Malaysia’s Power Crisis: $1.1B Gone in Crypto Smoke? 😱💸

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Oh, the drama! Malaysia’s national utility darling, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), has been left sobbing into its ringgit after losing a cool $1.11 billion to rogue crypto miners between 2020 and August 2025. That’s 13,827 premises basically saying, “Electricity bills? Nah, we’re good, thanks!” 💡→🤑

When Crypto Goes Rogue: A Billion-Dollar Oopsie 😬

So, here’s the tea: TNB, Malaysia’s power powerhouse, has been robbed blind-to the tune of $1.11 billion (4.6 billion ringgit, if you’re fancy) by crypto miners who thought electricity was a free-for-all buffet. The Ministry of Energy and Water Transformation spilled the beans, revealing 13,827 premises were caught red-handed, mostly mining Bitcoin. Because, you know, who needs to pay bills when you’re chasing digital gold? 🏅

This isn’t even their first rodeo! Back in July 2024, a government minister dropped the bombshell that illegal miners had already swiped $727 million worth of electricity between 2018 and 2023. And what did the authorities do? They went full-on Terminator, destroying 2,022 seized machines-because nothing says “we mean business” like a pile of smashed Bitcoin rigs. 💥

According to a Reuters report, Malaysia’s authorities have gone full Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with TNB, the police, and even the anti-graft agency to hunt down these electricity bandits. Smart meters? Check. Databases of suspicious premises? Double check. It’s like a high-tech game of whack-a-mole, but with fewer laughs and more ringgit at stake. 🕵️♂️🔍

Here’s the kicker: crypto mining itself isn’t illegal in Malaysia-it’s the meter tampering and sneaky bypassing that’s got everyone’s knickers in a twist. Under the Electricity Supply Act, that’s a big no-no. So, TNB’s rolling out the big guns: smart meters to catch manipulation in real-time and a database to keep tabs on the naughty list. Because, let’s face it, Santa’s not bringing coal to these folks-they’re already stealing it. 🎅⚡

The real question is: can Malaysia keep up with these crypto cowboys? With governments worldwide scratching their heads over energy security, Malaysia’s crackdown is a wild ride of regulation, destruction, and smart tech. Will it work? Only time-and a lot of ringgit-will tell. ⏳💰

FAQ 💡

  • How much did Malaysia lose to illegal crypto mining? TNB’s crying into its 4.6 billion ringgit ($1.11B) pillow from 2020 to August 2025. 😭
  • How widespread is the problem? 13,827 premises were caught with their hands in the electricity jar, mostly for Bitcoin mining. 🏠⚡
  • Is crypto mining illegal in Malaysia? Mining? Sure. Tampering with meters? That’s a one-way ticket to Legalville. 🚫🔧
  • What measures are being taken? Smart meters, databases, and a whole lot of side-eye. TNB’s on a mission to stop the theft. 🕵️♀️💻

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2025-11-20 11:29