Malaysia Battles Cryptocurrency Mining-Driven Electricity Theft Epidemic

Malaysia is struggling to combat the growing problem of electricity theft for cryptocurrency mining. Authorities have identified thousands of cases, with over $1.2 billion in damages between 2020 and 2025.

In July, police discovered 71 devices at four sites in Johor, detaining three suspects and seizing equipment worth an estimated $16,600.

Sonny Zulhuda, associate professor at the International Islamic University Malaysia, notes that thousands of such incidents have been investigated into illegal cryptocurrency mining in Malaysia.