by Theleaders | July 8, 2026 4:12 pm
KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 — More than 75,000 cryptocurrency mining machines have been seized in over 3,000 raids nationwide between 2022 and May this year, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar said.
He said 629 people were arrested during coordinated operations by the Royal Malaysia Police, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), local authorities and other relevant agencies.
“The Home Ministry (KDN) is stepping up its enforcement strategy by working with agencies such as TNB, while boosting intelligence gathering and technology use to identify potential hotspots before conducting operations.
“This is essential to ensure we can respond faster and take more precise action,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a supplementary question by Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang) on measures to monitor illegal cryptocurrency mining activities and the extent of losses faced by TNB.
Shamsul Anuar said the illegal activity continues due to strong demand for digital assets and the potential for significant profits from their price fluctuations.
He said that while profits may be a motivation, they do not justify illegal activities, including the theft of electricity to lower operating expenses.
“While cryptocurrency ownership and trading are permitted in Malaysia, it is not recognised as a legal tender.
“Cryptocurrency mining activities are considered illegal when they involve unauthorised electricity connections, tampering with meters, disrupting power supply systems or operating without the required licences,” he added.
He said the Securities Commission Malaysia regulates digital assets under the relevant legislation, while Bank Negara Malaysia oversees financial stability, payment systems and compliance with anti-money laundering rules.
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