These sites were found to be stealing electricity at an estimated monthly cost of RM273,679.

This operation highlights a growing concern: cryptocurrency mining, especially Bitcoin, has contributed to a mounting energy theft issue in Malaysia. Since 2018, these activities have resulted in financial losses exceeding RM4.8 billion.

These illicit operations are increasingly sophisticated, often unmanned, and run 24 / 7, protected by high-security systems such as CCTV and reinforced doors. Many use fake identities or unregistered companies to obtain electricity, while bypassing official meters to avoid detection.

Power Theft: Illegal crypto mining setup tapping into the grid.

Beyond economic losses, illegal energy tapping poses serious safety threats. Non-compliant cable installations pose a risk of fires, electric shocks, and power outages. These hazards not only endanger lives but also strain the already burdened national grid- an issue of concern for sustainability advocates and policymakers alike.

Despite the severe implica-

THE recently launched Hybrid Hydro Floating Solar( HHFS) and Green Hydrogen Hub projects in Kenyir, Terengganu, mark a significant step in Malaysia’ s transition to clean energy.

These initiatives, jointly developed by Petroliam Nasional Berhad( PETRONAS) and Tenaga Nasional Berhad( TNB), are expected to attract regional and international investment while reinforcing Malaysia’ s position in the global green energy landscape.

The projects align with national policies including the National Energy Transition Roadmap( NETR) and the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap( HETR), supporting Malaysia’ s ambition to become a regional leader in the hydrogen value chain.

The HHFS initiative is led by TNB’ s generation subsidiary, TNB Genco Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with Terengganu Inc, a state-owned entity. The Green Hydrogen Hub, meanwhile, is a strategic partnership between PETRONAS and TNB.

The pilot HHFS installation at the Kenyir Dam comprises 220 solar panels spanning 1,085 square

metres, generating 100 kilowatts( kW) of renewable energy.

With Tasik Kenyir spanning 36,900 hectares, studies indicate that up to 10 per cent of the lake’ s surface could be used for floating solar arrays, potentially generating up to 2,200 megawatts( MW) of clean electricity- without compromising the lake’ s ecological integrity.

The location’ s strategic value is further enhanced by its planned integration into the ASEAN Power Grid. This regional energy-sharing network will begin with an undersea cable linking Vietnam to Kota Bharu, Kelantan, before connecting to Malaysia’ s national grid.

A new, higher-capacity grid infrastructure will pass through Terengganu, Kuala Berang, and Kenyir, linking further into Pahang, tions, cryptocurrency mining is not currently classified as a crime in Malaysia and falls outside the purview of any single regulatory agency. However, those found guilty of electricity theft can face harsh penalties under the Electricity Supply Act 1990, including fines of up to RM5 million and imprisonment for up to 10 years.

The Energy Commission continues to encourage public vigilance. Property owners are advised to submit a Change of Tenancy( COT) request to TNB before renting out premises to avoid liability for any illegal activities by tenants.

ST is also committed to strengthening awareness campaigns, surveillance efforts, and regulatory enforcement to tackle energy theft and uphold the integrity and sustainability of Malaysia’ s power infrastructure.

Energy theft is not just a financial issue- it is an environmental one, undermining efforts to transition to a cleaner and more accountable energy future.

Hydro Frontier: The dam in Kenyir, Terengganu.

Selangor, Johor, and ultimately, Singapore.

To ensure the benefits extend to local communities, PETRONAS and TNB are being encouraged to provide Technical and Vocational Education and Training( TVET) and upskilling programmes tailored for youths in Kuala Berang and Hulu Terengganu.

Relevant government ministries are expected to support the development of specialised training centres, enabling locals to participate in and benefit from the green energy economy actively.

The HHFS and Green Hydrogen Hub projects not only contribute to Malaysia’ s low-carbon goals, but also offer a blueprint for inclusive, environmentally responsible growth in the region.- @ green

Green Governance: Malaysian Parliament building.

MALAYSIA’ S Parliament has taken a bold step towards sustainability by installing a large-scale rooftop solar photovoltaic( PV) system, making it one of the first parliamentary buildings in ASEAN- and among the earliest globally- to adopt solar energy on such a scale.

The 1.5-megawatt system, launched as part of the National Energy Transition Roadmap( NETR), is expected to generate 1.9 gigawatthours( GWh) of electricity annually.

This reduces approximately 1,465 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year and is projected to save around RM1 million in annual electricity bills.

This initiative is part of a wider government plan to install solar PV systems on 807 federal buildings, with Parliament chosen as the pilot project.

The effort involves collaboration among the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation( Petra), the Sustainable Energy Development Authority( SEDA), the Public Works Department( JKR), and Parliament itself.

The move aligns with Malaysia’ s climate goals: a 45 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas( GHG) emissions by 2030( compared to 2005 levels) and net-zero emissions by 2050. Currently, the energy sector contributes nearly 80 per cent of the nation’ s GHG emissions- making clean energy transitions within public infrastructure a critical strategy.

The Parliament complex has also introduced four electric vehicle( EV) charging bays to encourage the adoption of low-emission transport among lawmakers and staff.

In the commercial and industrial sectors, more than 11,000 buildings have already embraced rooftop solar under self-consumption( Selco) programmes, yielding an estimated RM972 million in annual savings.