Man Fined RM120,000 for Power Theft in Crypto Mining; Wife Absent at Trial
Man Fined RM120,000 for Electricity Theft Linked to Cryptocurrency Mining
Overview of the Case
In Miri, a 49-year-old individual named Hii King Lee has been penalized with a fine of RM120,000 by the Sessions Court for engaging in electricity theft associated with cryptocurrency mining activities.
Details of the Offences
On July 11, 2025, Hii entered a guilty plea to two distinct charges under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance (Chapter 50). The first incident occurred on January 32, 2024, at 11 a.m. in a series of commercial shoplots located on Jalan Bulatan Park. The second incident was reported on April 23, 2025, at the same time, but at a residential address on Jalan Desa Seri Utama.
Discovery of Illegal Activities
During routine checks of electricity meters at both sites, officials from Sesco Berhad’s revenue management division, operating under Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), uncovered unauthorized direct tapping cables that circumvented the meters, allowing for the illegal diversion of electricity. With the necessary court-approved search warrant and the landlords’ permission, officials executed a forced entry.
Upon investigation, authorities found 90 Bitcoin mining machines connected directly to these cables, effectively evading legitimate electricity charges.
Additional Charges and Concerns
At the residential site, police were present alongside Sesco officers during the raid. Hii was reportedly found with illegal substances and is currently facing multiple charges related to drugs and corruption in Miri. Deputy Public Prosecutor Ronald Felix Hardin emphasized the gravity of electricity theft, especially in cryptocurrency operations that demand a constant power supply and cooling systems. He cautioned that such setups could lead to fire hazards and other safety issues, advising landlords to ensure that electricity accounts are properly transferred to tenants to prevent future complications.
Court Proceedings and Future Hearings
Judge Afidah Binti Abdul Rahman imposed the RM120,000 fine on Hii. The court acknowledged that he is also dealing with another pending charge of electricity theft under the same ordinance, which is set for further mention on July 24, 2025, in Kuching.
In a related development, Hii’s wife, 38-year-old Hii Lay Ching, did not attend her scheduled court hearing on the same day. She faces two counts of electricity theft allegedly committed on November 23, 2024, at shophouses on Jalan Pujut 7. 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, 2025.
Conclusion
The proceedings were attended by several officials from the Sarawak Utility and Telecommunication Ministry and Sesco’s Investigation Unit, highlighting the seriousness of the issue at hand.
