A total of 347 raids were conducted against illegal Bitcoin mining activities in Manjung, Perak from 2022 to June 2025. Bitcoin Forecast
The operation, which was jointly conducted by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), successfully arrested 93 individuals and seized 6,913 Bitcoin mining machines.
Deputy Home Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the enforcement action was focused on cryptocurrency mining syndicates that steal electricity supplies to reduce operating costs.
The activities usually involve illegal electricity connections, meter modifications, intrusion into the electricity supply system and operations at premises without permission.
According to him, cryptocurrency mining is not an offence in Malaysia.
However, the activity becomes illegal when the operator uses electricity illegally or damages the electricity supply infrastructure, causing losses to TNB and affecting electricity supply in the surrounding areas.
He also explained that investigations so far have not found any evidence of the involvement of police officers, TNB staff or Manjung Municipal Council employees in aiding or abetting the illegal Bitcoin mining syndicate as alleged.
He stressed that owning and trading cryptocurrencies is legal in Malaysia, but digital assets are not recognized as legal tender.
Cryptocurrencies are regulated by the Securities Commission of Malaysia as digital assets, while Bank Negara Malaysia monitors aspects of financial stability and compliance with laws relating to money laundering and terrorist financing.
Cases related to the theft of electricity for the purpose of Bitcoin mining will be investigated under Section 37 of the Electricity Supply Act 1990, while other offences can be prosecuted under Section 427 of the Penal Code depending on the facts of the case.
At the same time, TNB also took action to recover losses due to illegal electricity use by Bitcoin mining operators.
