Malaysia's largest electricity provider, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), reported a staggering 300% increase in cases of electricity theft linked to illegal cryptocurrency mining from 2018 to 2024. The number of detected cases rose from 610 to 2,397, with unauthorized miners siphoning off subsidized electricity using tampered meters, leading to significant financial losses for TNB and destabilizing the power grid. In response, the company is collaborating with authorities to conduct nationwide raids, targeting illegal mining operations. Some property owners have received massive electricity bills, with reports of charges as high as $278,400. To enhance oversight, TNB has expanded its smart meter network for real-time monitoring of electricity consumption patterns and is advocating for stricter enforcement of the Electricity Supply Act, which includes hefty fines and prison sentences for tampering with the grid.

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