Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

issue

electricity

cryptomining

expensive

bills

innocent

landlord

For homeowners, managing electricity bills has become increasingly challenging, especially with rising costs. Whether it&rsquo;s a full household or simply trying to stay cool during the scorching weather, keeping energy usage under control can often feel like a daunting task.
However, for one Malaysian shop lot owner, her worst nightmare became a reality when a seemingly straightforward rental agreement turned into a devastating ordeal. The tenant, who rented the upper floor of her property, secretly transformed it into an illegal cryptocurrency mining hub, leaving her with an astonishing RM1.2 million electricity bill and extensive damage to the unit.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/bc81fa99260138ea1bd49058beac0475cf077f89ec3b6b60318818c677811e85" />
Yen Pit Yun, the owner of the two-story shop lot in Panorama Lapangan Perdana, Melaka, recounted her ordeal during a press conference organised by Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing. While the ground floor was occupied by a hair salon, Yen rented out the upper floor in July last year through a property agent. The tenant claimed the unit would be used for storing business goods, and nothing seemed amiss at first.
However, Yen grew suspicious in August when she noticed the tenant hauling heavy electrical cables into the unit. This unusual activity prompted her to lodge a police report, fearing foul play. Before any action could be taken, the tenant disappeared overnight, leaving behind a unit in complete disarray.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1ecc1e054a21c8f4daf3359b7100131043239a6e551017c58e8643f3d5f70757" />
&ldquo;When I went to inspect the property, I was shocked to see the extent of the damage. The walls had holes, the partitions were destroyed, and there were tangled wires everywhere,&rdquo; Yen said. Unfortunately, her problems didn&rsquo;t end there.
Two months later, Yen was blindsided when Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) sent her an electricity bill totalling RM1.2 million, allegedly due to the tenant&rsquo;s electricity usage for their illegal operations. The staggering sum left her in despair. &ldquo;If instalment payments are not allowed, the worst-case scenario would be bankruptcy,&rdquo; she lamented.
A Widespread Issue
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/37e92439de777510fb902c31ef7f6b1365e4e27e50fe0fbe402bec485543eec3" />
Yen&rsquo;s case is not an isolated incident. During the same press conference, Tan Kar Hing revealed that over 60 property owners in areas such as Gopeng, Manjung, and Setiawan have been similarly affected. These landlords have been left with enormous electricity bills ranging from RM30,000 to RM1.2 million, in addition to the extensive property damage caused by illegal cryptocurrency mining.
Among the victims is Mohd Najib Abdul Hadi, a retired army officer whose house in Manjung was used for the same purpose. Najib was left with an electricity bill of RM86,000 and a severely damaged home. Attempts to contact his tenant were unsuccessful, leaving him to shoulder the financial burden.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c3e68d3b38f6b7574b69e34d154b0429c2e1cc0438e99369ab7eea1180fb3035" />
These cases highlight the broader challenges posed by unauthorised cryptocurrency mining operations, which have become a growing concern in Malaysia. The high energy consumption required for mining cryptocurrency often leads to the illegal siphoning of electricity, leaving landlords in distress when the tenants disappear.
Steps Taken by TNB
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/84b2187244536ac4dff9eab73b520eb37ae42dcdd5b946d6c8555d00c6b2ab83" />
In response to the escalating issue, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has pledged to engage with affected property owners to find solutions. In a statement reported by The Star, TNB said it had reached out to Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing&rsquo;s office to discuss plans for addressing the situation.
One key recommendation from TNB is that property owners submit a Change of Tenancy (COT) request whenever a new tenant occupies their property. This simple step ensures that electricity accounts are transferred to tenants, prevents disputes, and protects landlords from liability.
The company also reminded landlords to monitor their properties closely and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Calls for Policy Reforms
Tan Kar Hing has called on the Energy Commission and other relevant authorities to take decisive action against illegal cryptocurrency mining. He has also stressed the need to amend the Electricity Supply Act to protect innocent property owners better.
The MP also suggested creating a centralised rental database to track high-risk tenants, which would help landlords screen potential renters more effectively. Additionally, he urged landlords to exercise caution by conducting thorough background checks and regularly inspecting their properties.
Lessons for Landlords
The harrowing experiences of Yen, Najib, and many others serve as a stark warning to landlords across Malaysia. Renting out a property may seem like a straightforward process, but it comes with risks, particularly when tenants engage in illegal activities.
Experts recommend that landlords take preventive measures, such as signing detailed rental agreements, performing tenant background checks, and submitting Change of Tenancy requests to TNB. Regular inspections and prompt reporting of unusual activity can also help mitigate risks.
While TNB continues its efforts to resolve the current cases, the incident highlights a systemic issue that requires broader legal and policy changes. For now, landlords must remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to similar schemes, which can have devastating financial consequences.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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With over 60 homeowners affected by similar issues, TNB is now seeking an amicable solution for the innocent victims.

c2a7ef36c8ac239a1bc044c29f4e2c820a53fcbf39a7025836ec0e5954e3e4f9

Landlord Shocked With RM1.2 Million Electricity Bill After Tenant Operates Illegal Crypto Mining

Landlord Shocked With RM1.2 Million Electricity Bill After Tenant Operates Illegal Crypto Mining

With over 60 homeowners affected by similar issues, TNB is now seeking an amicable solution for the innocent victims.

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