CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO MAKE KL09 TOBACCO-FREE EVENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- The Asean Para Games (KL'09) is set to
create history as the first sports meet in Southeast Asia to be declared free of
tobacco.

Malaysian Paralympic Council president Zainal Abu Zarin said the
campaign was not only confined to athletes and officers but also spectators
during the five-day event starting Saturday.

"Officers from the Health Ministry will monitor the venues throughout the
event and those found to be smoking are liable to a fine of up to RM1,000," he
told reporters after the signing of the tobacco-free document by contingent
chiefs from Asean countries and Timor Leste at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium
here Thursday.

"If the campaign achieves its objective at the end of KL'09, the feat will
be entered into the Malaysia Book of Records," he said.

Zainal, who is also the Asian Paralympic Council president, hoped that the
campaign would be emulated by other sports organisers to encourage a healthy
lifestyle among the people.

All paralympic athletes have now arrived in Malaysia with the first training
session scheduled to start Friday. (US$1=RM3.50)
-- BERNAMA