurrency mining servers which were running at the time of the raid

Seized items as evidence of power theft