5 Malaysian companies that employ adults with Down Syndrome

These are some companies that hire people with disabilities, enabling them to contribute productively and be independent.

These are some companies that hire people with disabilities, enabling them to contribute productively and be independent.

McDonald’s Malaysia

There are about 150 special needs employees working at McDonald’s Malaysia. Their work responsibilities include clearing tables, cleaning up the restaurant and working in the food production area. These individuals are hired based on their ability to communicate and understand simple instructions. They enjoy the same benefits as regular crew members.

At PAFID's sheltered workshop, a Down Syndrome worker gets to further hone his painting skills and earn a salary. Photo: Perak Association For Intellectually Disabled

For details, visit maukerja.my/mcd

PAFID Sheltered Workshops and Factories

The Perak Association For Intellectually Disabled (PAFID), provides learning and training opportunities for people with Down Syndrome.

There are five sheltered workshops and a sheltered factory across Perak. There, 41 special needs people work on making soft toys, wood working, and assembling electrical fittings.

For the past 40 years, PAFID has trained over 500 disabled individuals. For details, contact 05-547 0186 or go to pafid.org.my.

Tender Hearts Cafe

Since 2018, Tender Hearts Cafe in Subang Jaya, Selangor, has been hiring youths over age 17 with Down Syndrome.

At the cafe, there are three employees with Down Syndrome. They handle tasks such as food preparation, serving and payment.

Employees are given hands-on training at the cafe. The employees are paid hourly, and also enjoy free meals. For details, contact 016-216 2188 (Sharon Lee) or [e-mail].

Bake With Dignity

Bake With Dignity (BWD) has been running for nine years, providing job opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.

Set up by Dignity and Services (D&S), the bakery in Bandar Sunway, Selangor, currently has nine employees with learning disabilities, including autism and Down Syndrome, and slow learners.

Employment helps people with special needs build their confidence and move toward independence. Photo: Traders Hotel

They are allocated jobs based on their abilities. The tasks vary from production tasks like weighing ingredients, rolling dough, piping and and icing, cooking to washing and cleaning up. Training is provided for employees. For details, call 010-2881201 (Helen), or go to dignityandservices.org or facebook.com/bakewithdignity.

Traders Hotel

Traders Hotel has opened its doors to people with Down Syndrome since 2008. Two of them are with the housekeeping department.

Their job responsibilities include stock inventory of room amenities, arranging and disposing of stocks. Staff also undergo a dexterity test, followed by a three-month probation to ensure the job is suitable for them.

For details, contact 03-2332 9888 or go to www.shangri-la.com/kualalumpur/traders.