The Home Ministry on Thursday announced 11 new initiatives which are expected to improve the quality and image of the security services industry in the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said in the effort to prepare the industry for future challenges, some of the initiatives have been implemented while the rest will begin next year.

"These initiatives that I am announcing affect 800 security companies under the Security Services Association of Malaysia (PPKKM) quite significantly in view of the rapid national pace," he said, when announcing the 11 initiatives at a meeting with the board members and management of security companies here.

Ahmad Zahid who is also Home Minister, said he would table some of these initiatives at the Cabinet meeting next Wednesday for further discussion.

He said the new initiatives, which would be implemented next year, included relaxing the regulations which require security companies to renew their licenses each year to every two years.