Lee Biscuits to Close Pontian Factory by End-October

Lee Biscuits, the long-standing manufacturer of Marie and iced gem biscuits, is set to end production and close its factory in Pontian, Malaysia, by the end of October 2026. As of October 22, 2026, reports indicate that layoffs have already commenced and no future production plans have been announced for the 92-year-old company.

Why it is trending now

The announcement has sparked widespread interest as the company, also known as Nam Lee, is a household name across the region. According to reports from China Press and The Straits Times, the closure is part of a broader corporate restructuring. The company is reportedly exiting the snack manufacturing sector entirely to focus on its core business holdings, which include rubber and palm oil operations.

Key facts

• The company was established in 1934 in Singapore by business leader Lee Kong Chian, according to The Straits Times.
• Production operations were relocated to Malaysia in 1955, as noted by The Straits Times.
• The brand's portfolio includes popular items such as soda crackers, banana tarts, lemon sandwich biscuits, and animal crackers, per China Press.
• The closure follows the company's 2023 decision to shut down its Lee Pineapple cannery, according to The Straits Times.

Why this is trending in Singapore

As the brand was founded in Singapore and remains a fixture in local supermarkets and online retail, news of its permanent closure has drawn significant attention from Singaporean consumers and those familiar with the brand's long history in the country.

Background and context

Lee Biscuits has operated for over nine decades, transitioning from its Singapore origins to its long-term manufacturing base in Pontian, Johor. The company has historically been a significant player in the traditional biscuit market. Currently, the company's official website is reported to be unavailable.

What happens next

The company is expected to finalize the shuttering of its Pontian facility by the end of October 2026. No details regarding the status of the brand's intellectual property or potential sale of product lines were confirmed at the time of writing. Consumers should expect remaining stock to clear from retail shelves as production ceases.