Malaysian authorities have intensified their efforts to combat electricity theft, leading to the destruction of 985 Bitcoin mining rigs in the Perak district.
The operation, led by the Perak District Police Headquarters, saw a heavy-duty steamroller being used to crush the mining rigs.
The value of the destroyed equipment is estimated at 1.98 million RM (around $450,000).
Nationwide Crackdown on Mining
The crackdown on electricity theft, often linked to crypto miners, has been ongoing across Malaysia.
Over the past five years, the country has witnessed 3.4 billion RM ($776 million) worth of electricity being stolen by such groups. This theft is typically carried out through illegal wiring that circumvents electricity meters, resulting in minimal bills despite significant consumption.
Equipment Destruction
The recent operation is part of a broader strategy to tackle illegal Bitcoin mining, particularly in smaller towns like Seri Iskandar.
Authorities have seized and destroyed mining rigs as a deterrent to other potential offenders.
However, some of the equipment in the video footage of the steamroller operation appeared to survive initial attempts at destruction.
Ongoing Efforts
This is not the first time Malaysian authorities have taken such drastic measures. In 2021, over 1,000 Bitcoin miners were similarly crushed.
The government remains committed to addressing the environmental and financial impacts of illegal Bitcoin mining, with recent arrests indicating ongoing efforts to hold offenders accountable.
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