KUALA LUMPUR, 21 Oct 2026 – A steady job can offer parolees something that goes beyond a monthly pay cheque: a routine, workplace experience and an opportunity to adjust to life in the community.
That has been the experience of 439 parolees employed by Lotus’s Malaysia since June 2022 under an employment arrangement with the Malaysian Prisons Department.
For the Prisons Department, being in a real working environment gives parolees an opportunity to develop skills and discipline, gain work experience and earn a legitimate income as they adjust to life outside prison.
For some, the opportunity has continued beyond their parole period. A total of 98 participants have moved into permanent employment with Lotus’s, including 95 from the Ambient Distribution Centre and three from Rawang. One participant at Rawang progressed to Team Leader in May 2025.
For Lotus’s, the arrangement also helps address operational vacancies while providing parolees with an opportunity to gain workplace experience.
“As part of our broader strategy to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce, we believe in creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals from all walks of life. By providing parolees with an opportunity to work, gain valuable experience and reintegrate into society, we hope to support their journey towards a fresh start. Those who wish to continue their employment after completing parole may be considered for permanent positions, subject to the applicable requirements,” said Muhammad Syamil Kulendran, Executive Director, People – Lotuss Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
The number of placements depends on vacancies at the participating sites. When workers are needed, Lotus’s submits a request to the Prisons Department, which refers to available candidates in batches.
Candidates are interviewed according to Lotus’s recruitment requirements and undergo the necessary employment checks. Those selected are hired on contracts aligned with their parole period.
They receive new joiner induction and an initial two week training period, followed by on the job training. Workplace buddies are also available to help new employees settle into their roles.
Depending on their duties, training can include material handling equipment, first aid, fire marshal duties and forklift operation.
Most participants work as Warehouse Packers or Associates at the distribution centres, handling dispatch and other warehouse operations depending on their site and role. At the Rawang and Cheras outlets, they have worked as Associates.
The placements have been made across four locations, with 351 participants at the Ambient Distribution Centre, 48 at Rawang, 25 at the Fresh Distribution Centre and 15 at Cheras.
There are currently 71 participants under the arrangement, comprising 45 at Ambient, 24 at the Fresh Distribution Centre and two at Rawang. The Fresh Distribution Centre only began taking participants in June this year, making it too early to assess permanent employment conversions there.
At Cheras, six participants were initially hired, followed by another nine in 2024. All 15 have since left, and the outlet is not currently taking new placements.
Of the 98 participants who moved into permanent employment, 19 remain with the company, comprising 17 from the Ambient Distribution Centre and two from Rawang.
The arrangement also gives the Hulu Selangor District Parole Office feedback from the employer on participants’ attendance, conduct and performance, which is used for monitoring and follow up.
The current placements are at the Ambient Distribution Centre, Fresh Distribution Centre and Rawang.
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