Farm Fresh Berhad’s farm director Jacob Mathan, 35, died after a helicopter crash in Rizal Province, Philippines.

PETALING JAYA: Jacob Mathan, farm director at public-listed Malaysian dairy company Farm Fresh Berhad, has died following a helicopter crash in the Philippines. He was 35-years-old.

The incident occurred on the morning of March 3 at approximately 7.20am near Pililla, in Rizal province.

According to the company’s founder, CEO and group managing director Loi Tuan Ee in a heartfelt Facebook post, the helicopter encountered engine trouble during what was intended to be a routine visit to a potential farm site.

Shawn Pu, CEO of Farm Fresh Philippines, was also onboard at the time. He sustained injuries in the crash but has since been confirmed to be in stable condition.

Jacob first joined Farm Fresh 13 years ago as a university intern and rose steadily through the organisation to become Farm Director — a trajectory that spoke to both his dedication and the trust the company placed in him over the years.

In a letter addressed to staff, Loi remembered Jacob as someone who was “affable, respectful, and well-mannered,” crediting him with making meaningful contributions to the company’s dairy farm division throughout his tenure.

Among his key achievements, Jacob was recognised for cultivating strong working relationships with contractors, suppliers, and government bodies, including the Department of Veterinary Services and the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC).

“Jacob was truly a beloved and invaluable member of our Farm Fresh family,” the company said in a statement. “Our hearts are broken, and we grieve along with his family.”

Jacob is survived by his wife, Amy, a son and their family.

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 The Sun Malaysia