A total 369 rural schools in Sarawak were without electricity supply as there was no diesel for their generator sets.

The Education Ministry said contactors tasked to supply the diesel did not do so right before their contract ended last year.

The 30 suppliers' contract was for 2015 and 2016.

However, the ministry refuted claims that the schools were without electricity for the first day of school today.

"The ministry's checks found electricity supply for all schools were fully restored on Jan 1, 2017," it said in a statement.

The Borneo Post earlier reported the ministry had on Dec 16 threatened to cancel their contracts if they do not fill up the schools' diesel tanks before their contracts expired on Dec 31.

However, the contractors argued the contracts did not require them to do so, the daily reported, citing sources.

The situation raised safety concerns as those staying at residential schools may need to use candles at night.