End of an era: Tracing Lee Biscuits' 92-year journey from Singapore to Johor

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.

Workers taking photos outside the Lee Biscuits factory in Pontian, Johor on Oct 29, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Zamzahuri Abas)

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 and lunch.

“I am sad as I’ve grown close to some of the workers. They are like my own kids,” she told CNA.

Some Lee Biscuits products were still listed for sale on supermarket chain FairPrice’s website as of Thursday.

CNA Games Guess Word Crack the word, one row at a time Buzzword Create words using the given letters Mini Sudoku Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser Mini Crossword Small grid, big challenge Word Search Spot as many words as you can Show More Show Less Lee Biscuits' factory in Pontian, Johor on Oct 29, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Zamzahuri Abas) 1934-1955: From rubber empire to biscuit manufacturing

Lee Biscuits’ origins can be traced to 1934, when it was established in Singapore by Lee Kong Chian, one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent businessmen of his time.

Also known as the “Rubber King” and “Pineapple King”, Lee built a vast business empire spanning rubber plantations, pineapple cultivation, manufacturing and other industries.