{
  "id": 15996613,
  "title": "After 92 years, Marie biscuits maker Lee Biscuits prepares to close a chapter",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/after-92-years-marie-biscuits-maker-lee-biscuits-prepares-to-close-a",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-22T04:27:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1561225/after-92-years-marie-biscuits-maker-lee-biscuits-prepares-close-chapter"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lee Biscuits Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a biscuit brand founded in 1934, is set to cease production at its Pontian factory by the end of this month. This decision is part of a broader restructuring plan by its parent company, which is divesting from snack manufacturing to focus on its core businesses in rubber and palm oil. The news of the production halt was distributed to suppliers and customers last month, and the factory is also expected to lay off its workforce. Local assemblyman Tan Eng Meng confirmed the impending closure when reached by China Press.\n\nThis marks the second Lee Group facility in Johor to shut down in the past three years. In November 2023, Lee Biscuits, also known as Nam Lee, closed its Lee Pineapple cannery in Skudai as it redirected its efforts towards oil palm cultivation. Established by Lee Kong Chian, Lee Biscuits is renowned for its range of products including Marie biscuits, saltine crackers, banana puffs, and iced gem biscuits. The brand originally originated in Singapore but shifted its production to Tampoi, Johor Baru in 1955, and eventually to Pontian in 2005.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Biscuits Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a biscuit brand established in 1934, will cease production at its Pontian factory by the end of this month.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lee Biscuits Malaysia Sdn Bhd founded in 1934",
    "Production to cease at Pontian factory by end of month",
    "Parent company divesting from snack manufacturing"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The parent company is abandoning its long-standing snack manufacturing legacy to prioritize more profitable core investments in the rubber and palm oil sectors.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}