KUALA LUMPUR: Over 75,000 cryptocurrency mining machines have been seized in raids against cryptocurrency mining operations that steal electricity since 2022, says Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (pic).
The Deputy Home Minister said that a total of 3,049 raids have been conducted nationwide, resulting in the arrest of 629 people and the seizure of 75,578 cryptocurrency mining machines, as of May 2026.
“We will continue enhancing our intelligence capabilities and technology to better identify high-risk locations suspected of carrying out illegal cryptocurrency mining activities.
"We are also strengthening our cooperation, in terms of information-sharing and coordinated enforcement operations, with other relevant agencies.
“This includes Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), the Energy Commission, and local authorities,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during Ministry Question Time on Wednesday (July 8).
Shamsul was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang) on the supposed lack of prosecutions against cryptocurrency miners who steal electricity.
He also said investigations had found no evidence implicating any individuals from police personnel, agents or Manjung municipal council members, in relation to illegal raids in Manjung, Perak.
He stressed that illegal cryptocurrency mining not only breaches the law but causes substantial losses for electricity suppliers through widespread electricity theft while disrupting the electricity supply of surrounding communities.
