Tenaga Nasional Berhad loses $1.1 billion in fight against illegal mining—Malaysia strengthens measures with latest technology

NftBankruptcyClub · 2026-01-13T10:34:18+00:00

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) faces significant challenges from illegal Bitcoin mining, resulting in over $1 billion in losses. Efforts include deploying drones for detection and a collaborative task force to strengthen enforcement and address the issue comprehensively.

NftBankruptcyClub

2026-01-13 10:34:18

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A major challenge faced by Malaysia’s leading electricity provider, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), is electricity theft caused by illegal Bitcoin mining. So far, TNB has suffered damages exceeding $1.1 billion, highlighting the urgent need for countermeasures.

Drone Detection and Multi-faceted Crackdown System

The government is strengthening its efforts by deploying the latest leverage drones equipped with thermal cameras to detect heat emissions from concealed mining facilities. In addition to aerial surveillance, ground response teams equipped with portable sensors are tracking abnormal power consumption patterns to identify mining sites.

Integrated Enforcement System through Inter-Agency Collaboration

The inter-agency task force established on November 19, 2025, involves the Ministry of Finance, Bank Negara Malaysia, and TNB working together to promote a more robust enforcement system and policy innovation. This collaboration aims to implement fundamental measures beyond mere crackdowns.

Enforcement Achievements and Current Situation

Over the past five years, authorities have raided more than 14,000 illegal mining sites. In 2025 alone, an additional 3,000 illegal sites have been reported, indicating the depth of the problem.

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