Malaysia Launches Task Force to Shut Down 14,000 Illegal Bitcoin Mining Rigs

04.12.2025 53 times read 2 Comments

Malaysia Forms Air and Ground Task Force to Shutdown 14,000 BTC Mining Rigs

Malaysian authorities have announced the formation of a joint task force utilizing drones and police to shut down nearly 14,000 illegal Bitcoin mining operations. Since 2020, these illegal miners have siphoned off electricity worth $1.1 billion from the national grid, according to a report by CoinDesk.

The task force employs high-performance cameras and ground police to locate and dismantle these mining rigs. Drones are deployed to detect thermal signatures from buildings, while police patrol areas with sensors that identify illegal electricity usage. Reports from neighbors often lead to the discovery of these operations, which have surged by 300% in electricity theft between 2018 and 2024.

Get $500 free Bitcoin mining for a free testing phase:

  • Real daily rewards
  • 1 full month of testing
  • No strings attached

If you choose to buy after testing, you can keep your mining rewards and receive up to 20% bonus on top.

"The risk of allowing such activities is no longer just about theft," stated Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, the Deputy Minister for Energy Transition and Water Transformation. "They can actually damage our facilities, which poses a challenge to our system."

The $1.1 billion in stolen electricity could have provided basic food needs for over 567,000 people in Malaysia for an entire year, based on figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which estimates that the average Malaysian consumer spent about $1,940 annually on food in 2023. Alternatively, this amount could supply electricity for approximately 373,000 average-sized households in Malaysia for a year, according to estimates from the University Utara Malaysia.

This crackdown is not the first of its kind; in May, authorities reported a significant increase in electricity theft, leading to the closure of nearly 2,400 illegal Bitcoin mining operations. The state energy provider, Tenaga Nasional (TNB), has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding this ongoing issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • 14,000 illegal Bitcoin mining rigs targeted by Malaysian authorities.
  • Electricity theft valued at $1.1 billion since 2020.
  • Task force employs drones and police for detection and shutdown.
  • Potential impact on food security and household electricity supply in Malaysia.

Sources:

Your opinion on this article

Please enter a valid email address.
Please enter a comment.
It’s crazy how these illegal miners are not only stealing power but also potentially causing damage to the infrastructure—maybe this task force is just what Malaysia needs to get things under control!
Wow, this whole situation with the illegal Bitcoin mining in Malaysia is just wild! I mean, 14,000 rigs siphoning off $1.1 billion in power? That’s insane! I noticed someone mentioned the damage to infrastructure, and I totally agree. It's not just about the theft anymore; it's really about how these operations could compromise the entire energy system. What Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said hits home—it's too risky to let this go on unregulated.

Also, think about the impact of that $1.1 billion. That amount could feed a whole lot of people! This just makes you realize how precious resources are and how misused they can be. And isn't it crazy how neighbors are the ones who often report these illegal setups? Talk about community vigilance! I wonder if that creates any tension in those areas, having people snitching on each other.

It’s good to see Malaysia taking action with a task force—drones and police sound pretty intense, but maybe it's what they need to actually get control over the situation. I hope they sticks to their word and follow through this time, especially since similar crackdowns haven't always been effective in the past. If they can manage this well, it may set a precedent for other countries dealing with the same issues. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Article Summary

Malaysian authorities have formed a task force using drones and police to shut down 14,000 illegal Bitcoin mining operations that have stolen $1.1 billion in electricity since 2020. This crackdown aims to address the significant rise in electricity theft and its potential impact on food security and household energy supply.

...
$500 FREE BTC Mining

Get $500 free Bitcoin mining for a free testing phase:

  • Real daily rewards
  • 1 full month of testing
  • No strings attached

If you choose to buy after testing, you can keep your mining rewards and receive up to 20% bonus on top.

Counter