Kuala lumpur: The installation of Distribution Transformer Meter (DTM) systems and smart meters has improved the detection of electricity theft since 2021. Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof highlighted that these systems have significantly enhanced the capability to identify and address violations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah explained that data from 2021 to 2025 indicates an increase in detected cases due to the advanced technology now available. Previously, the lack of such systems limited detection, but now they play a crucial role in curbing theft and preventing losses. The shift to fairer tariffs and subsidies based on consumption means that higher usage results in higher payments, as Fadillah noted in a response to Lee Chean Chung (PH-Petaling Jaya) during a session at the Dewan Rakyat.

Fadillah, who also serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), stated that by 2025, 5.56 million smart meters have been installed across Peninsular Malaysia, which has been instrumental in reducing electricity theft. Between 2021 and 2025, 5,133 cases involving smart meter users were detected, resulting in losses of RM41 million. Additionally, drones and thermal handheld devices are being employed to detect excessive heat in suspected premises, improving the ability to uncover illegal cryptocurrency mining operations.

He emphasized the commitment of PETRA, the Energy Commission, and TNB to tackle electricity theft, particularly in bitcoin and other crypto mining operations, which pose risks to consumers and threaten economic stability, public safety, and the integrity of the national power grid.

In response to a supplementary question from Datuk Abdul Khalib Abdullah (PN-Rompin) regarding enforcement effectiveness, Fadillah revealed that 379 cases were detected in 2021, with numbers rising to 647 in 2022, 909 in 2023, 1,298 in 2024, and 1,900 in 2025. This increase underscores the technology's effectiveness in enabling more proactive enforcement alongside the Energy Commission, Royal Malaysia Police, and TNB.

Fadillah also pointed out issues with premises owners failing to transfer meter accounts to tenants, resulting in liability for unpaid bills amounting to hundreds of thousands of ringgit due to illegal crypto mining activities.