300 Lee Biscuits Workers To Lose Their Jobs As Pontian Factory Closes This Month

According to China Press, the factory is being prepared for resale, although it has not been officially listed and its asking price has yet to be announced.

A senior manager of the 92-year-old brand told the Chinese daily that several warehouse sales had been held over the past two weeks following the decision to close the factory.

All biscuit stocks have since sold out, with the senior manager saying that many customers had recently called to buy the products directly from the factory.

However, with no stock remaining and production having ceased, he had to direct customers to purchase the biscuits from retail stores instead.

However, the senior manager told China Press that Lee Biscuits might not attract the same level of attention, as the biscuit market is much more competitive.

He explained that there are relatively few local manufacturers of pineapple juice and canned pineapple, whereas many brands produce biscuits.

Founded by prominent tycoon Tan Sri Lee Kong Chian in 1934, Lee Biscuits is known for its iconic local snacks that generations of Malaysians have grown up with.

Its products include fish-shaped crackers popular among children, saltine crackers, Marie biscuits, banana puffs, lemon sandwich biscuits, and iced gem biscuits.

The brand was also known for its large tins of crackers, which were commonly sold at traditional kedai runcit (sundary shops).

Dubbed the Rubber King and Pineapple King during his time, Kong Chian was also a banker who played a role in the mergers that led to the formation of OCBC Bank Ltd.

The closure of the Pontian factory is understood to be linked to the company's decision to restructure its business.

Pekan Nanas assemblyperson Tan Eng Meng had previously confirmed that he had received news of the factory's impending closure.