Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo: Reuters

A joint operation by the police and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) in the Manjung district has led to the discovery and seizure of 61 Bitcoin mining machines. The operation, carried out yesterday at nine different locations, found that these machines were using electricity illegally, causing massive losses and creating serious safety risks.

This raid was part of an integrated effort between the Manjung Police Headquarters (IPD) and a technical team from TNB. They acted after receiving complaints and spotting suspicious electricity use in several buildings.

Operation Targeted Nine Premises

According to Manjung district police chief ACP Hasbullah Abdul Rahman, the police had been monitoring the locations closely. After weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance, the police and TNB team were able to plan and carry out raids at all nine places at the same time.

When the officers entered the premises, they found rows of bitcoin mining machines—61 in total—along with nine WiFi modems, nine internet routers, and many electrical cables and connection tools. These items were being used to mine bitcoin, a type of digital currency that requires a lot of electricity to process.

Electricity Stolen Through Illegal Connections

Bitcoin mining needs machines to run non-stop, 24 hours a day, which uses a huge amount of power. In this case, the people behind the mining operation had tampered with the electrical wiring to avoid paying for the electricity they were using.

Instead of connecting their machines legally through TNB’s meters, they had made illegal connections directly to the main electricity supply. This means no electricity charges were recorded, and no bills were paid—resulting in huge monthly losses to TNB.

Police said that each location involved may have caused thousands of ringgit in losses every month. When added together, the total damage could be a very large amount.

Dangerous Modifications to Electrical Systems

The way these illegal connections were made is not just dishonest—it’s also very dangerous. ACP Hasbullah explained that the wiring systems had been illegally altered, and did not follow the basic safety standards required for electrical installations.

Such tampering can lead to overheating, short circuits, and even fires, putting lives and property at serious risk. Because bitcoin machines run continuously and get very hot, this kind of operation can quickly become a hazard to the nearby houses and shops.

The police added that the illegal setups also affected the electricity supply in surrounding areas, likely causing power fluctuations or outages for other residents and businesses.

How Bitcoin Mining Works and Why It’s a Problem

Bitcoin is a type of digital money that people use online. But unlike regular money, it’s not made or controlled by any country or bank. Instead, it’s created using a method called “mining,” which involves solving complex computer problems using powerful machines.

These machines need to be kept on all the time and require a lot of electricity to function. Because electricity is expensive, some people try to cheat the system by stealing power.

Illegal mining operations like the one in Manjung are not new, but they are becoming more common. This is because the price of bitcoin can be very high, and some people see it as a quick way to make money.

However, doing it the wrong way can lead to serious trouble, including criminal charges.

Legal Action and Investigation

All the seized machines and equipment were taken to the Manjung police headquarters. The authorities are now conducting a full investigation.

The case is being looked into under two main laws:

• Section 427 of the Penal Code – This deals with mischief and causing damage, including electricity theft. A person found guilty under this section could face jail time or fines.
• Section 37(1) of the Electricity Supply Act 1990 – This law covers the tampering of electrical installations. Anyone caught making illegal changes to power connections can be charged in court and face heavy penalties.

The police have not yet announced how many people were involved or if any arrests have been made. They are continuing to track down those responsible for setting up and running these illegal mining operations.

TNB's Role in the Operation

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is the company responsible for supplying electricity across Malaysia. They worked closely with the police in this operation, providing technical support to identify where electricity was being stolen and assisting with the safe handling of the equipment.

TNB has been facing rising losses due to electricity theft, especially from illegal bitcoin mining operations. These losses affect not only the company but also every paying customer, as higher theft can lead to increased prices and power cuts.

The company has promised to continue working with authorities to stop illegal power use and keep the public safe.

Community Concerns and Safety First

This case has raised concerns among the public, especially people living near the affected premises. They are worried about the fire risk, power disruptions, and noise caused by such illegal operations.

Many residents did not know that these activities were taking place right next to their homes or businesses. If a fire had started, it could have easily spread and harmed many people.

The police and TNB are asking the public to report any suspicious activities, especially if they notice:

• Strange humming noises from buildings at night
• Large fans or cooling units running constantly
• Modified power lines or meter boxes
• Sudden power drops in the area

A Strong Warning to Others

ACP Hasbullah ended his statement with a clear warning to those thinking about engaging in illegal activities like power theft and unlicensed bitcoin mining.“Not only is this illegal, but it is also dangerous. It puts everyone at risk, including those who live nearby. We will not tolerate such actions, and strict steps will be taken against anyone involved.”

He also said the police will continue monitoring the situation and conducting more operations like this in the future to protect public safety and ensure fair use of electricity.

The seizure of 61 illegal bitcoin mining machines in Manjung is a serious reminder of how technology, when misused, can lead to big problems. While digital money might sound exciting, using it as an excuse to steal electricity and risk public safety is not acceptable.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the police and TNB, a potentially dangerous situation has been stopped. But this case shows the importance of community awareness, strong law enforcement, and proper use of technology in today’s world.