Malaysia's national utility firm has identified 13,827 premises that illegally siphoned power to mine crypto between 2020 and August 2025.Malaysia's national utility firm has identified 13,827 premises that illegally siphoned power to mine crypto between 2020 and August 2025.

Malaysia uncovers $1 billion in power theft losses from illegal crypto mining

Malaysia's national utility Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has uncovered over $1.1 billion in losses from electricity stolen for crypto mining operations over roughly the past five years, amid the country's ongoing crackdown on power theft.

The country's energy ministry wrote in a parliamentary filing dated Tuesday that TNB has identified 13,827 premises that illegally siphoned power to mine bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies between 2020 and August 2025. That led to losses of at least 4.57 billion ringgit ($1.1 billion).

The ministry said the activity poses a serious threat to the national electric supply system and public safety, the country's economic stability.

Malaysia has been battling illicit crypto mining operations as early as 2018 to prevent soaring electricity costs. In August 2024, local authorities said it had destroyed over 900 bitcoin mining rigs worth nearly 2 million ringgit ($482,160).

In the Tuesday filing, the energy ministry said that TNB has built an internal database of property owners and tenants suspected of involvement in electricity theft to better identify and track suspicious sites going forward.

"This database serves as an important internal reference for identifying and monitoring suspicious premises and forms the basis for operational inspection actions," said the energy ministry in the translated document.

On the technical front, TNB has deployed smart meters and launched the "Distribution Transformer Meter" pilot program at energy substations to better monitor energy usage and detect abnormal patterns, the ministry said.


Disclaimer: The Block is an independent media outlet that delivers news, research, and data. As of November 2023, Foresight Ventures is a majority investor of The Block. Foresight Ventures invests in other companies in the crypto space. Crypto exchange Bitget is an anchor LP for Foresight Ventures. The Block continues to operate independently to deliver objective, impactful, and timely information about the crypto industry. Here are our current financial disclosures.

© 2025 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact service@support.mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

Shocking OpenVPP Partnership Claim Draws Urgent Scrutiny

Shocking OpenVPP Partnership Claim Draws Urgent Scrutiny

The post Shocking OpenVPP Partnership Claim Draws Urgent Scrutiny appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. The cryptocurrency world is buzzing with a recent controversy surrounding a bold OpenVPP partnership claim. This week, OpenVPP (OVPP) announced what it presented as a significant collaboration with the U.S. government in the innovative field of energy tokenization. However, this claim quickly drew the sharp eye of on-chain analyst ZachXBT, who highlighted a swift and official rebuttal that has sent ripples through the digital asset community. What Sparked the OpenVPP Partnership Claim Controversy? The core of the issue revolves around OpenVPP’s assertion of a U.S. government partnership. This kind of collaboration would typically be a monumental endorsement for any private cryptocurrency project, especially given the current regulatory climate. Such a partnership could signify a new era of mainstream adoption and legitimacy for energy tokenization initiatives. OpenVPP initially claimed cooperation with the U.S. government. This alleged partnership was said to be in the domain of energy tokenization. The announcement generated considerable interest and discussion online. ZachXBT, known for his diligent on-chain investigations, was quick to flag the development. He brought attention to the fact that U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Hester Peirce had directly addressed the OpenVPP partnership claim. Her response, delivered within hours, was unequivocal and starkly contradicted OpenVPP’s narrative. How Did Regulatory Authorities Respond to the OpenVPP Partnership Claim? Commissioner Hester Peirce’s statement was a crucial turning point in this unfolding story. She clearly stated that the SEC, as an agency, does not engage in partnerships with private cryptocurrency projects. This response effectively dismantled the credibility of OpenVPP’s initial announcement regarding their supposed government collaboration. Peirce’s swift clarification underscores a fundamental principle of regulatory bodies: maintaining impartiality and avoiding endorsements of private entities. Her statement serves as a vital reminder to the crypto community about the official stance of government agencies concerning private ventures. Moreover, ZachXBT’s analysis…
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2025/09/18 02:13
LMAX Group Deepens Ripple Partnership With RLUSD Collateral Rollout

LMAX Group Deepens Ripple Partnership With RLUSD Collateral Rollout

LMAX Group has revealed a multi-year partnership with Ripple to integrate traditional finance with digital asset markets. As part of the agreement, LMAX will introduce
Share
Tronweekly2026/01/16 23:00
Pastor Involved in High-Stakes Crypto Fraud

Pastor Involved in High-Stakes Crypto Fraud

A gripping tale of deception has captured the media’s spotlight, especially in foreign outlets, centering on a cryptocurrency fraud case from Denver, Colorado. Eli Regalado, a pastor, alongside his wife Kaitlyn, was convicted, but what makes this case particularly intriguing is their unconventional defense.Continue Reading:Pastor Involved in High-Stakes Crypto Fraud
Share
Coinstats2025/09/18 00:38