No Affect of Smog on MTQ Participants' Health

Palembang, S Sumatra (Antara) -- Smoke from the forest fires that are affecting some areas of Sumatra and Kalimantan has not affected the health of those participating in the International Koran Recital Competition (MTQ) in Palembang. Scheduled to be held from September 24 to 27, the first day of the MTQ witnessed no major incidents, nor did it see any health issues among the contestants from 40 countries. One of health officers in Palembang confirmed on Wednesday that until now, the MTQ participants had not been affected as far as their health was concerned. "Until now, there have been no reports of any participants with health issues," he stated. The health officers will continue to monitor the MTQ participants to ensure that the Koran Recital Competition runs smoothly. Drug supplies have been kept ready to meet any emergency. The MTQ being hosted in South Sumatra has 81 participants from 40 countries. All the participants have been put up in a hotel near the Palembang Sport and Convention Center. The results of the recital will be announced at the end of the four-day competition. (*)