Why power theft is really a behavioural problem

Targeting power thieves: A Tenaga Nasional officer surveys equipment used for crypto-related electricity theft. Illegal use of power for crypto mining continues because of failure in promoting acceptable energy-related behaviour. — Filepic by AZMAN GHANI/The Star

I REFER to the report “TNB loses nearly RM30mil to crypto-related power theft in Melaka” (The Star, Feb 5). What occurred in Melaka has been observed across Malaysia, cutting across residential neighbourhoods, commercial premises and idle industrial sites.

Public discourse on electricity theft often focuses on raids, seizures and power cut-offs. While such measures are necessary, they risk obscuring a deeper and more persistent challenge.