- Malaysia lost over $1.1B to illegal crypto mining since 2020
- Over 13,800 sites tampered with meters to steal power
- Government ramps up enforcement to curb future losses
Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy has revealed a staggering loss of over $1.1 billion in electricity caused by illegal crypto mining activities. According to the ministry, this figure spans from the year 2020 up to August 2025 and involves 13,827 sites that were found bypassing or tampering with power meters.
These illicit operations were mostly conducted by cryptocurrency miners seeking to avoid the high electricity costs associated with powering large-scale mining rigs. By illegally modifying electrical systems, operators were able to run their hardware without paying for the energy consumed—putting a significant financial strain on the country’s national utility provider, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).
How Crypto Miners Are Stealing Power
Crypto mining is energy-intensive, often requiring specialized hardware operating 24/7. In Malaysia, many illegal miners manipulate or bypass electric meters to avoid detection and cut costs. These actions not only result in financial loss but also pose safety risks, including fire hazards due to unsafe wiring and overloaded circuits.
TNB has been actively cooperating with law enforcement to detect and shut down these operations. Advanced monitoring tools and data analytics are being deployed to identify unusual consumption patterns that may indicate illegal activity.
Government Action and Future Plans
The Ministry of Energy is stepping up its efforts to combat crypto mining electricity theft, including stricter regulations, increased inspections, and heavier penalties for violators. Officials are also considering policy changes that would allow faster legal actions and stricter penalties to deter future cases.
In addition to enforcement, authorities are calling for greater public awareness. They encourage citizens to report suspicious electrical setups and help reduce the growing burden on Malaysia’s power infrastructure.
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