PETALING JAYA: Universiti Malaya (UM) will implement hybrid teaching and learning (PdP) sessions beginning Monday (Oct 12).
In a statement on Friday (Oct 9), UM vice-chancellor Datuk Seri Prof Ir Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the move was part of the university’s proactive measures to prioritise the health, safety and well-being of its campus community, particularly students and staff, while ensuring academic activities continued.
He said the hybrid arrangement would allow learning to continue more flexibly, taking into account prevailing conditions and students’ needs.
“In the current haze conditions, it is important for the university to take appropriate measures to reduce health risks without compromising students’ opportunities to continue learning,” he said.
He also said that the university is temporarily postponing outdoor activities to reduce exposure to the haze.
“For activities that must proceed, appropriate risk assessments and control measures should be implemented based on prevailing conditions.
“Members of the campus community are also advised to take appropriate health precautions, including limiting outdoor activities and wearing N95 face masks when outdoors, especially if air quality deteriorates,” he said.
Any changes or further instructions would be communicated through UM’s official communication channels.
Earlier on Wednesday (Oct 7), the Higher Education Ministry said Higher Education Institutions in areas recording Air Pollutant Index (API) readings above 201 were given the autonomy to determine the appropriate mode of PdP.
According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), haze lingered across the country with 37 areas recording unhealthy API readings as of 1pm on Oct 9, down from 38 as of 8am.
Despite the drop in the overall number, 20 of the 37 areas recorded higher readings than at 8am, while 13 recorded lower readings and four were unchanged.
API readings between zero and 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 is moderate; 101 to 200 is unhealthy; 201 to 300 is very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are categorised as hazardous.
