KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) recorded losses of RM5.14bil from electricity theft, mostly linked to illegal cryptocurrency mining, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The losses, recorded between 2020 and 2025, were due to meter tampering, unauthorised electricity usage, and illegal connections – methods commonly used by syndicates running such mining operations, he told the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Nov 27).
“From 2020 until 2025, TNB uncovered 14,489 involved premises, opening 77 investigation papers. The total losses borne by TNB amounted to RM5.14bil,” Fadillah said in response to a supplementary question from Lim Lip Eng (PH–Kepong) on the impact of cryptocurrency mining activities.
He explained that TNB closely monitors suspicious electricity usage by tracking demand spikes and checking meters for tampering, and had piloted distribution transformer meters at substations to better track usage.
Enforcement operations are conducted in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the National Financial Crime Prevention Centre, the Communications and Multimedia Commission, CyberSecurity Malaysia, the Inland Revenue Board, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
“If offences are confirmed, the equipment will be seized and further action taken,” he said.
Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) Minister, urged the public to report suspected electricity theft.
He also stressed that not all cases involved deliberate wrongdoing.
“So far, 85 cases involved individuals whose data or identity was misused. They are not prosecuted and do not have to pay TNB, unless they are proven responsible,” he said.
Meanwhile, property owners, both residential and commercial, were reminded to be careful when renting out premises.
“Make sure tenants apply for electricity. Don’t let your name be used, so you don’t become a victim of irresponsible electricity use,” he said.
