KUCHING – The Sarawak Consumers’ Association (PPS) has raised concerns over a recent case in which a premises owner was billed more than RM200,000 for electricity stolen by a tenant engaged in illegal Bitcoin mining.
The tenant, who misused the rented unit for cryptocurrency operations, was found guilty of electricity theft and sentenced to prison under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance (Chapter 50).
Despite the conviction, the electricity supplier has demanded RM206,815.77 from the premises owner, with a discounted figure of RM165,307 still outstanding.
According to PPS, the theft spanned 11 months, with consumption reaching nearly RM20,000 per month. This figure is far above the average RM300 monthly bill for similar premises. The association argues that such abnormal usage should have been flagged earlier by monitoring systems.
The tenant is reported to be a repeat offender, having carried out similar activities at multiple locations. PPS highlighted that many landlords are exposed to risk when tenants delay signing formal rental agreements, leaving owners without adequate legal protection.
Dr. Wynson Ong, President of PPS, stated, “Although the tenant has been punished for the offence committed, consumers should not be forced to bear the full consequences of the actions of other parties.” He stressed that transferring the financial burden to innocent owners is unjust and undermines confidence in Sarawak’s business environment.
Electricity theft linked to cryptocurrency mining has become a growing issue in Malaysia. Past reports suggest that supply companies lose an estimated RM4 million monthly due to such activities. PPS believes this case demonstrates weaknesses in monitoring systems and calls for immediate improvements, including real-time detection of unusual consumption patterns.
The association has urged the electricity supplier to explain why the theft went undetected for nearly a year, review the calculation of the RM206,815.77 bill, and adopt fairer practices when dealing with premises owners.
PPS also advises landlords to ensure official rental agreements are signed, verify tenant backgrounds, and engage reputable agents to reduce risks.
On 3 March 2026, PPS met with senior management of the electricity supplier to discuss the matter directly. The association has pledged to continue monitoring developments and assist the affected owner in seeking a fair resolution.
Sarawak’s rapid development and growing investment in commercial properties make consumer protection vital. PPS warns that unresolved issues of responsibility could discourage future investors and undermine trust in the state’s economic progress.
