The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) in Miri, Sarawak recently disposed of 1,069 machines that were used for digital currency or bitcoin mining activities.
Photo via The Straits Times
According to BERNAMA, the machines believed to be worth RM5.3 million that were disposed of were the result of six raid operations with Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) between February and April, 2021.
Miri district police chief, ACP Hakemal Hawarim said that the premises which had previously carried out illegal digital currency mining activities not only caused SEB a loss of around RM8.4 million, but also became the cause of three houses burning due to illegal electrical connections.
Dayak Daily Portal recently shared a video of the disposal activity using a rolling machine that took place at the Miri IPD.
PDRM’s stern actions caught the attention of local media as well as international media including the BBC, CNBC and SCMP.
Malaysian netizens who watched the video were also surprised by the stern actions of the Malaysian authorities and said that the machines are actually valuable and can be sold at a very high price in the second-hand market.
However, many others came forward to support PDRM’s actions describing the disposal video as more of a ‘message’ and warning to those who have been stealing electricity which resulted in house fires and losses.
Well done, PDRM!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
