Lee Biscuits to close Pontian factory by end-October after 92 years

The maker of Marie biscuits and iced gem biscuits is reportedly exiting snack manufacturing as its parent group shifts its focus to rubber and palm oil operations.

Lee Biscuits Malaysia was founded by Lee Kong Chian in Singapore in 1934. Production moved to Tampoi, Johor Bahru, in 1955 before relocating to Pontian in 2005.

Now, the company is set to cease production at its Pontian factory by the end of October this year, marking a major change for the 92-year-old biscuit brand, also known as Nam Lee.

The brand is known for products such as Marie biscuits, saltine crackers, banana puffs, and iced gem biscuits.

According to New Straits Times (NST), suppliers and customers began receiving notices of the production halt in September, while the factory is reportedly laying off employees.

Per the news report, Pekan Nanas assemblyman Tan Eng Meng also confirmed receiving news of the impending closure when contacted by China Press.

The move comes as Lee Group reportedly restructures its business and shifts its focus away from snack manufacturing. As reported by NST, the group is reportedly exiting snack manufacturing to consolidate its assets and focus on its core holdings, including rubber and palm oil operations.

The Pontian factory's closure will be the second Lee Group food production facility in Johor to shut down in three years. In November 2023, the group closed its Lee Pineapple cannery in Skudai as it shifted its focus towards oil palm cultivation, NST reported.

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