Marie biscuits maker Lee Biscuits to close JB factory by end-October
Marie biscuits maker Lee Biscuits is shuttering its Pontian factory in Johor Bahru by end-October.Malaysian media on Thursday (Oct 22) reported that the 92-year-old company, also known as Nam Lee, could exit snack manufacturing to consolidate its assets and focus on core holdings, including rubber and palm oil plantations.Founded in 1934 by philanthropist Lee Kong Chian, the brand originated in Singapore before moving its production to JB's Tampoi in 1955, and later to Pontian in 2005.Checks by AsiaOne on NTUC FairPrice's online store show that there are at least 23 Lee Biscuit products sold by the supermarket chain in Singapore.Other than Marie biscuits, it is also known for its banana puffs, cream wafers, lemon crackers and sugar crackers.Suppliers and customers reportedly began receiving notices about the closure last month, while the factory was also said to be laying off its employees.China Press reported Pekan Nanas assemblyman Tan Eng Meng as saying that he had received news of the impending closure.It is the second Lee Group food business facility in Johor to cease operation in three years.