Deputy PM Fadillah says advanced metering technology has led to a sharp rise in detected electricity theft cases since 2021, uncovering RM41 million in losses.

KUALA LUMPUR: The installation of Distribution Transformer Meter systems and smart meters has significantly improved the detection of electricity theft since 2021.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the rising number of cases reflects the enhanced capability of these systems to identify violations.

“Data from 2021 to 2025 show more cases because we now have the technology to detect them,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.

He explained that detection was limited before such systems were deployed, but these tools now help curb theft and prevent losses.

Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said 5.56 million smart meters have been installed across Peninsular Malaysia as of 2025.

Between 2021 and 2025, authorities detected 5,133 cases involving smart meter users, amounting to losses of RM41 million.

He added that drones and thermal handheld devices are also being used to detect excessive heat in suspected premises.

This technology helps uncover illegal cryptocurrency mining operations more effectively.

“PETRA and the Energy Commission, together with TNB, remain committed to tackling electricity theft,” he said.

He warned that such activities endanger consumers and threaten economic stability and the integrity of the national power grid.

Responding to a question on enforcement effectiveness, Fadillah provided a breakdown of annual cases.

There were 379 cases detected in 2021, rising to 647 in 2022, 909 in 2023, 1,298 in 2024, and 1,900 in 2025.

“The increase shows the technology’s effectiveness in detection,” he stated.

This enables more proactive enforcement with the Energy Commission, Royal Malaysia Police and TNB.

He also highlighted an issue where premise owners fail to transfer meter accounts to tenants.

This leaves the owners liable for unpaid bills reaching hundreds of thousands of ringgit due to illegal crypto mining.

Fadillah said tariffs and subsidies are now fairer as charges are based strictly on consumption.

“Higher usage means higher payment,” he said in response to a supplementary question.

 The Sun Malaysia