Latest news with #Sesco
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Energy busts remote crypto mining electricity theft in Marudi
Cryptocurrency mining servers located in the premises, operated using stolen electricity. KUCHING (July 29): Sarawak Energy, through its operations and retail arm Syarikat Sesco Berhad (Sesco), recently uncovered a case of electricity theft involving cryptocurrency mining at an abandoned wooden house in Lubok Nibong, Marudi. According to a press release, the property was hidden deep in a remote area in an attempt to deliberately avoid detection. However, the illegal operation was exposed during routine inspection works by Sesco's technical team. Further investigations discovered direct tapping cables illegally connected from a nearby overhead pole, bypassing the meter and supplying electricity to three cryptocurrency mining servers. All mining equipment on site was seized, and a police report has been lodged. The individuals responsible may face severe consequences under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries fines of up to RM200,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years upon conviction. Electricity theft linked to cryptocurrency mining operations poses a growing threat to the power grid. These unauthorised connections significantly overload the system, risking power disruptions to nearby homes and businesses. Such setups are also highly dangerous as they can cause fires, damage electrical equipment and endanger lives. As part of its continuous anti-power theft efforts, Sarawak Energy actively monitors abandoned properties and rural locations. Inspection teams are trained and equipped to detect various forms of electricity theft. Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to electricity supply. Reports can be made anonymously via Sarawak Energy's Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111, by email at [email protected] or through the SEB cares mobile app. All information provided will be treated in strict confidence. cryptocurrency electricity theft lead Sarawak Energy
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Straits Times
Malaysian man steals electricity for bitcoin mining operation, gets $36,000 fine
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Hii King Lee pleaded guilty to two separate charges on July 11. MIRI, Sarawak - A 49-year-old man has been fined RM120,000 (S$36,000) by a court in Sarawak for electricity theft linked to cryptocurrency mining. The accused, Hii King Lee, on July 11 pleaded guilty to two separate charges. The first offence involved the dishonest extraction of electricity at a row of commercial shops along Jalan Bulatan Parkin, Sarawak, in January 2024. The second offence took place at a residential property in Jalan Desa Seri Utama, Sarawak, on April 23, 2025. According to the facts of the case, officers from energy development company Sesco's revenue management division, licensed under Sarawak Energy Berhad, had conducted routine inspections of electricity meters at both locations. They discovered illegal direct tapping cables that bypassed the meters, unlawfully diverting electricity. With a court-approved search warrant and the landlords' consent, forced entry was carried out. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore S'pore boosts nuclear viability, safety research with new institute and $66m in additional funding Singapore Man who killed 5-year-old daughter gets life sentence after he appeals against 35-year jail term Singapore More than 14,300 people checked during 7-week-long anti-crime ops Singapore Over 150 e-bikes and other non-compliant mobility devices impounded in last 2 months: LTA Life Anti-smoking advisory in new plaque for controversial samsui woman mural Singapore Over 12,000 lower-income households to receive $60 in transport vouchers by end-July Business CEO salaries: At Singapore's top companies, whose pay went up and whose saw a drop? Singapore NDP 2025: Leopard tank transmission fault identified, vehicle to resume role in mobile column Investigations revealed 90 units of Bitcoin mining machines connected directly via these cables, thereby avoiding legitimate electricity charges. At the residential premises, the police accompanied Sesco officers during the raid. Hii, the occupant, was also allegedly found in possession of illegal substances. He is currently facing several other charges in Miri relating to drugs and corruption. Deputy Public Prosecutor Ronald Felix Hardin underscored the seriousness of electricity theft, particularly in cryptocurrency operations, which require a continuous power supply and cooling. He warned that such installations pose fire hazards and broader safety concerns. He further advised landlords to ensure that electricity accounts are transferred to their tenants to avoid being implicated in potential future misuse. Judge Afidah Binti Abdul Rahman imposed the RM120,000 fine. The court also noted that Hii is facing an additional electricity theft charge under the same ordinance, which is currently pending before the Sessions Court in Kuching. That case is scheduled for further mention on July 24, 2025. Hii's wife, 38-year-old Hii Lay Ching, failed to appear for her court hearing on the same day. She is facing two counts of electricity theft, allegedly committed on Nov 23, 2024, at shophouses in Jalan Pujut, Sarawak . She had previously claimed trial in relation to a similar offence at a shophouse in Eastwood Valley Industrial Park on Dec 16, 2024, and was released on bail on June 26, 2025. The court has issued a warrant for her arrest, with the next mention scheduled for Aug 4, 2025. Several officers from the Sarawak Utility and Telecommunication Ministry and Sesco's Investigation Unit were present in court during the proceedings. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
The Star
11-07-2025
- The Star
Man fined RM120,000 for crypto mining linked power theft, wife fails to turn up for trial
