Johor bahru: The Johor government is set to introduce the Johor Xtif campaign, aiming to foster sports as a healthy and active lifestyle practice among its community. State Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman, Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, announced that the campaign will engage various community elements including family institutions, schools, government agencies, and the corporate sector.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi is anticipated to launch the initiative in August in Mersing. Mohd Hairi disclosed this information during a media conference following the official opening of the Bank Rakyat Johor International Marathon (BRJIM) 2025. The event was attended by State Sports Council (MSNJ) director Mohd Ekmaluddin Ishak and Bank Rakyat CEO Ahmad Shahril Mohd Shariff.

Mohd Hairi also highlighted that BRJIM 2025, which is co-organized by MSNJ and Bank Rakyat as the main sponsor, is expected to draw over 8,000 local and international runners. He expressed confidence that the marathon would not only elevate Johor’s profile on the international stage but also boost the state’s economy through tourism and service sectors.

Furthermore, Mohd Hairi noted that the marathon would reinforce Johor’s position as a regional sports hub, aligning with the aspirations of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, for Johor to achieve the status of a Sports Nation by 2030. The event, supported by the Johor Stadium Corporation, will take place in Kota Jail on November 8-9 and will feature five race categories catering to various age groups.