Bitget App
Trade smarter
Buy cryptoMarketsTradeFuturesEarnSquareMore
Illegal Crypto Mining Costs Malaysian Utility Over US$1 Billion

Illegal Crypto Mining Costs Malaysian Utility Over US$1 Billion

DeFi PlanetDeFi Planet2025/11/19 15:45
By:DeFi Planet

Quick Breakdown 

  • Illegal cryptocurrency mining in Malaysia costs Tenaga Nasional over US$1.11 billion.
  • Authorities identified 13,827 premises using unauthorized electricity between 2020 and August 2025.
  • TNB collaborates with regulators to prevent meter tampering and enforce the Electricity Supply Act.

 

Malaysia’s national electricity provider, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), has reported losses exceeding US$1 billion due to illegal cryptocurrency mining, according to the Ministry of Energy and Water Transformation. Between 2020 and August 2025, authorities identified 13,827 premises illegally tapping into the electricity grid to power crypto mining operations, mainly targeting Bitcoin.

The ministry highlighted that the illicit use of electricity has resulted in financial losses amounting to 4.6 billion ringgit (approximately US$1.11 billion). While Malaysia currently lacks legislation specifically regulating cryptocurrency mining, tampering with meters or bypassing connections remains an offence under the Electricity Supply Act.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy said national utility TNB has lost over $1.1 billion from electricity theft by crypto miners between 2020 and August 2025, with 13,827 sites found illegally modifying or bypassing meters to power mining operations.

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) November 19, 2025

Authorities intensify crackdown on illicit miners

TNB is working closely with government authorities to identify and stop illegal mining activities. The utility company has been conducting audits and inspections to detect unauthorized electricity usage and prevent further losses. Officials warn that those caught tampering with meters or bypassing electricity connections could face legal action under existing laws, even in the absence of crypto-specific regulations.

The surge in crypto mining in Malaysia reflects the global trend of energy-intensive operations driven by high-value digital assets , placing additional strain on national grids and utilities. The Ministry of Energy emphasized the importance of monitoring crypto mining activities to protect both infrastructure and consumers from financial and operational disruptions.

Financial and regulatory implications for the crypto sector

The incident underscores the tension between rapid crypto adoption and existing energy infrastructure. Analysts note that unregulated crypto mining can create significant financial and operational risks for utility providers. Malaysian authorities are reportedly evaluating stronger measures to monitor crypto mining activities and curb electricity theft, signalling potential regulatory tightening for the sector.

In a related development, Malaysian police are investigating a cryptocurrency scam in which a 71-year-old retiree lost RM525,000 to an online investment scheme. The incident occurred in Kuala Terengganu and underscores the ongoing risks to consumers in the rapidly growing digital asset market. 

 

Take control of your crypto  portfolio with MARKETS PRO, DeFi Planet’s suite of analytics tools.”

0

Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

PoolX: Earn new token airdrops
Lock your assets and earn 10%+ APR
Lock now!

You may also like

Bitcoin Updates Today: Is Crypto’s Intense Fear Signaling a Market Bottom or Just a Misleading Decline?

- Crypto Fear & Greed Index fell to 24, with Bitcoin consolidating between $103,000-$115,000 amid prolonged market anxiety. - Extended fear periods historically precede market bottoms, but traders warn the index often lags and misfires in volatile conditions. - Coinbase aims to stabilize markets with 24/7 altcoin futures, yet regulatory clarity and persistent ETF outflows remain critical factors.

Bitget-RWA2025/11/23 01:22
Bitcoin Updates Today: Is Crypto’s Intense Fear Signaling a Market Bottom or Just a Misleading Decline?

Bitcoin News Update: Bitcoin ETFs See $2.96 Billion Outflow as November Optimism Wanes

- BlackRock's Bitcoin ETFs lost $523M in single-day outflows on Nov 17, marking fifth consecutive net redemptions totaling $2.96B for November. - Despite November's historical 41.22% Bitcoin price surge, ETF redemptions signal cooling institutional/retail demand with average investor cost basis at $89,600. - Michael Saylor's firm bought 8,178 BTC at $102k average price, while JPMorgan warned Bitcoin-heavy companies risk index delistings by 2026. - BlackRock's IBIT holds 3.1% of Bitcoin supply but NAV multi

Bitget-RWA2025/11/23 01:22
Bitcoin News Update: Bitcoin ETFs See $2.96 Billion Outflow as November Optimism Wanes

Bitcoin Updates: ECB Advocates for Digital Euro While Bitcoin's Decline Faces Regulatory Barriers

- ECB President Lagarde reaffirmed Bitcoin's "worth nothing" stance, rejecting its inclusion in central bank reserves due to safety and regulatory risks. - Bitcoin fell below $90,000 (32% from October 2025 peak), mirroring April 2025's correction amid U.S. rate uncertainty and large holder sell-offs. - ECB prioritizes digital euro development, aiming for 2027 pilot and 2029 launch to enhance privacy and reduce reliance on foreign payment systems. - Despite short-term Bitcoin rebound (3.64% in 24 hours), an

Bitget-RWA2025/11/23 01:08
Bitcoin Updates: ECB Advocates for Digital Euro While Bitcoin's Decline Faces Regulatory Barriers

Ethereum News Update: Altcoins Face Critical Juncture—December Turning Point May Spark Market Recovery or Downturn

- Altcoins like ETH, XRP , and ICP trade near critical technical levels as institutional investors monitor potential inflection points ahead of a possible December market rebound or collapse. - Ethereum remains fragile below key moving averages with RSI near oversold territory, while XRP faces a $2.07–$2.10 support test that could trigger further declines if broken. - Smaller-cap tokens show speculative activity amid consolidation, with ICP's $4.97 resistance and Bitcoin's $88,000 support level serving as

Bitget-RWA2025/11/23 01:08
Ethereum News Update: Altcoins Face Critical Juncture—December Turning Point May Spark Market Recovery or Downturn