MIRI: A 49-year-old man has been fined RM120,000 by the Sessions Court for electricity theft linked to cryptocurrency mining. The accused Hii King Lee on Friday (July 11) pleaded guilty to two separate charges under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance (Chapter 50). The first offence involved the dishonest abstraction of electricity at a row of commercial shoplots along Jalan Bulatan Park on January 32, 2024, at 11am. The second offence took place at a residential property at Jalan Desa Seri Utama on April 23, 2025, also at 11am. According to the facts of the case, officers from Sesco Berhad's revenue management division, licensed under Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), had conducted routine inspections of electricity meters at both locations. They discovered illegal direct tapping cables that bypassed the meters, unlawfully diverting electricity. With a court-approved search warrant and the landlords' consent, forced entry was carried out. Investigations revealed 90 units of Bitcoin mining machines connected directly via these cables, thereby avoiding legitimate electricity charges. At the residential premises, police accompanied Sesco officers during the raid. Hii, the occupant, was also allegedly found in possession of illegal substances. He is currently facing several other charges in Miri relating to drugs and corruption. Deputy Public Prosecutor Ronald Felix Hardin underscored the seriousness of electricity theft, particularly in cryptocurrency operations, which require a continuous power supply and cooling. He warned that such installations pose fire hazards and broader safety concerns. He further advised landlords to ensure that electricity accounts are transferred to their tenants to avoid being implicated in potential future misuse. Judge Afidah Binti Abdul Rahman imposed the RM120,000 fine. The court also noted that Hii is facing an additional electricity theft charge under the same ordinance, which is currently pending before the Sessions Court in Kuching. That case is scheduled for further mention on July 24, 2025. In a related matter, Hii's wife, 38-year-old Hii Lay Ching, failed to appear for her court hearing on the same day. She is facing two counts of electricity theft, allegedly committed on November 23, 2024 at shophouses in Jalan Pujut 7. She had previously claimed trial in relation to a similar offence at a shophouse in Eastwood Valley Industrial Park on December 16, 2024 and was released on bail on June 26, 2025. The court has issued a warrant for her arrest, with the next mention scheduled for August 4, 2025. Several officers from the Sarawak Utility and Telecommunication Ministry and Sesco's Investigation Unit were present in court during the proceedings.
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Kota Sentosa rep identifies locations for street lighting under 2026 RTP
Yap marks a spot for new street lighting installation during his site visit. KUCHING (July 10): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap yesterday visited Jalan Sungai Tapang and Jalan Kampung Sungai Tapang to identify suitable locations for new street lighting installations under his 2026 Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) allocation, totalling RM200,000. Accompanied by community leaders and Syarikat Sesco Berhad (Sesco) officers, he symbolically marked a location with an 'X' to signify the project. 'The initiative aims to enhance road safety and deter crime, especially in poorly lit areas that pose risks to pedestrians, schoolchildren, and motorcyclists,' said Yap, who is also Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Kota Sentosa Branch chairman, in a statement. Yap added that the process of identifying points for the lighting project involved close collaboration between community leaders and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) councillors. 'All project decisions must be based on real community needs and technical assessments to ensure effectiveness and long-term benefits,' he said, reaffirming his commitment to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure the timely implementation of the lighting upgrades. He underscored that such efforts are part of his consistent effort to close infrastructure gaps and improve quality of life for all residents in Kota Sentosa. In another development, Yap also carried out a final inspection of resurfacing works at the 7th Mile Community Association Hall car park, a project funded under his 2025 RTP allocation. The inspection was aimed at ensuring that the work was completed according to standards. 'The upgraded parking area now provides safer and more comfortable access for residents attending funeral services at the hall, which is commonly used for last rites by families whose homes are unsuitable for such ceremonies,' Yap said. Kota Sentosa lead RTP street lights Wilfred Yap
The Star
07-07-2025
- The Star
Contractor's excavation works caused July 3 Kuching power outage, says S'wak Energy
KUCHING: A power outage that affected multiple areas here on Thursday (July 3) was caused by a third-party contractor's excavation works, which damaged two underground cables near Green Heights. It was the latest of 33 recorded cases of electrical equipment damage attributed to third-party contractors involving estimated losses of almost RM330,000. Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) said the outage, which occurred at 2.46pm, disrupted supply to parts of BDC, Stampin, Jalan Lapangan Terbang, Stutong, Batu Kawa, Jalan Arang, Third Mile, Jalan Keretapi, Sungai Maong, Jalan Green and Jalan Rock. Several major commercial centres and essential facilities, including the Sarawak General Hospital, Timberland Hospital and KPJ Hospital, were also affected. A technical team from SEB's operations and retail arm, Syarikat Sesco Bhd, restored supply via an alternate source at 2.58pm. "Cable repair works then commenced and were completed by 6am the following day," SEB said in a statement on Monday (July 7). It said the incident was part of a worrying trend of excavation-related damage to underground cables, as some contractors continued to operate near underground infrastructure without prior consultation. "We have made ourselves available to assist contractors in planning their work safely, yet some continue to proceed without engaging us. "Contractors must take greater responsibility to uphold public safety," Sesco western region general manager Effendy Syaiful Abdullah said. "Such incidents not only disrupt essential services but pose serious safety hazards, including risks of electrocution and fire." The statement added that contractors must comply with safety procedures and consult Sesco before undertaking any work in the vicinity of underground cables. The public can report outages or suspicious activities near electrical infrastructure to SEB's customer care centre at 1300-88-3111, customercare@ the SEB Cares mobile app and web portal, or virtual agent Carina.
