Man Fined RM120,000 for Electricity Theft Linked to Cryptocurrency Mining in Sarawak

Overview of the Case

In a significant legal ruling, a 49-year-old man named Hii King Lee has been penalized with a fine of RM120,000 (approximately S$36,000) by a court in Sarawak for engaging in electricity theft associated with cryptocurrency mining activities.

Details of the Offences

On July 11, Hii admitted guilt to two distinct charges. The first incident occurred in January 2024, where he unlawfully extracted electricity from a series of commercial establishments located on Jalan Bulatan Parkin in Miri. The second violation was identified at a residential site on Jalan Desa Seri Utama on April 23, 2025.

Discovery of Illegal Activities

Energy management officials from Sarawak Energy’s revenue division, known as Sesco, conducted routine checks on electricity meters at both locations. During these inspections, they uncovered unauthorized direct connections that circumvented the meters, diverting electricity unlawfully.

Raid and Findings

Following the issuance of a court-approved search warrant and with the landlords’ consent, Sesco officers, accompanied by police, executed a raid at Hii’s home. Investigations revealed that 90 bitcoin mining machines were directly linked to the illegal cables, allowing Hii to evade legitimate electricity costs.

Additional Legal Issues

In addition to the electricity theft charges, Hii was reportedly found with illegal drugs and is currently facing multiple other allegations in Miri related to narcotics and corruption. Deputy Public Prosecutor Ronald Felix Hardin emphasized the severity of electricity theft, particularly in the context of cryptocurrency mining, which demands a constant power supply and effective cooling systems.

Safety Concerns and Landlord Responsibilities

Hardin cautioned that such unauthorized setups not only pose fire risks but also raise broader safety issues. He urged landlords to ensure that electricity accounts are properly transferred to tenants to prevent any future legal complications.

Court Ruling and Future Proceedings

Judge Afidah Binti Abdul Rahman imposed the hefty fine of RM120,000 on Hii. The court also noted that he faces an additional charge of electricity theft under the same legal framework, which is pending in the Sessions Court in Kuching, with the next hearing scheduled for July 24, 2025.

Involvement of Hii’s Wife

Hii’s wife, 38-year-old Hii Lay Ching, did not attend her court hearing on the same day. She is facing two counts of electricity theft, allegedly committed on November 23, 2024, at shophouses on Jalan Pujut. Previously, she had claimed trial for a similar offence at a shophouse in Eastwood Valley Industrial Park on December 16, 2024, and was released on bail on June 26, 2025. A warrant for her arrest has been issued, with the next court mention set for August 4.

Tags

• Cryptocurrencies
• Theft/Burglary
• Malaysia
• Electricity and Power

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before making any investment decisions.