Singapore Haze Reaches All-Time High, Residents Flee To Nearby Locations For Fresh Air

As the haze from nearby forest fire smoke continues to worsen by the hour, some residents of the Indonesian island of Sumatra have been forced to flee the state for nearby locations with less polluted air.

The Pollutant Standards Index for Singapore hit an all-time high on Thursday, soaring above the score of 300 deemed "hazardous," topping out at an unbelievable 401.

The Malaysian state of Johor that borders Singapore was also affected by the heavy, soup-like, grey smog.

According to senior analyst at travel website Skyscanner Ewan Nicolson who spoke with Bloomberg on Friday, families looked to "escape the haze by booking a short trip away. Short-haul destinations have increased in popularity, with many families looking to depart this weekend."

Schools in the area that were affected by the thick smog cancelled all outdoor activities for the duration of the month's vacation. Government and weather officials told companies to scale back their outdoor assignments. Stores quickly ran out of protective masks while haze that rolled in on Monday hung more stagnant in the air as the week wore on.

Many citizens claimed they experienced itchy eyes, dry throats and strange tastes in their mouths due to the smog.

The smoky air has done more than just create physical problems-Indonesian and Singaporean government s are in the midst of a spat, pointing the finger at one another to shuttle blame onto the opposite country.

Each one believes the other could have done more to stop the fires and the subsequent smoke.

Airplanes have issued low visibility warnings-as a result, Singapore's Changi Airport has increased the amount of time it takes to take off and land. Ships were warned to move through the waters cautiously.

For some citizens like Shaun Tan, who has booked his flight to get away from the nasty air, the delays will not stop their movements.

"I didn't like the disgusting feeling of inhaling contaminated air," Tan, Singapore-based shipbroker who made plans for a trip to Hong Kong on June 20, said. "If things worsen, I might change my flight back and take more leave."