NIBONG TEBAL: Two bitcoin mining premises in Val d'Or, Simpang Ampat here, were raided for electricity theft that caused thousands of ringgit in losses to Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) monthly.
A double-storey terrace house and a shophouse were found to have carried out illegal electricity connections.
Energy Commission (ST) northern region director Muhamad Azmi Ishak today said about 20 ST and TNB employees conducted the raid.
"Both premises have been used for bitcoin mining for the past six months.
"We detected this activity after discovering high electricity consumption in this area (exceeding the set level), in addition to complaints from industries in the area that were facing low voltage problems.
"This situation (high electricity consumption) is dangerous as it can cause fires.
"Also, this bitcoin mining operation ran for 24 hours daily."
Azmi said he hoped residents would report suspected cases of electricity theft to ST or TNB.
He said both premises tried to hide their activities from residents and TNB by placing children's shoes at the entrances to show that people were living there.
"Also, the bitcoin machine used is not like the noisy ones used used in the past.
"However, we were able to detect it because the connections weren't done according to specifications."
The authorities were unable to identify the owners of both premises for now, he said.
Both premises were empty and most bitcoin mining was run without the presence of anyone, he added.
"Most (accounts) are registered in other people's names. When we search for them, we cannot trace them.
"Sometimes, when you meet people (during operations), many do not admit that they are the owner.
"Those involved in bitcoin mining often change their modus operandi by renting empty houses in industrial and abandoned areas."