Established in Singapore in 1934 by philanthropist Lee Kong Chian, the business originally sought to supply affordable biscuits under names such as Shield, Turkey, and Bell. Manufacturing shifted across the Causeway to Tampoi in 1955 before moving to the current Pontian facility in 2005 to support business expansion. As workers gather outside the factory gates to take final photographs, supermarket retailers such as FairPrice continue to sell remaining selected products.
Key points
The Pontian factory will officially halt all production at the end of October after 92 ye…: The Pontian factory will officially halt all production at the end of October after 92 years of operation.
Surrounding community businesses, including nearby food stalls that fed factory staff, ar…: Surrounding community businesses, including nearby food stalls that fed factory staff, are directly impacted by the closure.
Lee Group previously ceased operations at its longstanding Lee Pineapple cannery in Skuda…: Lee Group previously ceased operations at its longstanding Lee Pineapple cannery in Skudai in November 2023.
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From Marie biscuits and cream crackers to colourful iced gems, Lee Biscuits' snacks were household staples for generations of Singaporeans and Malaysians. After 92 years, production is coming to an end.
JOHOR BAHRU/SINGAPORE: For generations of Malaysians and Singaporeans, Lee Biscuits' Marie biscuits, saltine crackers, banana puffs and colourful iced gems were familiar snacks.
Now, after 92 years, the biscuit maker, also known as Nam Lee, is preparing to cease production at its factory in Pontian, Johor at the end of October.
Founded in Singapore in 1934 by prominent businessman and philanthropist Lee Kong Chian, the company moved its manufacturing operations to Johor in 1955, first to Tampoi and later to Pontian.
When CNA visited the factory on Thursday (Oct 29), workers declined to comment on the impending closure. Some were seen taking photographs outside the factory as its final days approached.
For those whose lives have become intertwined with the factory, however, the closure is a personal loss.
Rogayah Othman, 62, has run a food stall just outside its gates since 2012, with workers stopping by regularly for breakfast…
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