Lee Biscuits, brand behind Marie biscuits, to cease production & close M'sia factory after 92 years

Lee Biscuits, also known as Nam Lee, a 92-year-old biscuit brand, will close its factory in Pontian, Johor and stop manufacturing by the end of October 2026.

The brand is known for its Marie biscuits, lemon sandwich biscuits, and iced gem biscuits, and their products are still available for purchase on supermarket websites and online retailers.

The New Straits Times (NST) reported that the move is part of a restructuring program.

The firm's parent group is leaving snack production to focus on its core holdings and consolidate its assets, which include rubber and palm oil.

According to China Press, suppliers and customers were informed of the manufacturing freeze since September, while the factory reportedly laid off employees.

Malaysian assemblyman confirms closure

Pontian's Pekan Nanas assemblyman Tan Yong Ming told China Press that he received news that the factory was closing down.

Checks by Mothership also found that the Lee Biscuits website was inaccessible.

This is the second food-handling factory the group has closed in Johor in three years.

Their pineapple canning plant, which was located in Skudai, closed on Nov. 1, 2023.

According to China Press, the brand was established in 1934 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Lee Kong Chian.

Singapore was the brand's base for 21 years before it relocated to Malaysia in 1955 to leverage Malaysia's agricultural supply chains and industrial space, reported The Rakyat Post.