Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has reported losses of RM441.6 million from electricity theft since 2020, largely due to illegal bitcoin mining operations. Bukit Aman criminal investigation department (CID) director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, shared that the losses have fluctuated over the years, with 2021 recording the highest loss of RM140.4 million. In comparison, 2020 saw RM5.9 million in losses, RM124.9 million in 2022, RM67.1 million in 2023, and RM103 million up to September 2024.
Comm Mohd Shuhaily, who attended the handover of six four-wheel drives from TNB yesterday, said that a total of 2,091 raids have been conducted nationwide between 2020 and 2024, as part of a joint operation between CID and TNB to combat electricity theft. The number of raids steadily increased, from just 54 in 2020 to a peak of 692 in 2022. He added that the surge in illegal bitcoin mining is the primary reason behind these thefts, and many mining machines were confiscated during these operations.
The Bukit Aman CID director also revealed that the department is currently investigating the factors behind the significant reduction in losses in 2023, particularly examining whether changes in the bitcoin market or improved enforcement played a role. He noted that the bitcoin market did experience a downturn during this period, which could have impacted illegal mining activity.
Meanwhile, TNB Energy Services Sdn Bhd chairman Zahari Dollah expressed appreciation for the ongoing cooperation between TNB and the police. He also emphasised the importance of continued collaboration to mitigate future losses and maintain control over the situation.
(Source: Bernama)
