{
  "id": 13028029,
  "title": "UM to switch to online, hybrid classes from Monday if haze persists",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/um-to-switch-to-online-hybrid-classes-from-monday-if-haze-persists",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T04:20:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1551190/um-switch-online-hybrid-classes-monday-if-haze-persists"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Universiti Malaya (UM) will shift to online and hybrid classes from Monday if haze persists, according to Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman. The decision came after a meeting of UM's Crisis Committee, which assesses the situation daily. The move hinges on the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings; if the index remains high, hybrid classes will commence on Monday. UM has welcomed the autonomy granted to universities by the higher education minister, Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, recognizing that each institution faces unique challenges. The current API has worsened, with Seremban recording the highest reading of 186. UM's decision aligns with Zambry's directive for universities to evaluate local conditions before implementing alternative learning arrangements.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya (UM) will conduct classes online or in hybrid mode from Monday if haze conditions remain at current levels.",
  "key_points": [
    "UM to switch to online and hybrid classes Monday if haze persists",
    "Decision based on Air Pollutant Index (API) readings",
    "API in Seremban recorded highest reading of 186"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}