Farm Fresh director killed in Philippines helicopter crash

 Jacob Mathan, 35, was on a routine visit to a potential farm site in the Rizal province.

Jacob Mathan joined Farm Fresh as a university intern 13 years ago and rose through the ranks to become farm director.

KUALA LUMPUR:

 Farm Fresh Bhd confirmed that its farm director, Jacob Mathan, was the Malaysian killed in a helicopter crash in Pililla in the Rizal province of the Philippines yesterday.

In a statement posted on Farm Fresh’s official Facebook account, group managing director Loi Tuan Ee said the helicopter reportedly experienced engine trouble during what was meant to be a routine visit to a potential farm site.

Jacob, 35, joined Farm Fresh as a university intern 13 years ago and quickly earned a reputation for responsibility and eagerness to learn.

“A delightful person of good cheer, kind in action and speech, who never caused any ill-feelings with anyone in the Farm Fresh family. And this kindness extended to our cows in the farm as well.

“Over the years, Jacob had done very well professionally, climbing up the ranks and becoming our farm director,” Loi said.

He said Jacob contributed to bringing the company to greater heights, especially in its dairy farm division, while building a good relationship with all team members, contractors and suppliers alike.

Jacob had also forged a strong connection and trust with government agencies, particularly the department of veterinary services, the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) and others.

“I strongly believe that we have the strength in our leadership pipeline in the farm division, which has been developed and strengthened over the past years, spearheaded by Jacob. As we honour Jacob’s memory, let us continue to work together to be stronger despite this painful setback,” said Loi.

Jacob is survived by his wife.

Loi also confirmed that Farm Fresh’s Philippines chief executive director, Shawn Pu, was injured in the crash but is in a stable condition.

Yesterday, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines was investigating an incident involving the forced landing of a Bell 505 helicopter en route from Manila to Quezon province.

According to the news agency, the authority’s Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board was conducting the investigation. - FMT