KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — The federal and state governments must strengthen cooperation under the proposed National Covenant framework to ensure more sustainable, equitable and balanced development, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

He said the framework, outlined in Budget 2027, was a key focus of the 150th Meeting of Menteri Besar and Chief Ministers, which he chaired today.

The proposed covenant aims to strengthen federal-state cooperation and promote more inclusive development and public well-being.

“Amid global economic uncertainties, national growth projections and fluctuations in global oil prices, the budget must continue to protect the people, address the rising cost of living and take into account each state’s priorities, including border security, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stressed the importance of aligning development plans and allocations with actual needs on the ground, saying that priority must be given to improving public service delivery, infrastructure development, strengthening state economies and implementing projects that directly benefit the people.

Other than that, the Prime Minister said the meeting also discussed the importance of post-quantum cryptography in strengthening the protection of national data and digital systems against emerging technological challenges and future cybersecurity threats.

On transboundary haze, Anwar said Indonesia had been urged to take immediate and effective action against open burning.

He said decisive measures were necessary as the haze threatened public health, particularly that of schoolchildren, and disrupted schooling.

As of 3pm today, 22 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, prompting the closure of all schools in Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan tomorrow (October 14).

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said in a Facebook post that the closures would also affect schools in several districts in Selangor, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak.

Schools in all other states and districts will operate as usual. — Bernama