Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has initiated efforts to engage with property owners burdened with substantial electricity bills caused by illegal cryptocurrency mining activities by tenants. According to The Star, the company issued a statement today, emphasising its commitment to finding solutions for affected property owners, including those in the Gopeng constituency and surrounding areas.
TNB said it has reached out to the office of Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing to discuss plans for resolving the matter. It also encouraged property owners to submit a Change of Tenancy (COT) request whenever new tenants move in, highlighting that this proactive step can help prevent future disputes or liabilities related to electricity accounts.
At a press conference yesterday, Tan revealed that over 60 homeowners and shoplot owners have reported exorbitant TNB bills, with total claims ranging from RM30,000 to RM1.2 million. These cases, predominantly from Gopeng, Manjung and Setiawan, highlight the extensive damage caused by unauthorised electricity usage for cryptocurrency mining.
The MP urged the Energy Commission and related authorities to act decisively against such illegal activities. He also called for amendments to the Electricity Supply Act to better protect consumers and facilitate structured repayment plans for those affected. Furthermore, Tan recommended establishing a central rental database to monitor high-risk tenants and advised property owners to transfer electricity account details to their tenants.
Another report by The Star highlighted one such case which involves Yen Pit Yun, a shoplot owner in Panorama Lapangan Perdana, Simpang Pulai. Yen said her tenant, who had claimed the unit was being used for storing business goods, had left her with a staggering electricity bill of RM1.2 million within just two months. Upon inspecting the premises after the tenants had moved out, she discovered extensive damage, including tangled wires and holes in the walls.
Similarly, Mohd Najib Abdul Hadi, a retired army personnel, faced a bill of RM86,000 after his house in Manjung was used for illegal cryptocurrency mining. His attempts to contact the tenant were unsuccessful, and his property was found in a dilapidated condition. Both Yen and Najib have lodged police reports, as have many others facing similar predicaments.
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