As Singapore got to experience clearer skies over the weekend, the smoke haze from Indonesia's forest fires has shifted this time to Malaysia.

Smoke Haze From Indonesia Forest Fires Moves Away From Singapore, Now Umbrella Over Malaysia, Two Under State of Emergency With Pollution Index Already Breached

On Sunday, Malaysia placed the Muar and Ledang districts in the southern Johor state under a state of emergency. The Air Pollution Index readings in Johor, an industrialised state on the southern tip which borders Singapore, have reached more than 750, a statement issued by G. Palanivel, minister for natural resources and environment, said. Any level above 300 is already considered hazardous.

"There should be no outdoor activities and people must stay indoors until further notice in these areas," Mr Palanivel said in the statement.

He also said authorities will carry out cloud seeding to induce rain in the worst-hit areas and schools in Kuala Lumpur. Schools in and around the capital of Kuala Lumpur have likewise been ordered close today, Monday.

Shiny for Singapore

Meanwhile, Singapore has continued to enjoy blue, sunny skies over the weekend, as the winds shifted direction, pulling away the smog that residents had to endure since Monday last week.

However, the respite could anytime revert back, brought also by the same wind conditions

Forest fires have always been a point of contention Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. However, this year was the worst for Singapore, which analysts surmised could greatly affect the country's tourism sector.

Singapore's tourism contributes 5-6 per cent of the country's gross domestic product, according to Barclays. The island nation's economy may well brace itself for damage caused by the worst environmental pollution yet so far triggered by Indonesia's forest fires.

"We are in uncharted territory and the magnitude of the increase in pollution to recent historical norms is stunning," Daniel Wilson, Asia Pacific economist at ANZ bank, was quoted by the Financial Times. "One thing is certain, however, the impact will be negative."

Restaurants in Singapore have reported dismal bookings. Famous for its night safari, Singapore's zoo has likewise suffered a blow in sales.