Malaysia Bitcoin mine found after explosion

An explosion in Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia, on February 11, 2025, led to the discovery of an illegal Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) mining operation, highlighting ongoing issues of power theft related to cryptocurrency mining in the country.

Local reports indicate that smoke and flames from the explosion prompted a distress call from a resident at 11:41 a.m.

After the fire was extinguished, authorities found nine Bitcoin mining rigs, cooling fans, and a router connected to an unauthorised power supply.

While Bitcoin mining is legal in Malaysia, tampering with electricity supply lines is a criminal offense.

Penalties for such activities include fines of up to 100,000 ringgit ($23,700) and prison sentences of up to five years.

Malaysia has faced significant financial losses from similar activities, with an estimated $750 million lost between 2018 and 2023.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the country’s main power utility, reported losses exceeding 440 million ringgit (around $101 million) due to illegal Bitcoin mining operations.

In January 2025, 45 homeowners and business operators faced losses of RM8.5 million in electricity charges after their tenants allegedly used their identities to conduct illegal Bitcoin mining.

One victim was left with a RM300,000 electricity bill after a tenant rented their house under a false identity.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident and are seeking information that could lead to an arrest.

At the time of reporting, the Bitcoin (BTC) price was $95,998.78.