Landlords beware: Don't pay for your tenant's bitcoin mining—transfer your TNB account

 

Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, together with officers from the Energy Commission and TNB, raided two houses during a special operation dubbed Op Steal, as part of a crackdown on unauthorised bitcoin mining using stolen electricity.-NSTP/MUHAMMAD DELIMA ATANMUHAMMAD DELIMA ATAN

KUANTAN: Property owners are advised to transfer Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) accounts into their tenants' names when renting out properties.

This move is aimed at preventing landlords from shouldering the burden of potential hefty electricity bills if their premises are used for illegal activities, including bitcoin mining.

Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the change of account holder would protect landlords in cases where tenants make illegal electricity connections.

"When landlords rent out their premises, some are unaware of their tenants' activities. It is therefore best to transfer the electricity account to the tenant's name.

"If tenants make illegal electricity connections for bitcoin mining, resulting in high monthly bills, landlords will be spared from liability and authorities will instead take action against the tenants," he told reporters at Taman Mahkota Aman here today.

Earlier, Rahman, together with officers from the Energy Commission and TNB, raided two houses during a special operation dubbed Op Steal, as part of a crackdown on unauthorised bitcoin mining using stolen electricity.

Rahman said that in most electricity theft cases, authorities identify the property owner through utility bills, Indah Water Konsortium records, and quit rent documents.

"If the tenant has fled and the TNB account remains under the landlord's name, then the landlord will have to bear the consequences," he said.

Meanwhile, Rahman said inspections at most premises found that electricity meters had been bypassed to power bitcoin mining operations, with cables that did not comply with safety standards set by the Energy Commission.

"The wiring is often in disarray, and the use of numerous high-powered mining machines operating simultaneously can cause short circuits or even explosions. This poses a fire risk to the respective property and nearby homes.

"We urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities at vacant properties. Premises used for illegal bitcoin mining are often monitored only through closed-circuit television systems, without any human presence," he said.

It was reported last year, more than 30 property owners in Kuala Lumpur were facing millions of ringgit in electricity claims after their tenants allegedly engaged in illegal bitcoin mining activities. - NST