Cover image via Azmi Zainal
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In a deeply personal tribute, Farm Fresh Berhad Chief Operating Officer Azmi Zainal shared the harrowing details of the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Farm Director Jacob Mathan
Azmi recalled receiving a call on the morning of 3 March from the Malaysian Embassy in the Philippines, asking for Jacob's contact details.
"I didn't suspect anything because I knew Jacob was heading to Manila," Azmi shared, noting he had just seen Jacob the previous Saturday. He assumed the embassy simply wanted to discuss the land they were eyeing for a new farm project.
However, an hour later, the news broke: the helicopter Jacob was on had crashed. While Azmi prayed for a miracle, a call from Group Managing Director Loi Tuan Ee confirmed his worst fears: Jacob had not survived the crash.
Azmi immediately flew to Manila together with Jacob's widow, Amy
He described her incredible strength during the darkest moment of her life. At the airport, she asked to see a photo of the accident.
"I asked her if she was okay to see them… she said she was," Azmi wrote.
As she looked at the images, her tears flowed as she whispered, "He's so handsome."
Later that night, while saying her final goodbye, she remained calm, smiling through her tears as she stroked Jacob's forehead.
According to Azmi, Jacob and Amy studied together at university and both interned at Farm Fresh.
He shared that Jacob's journey with Farm Fresh was a true "success story" that began in 2013 at Mawai Farm
Azmi said that Loi trained Jacob extensively until he was eventually entrusted with the responsibility of Farm Director.
"Jacob was a deeply committed staff member and a quick learner," he wrote, adding that Jacob took on greater responsibilities, including managing interactions with the Department of Veterinary Services and livestock breeders, eventually leading a farm team of 400 people.
Azmi credited the success of the Taiping farm entirely to Jacob's handiwork "from A to Z".
Perhaps the highest praise came from Jacob's ability to command a room
Azmi recalled how he and Loi would sit in meetings with the government or the private sector and not have to say a word.
"He learned fast, he led well, and eventually he could present to visitors, government, and private sector partners even better than I did," Azmi admitted in the post.
"Jacob 'goreng' (pitches) better than us, man," Azmi recalled telling Loi.
They were so impressed that Loi once remarked, "If we polish Jacob further, he could be our next CEO."
Beyond the boardroom, Azmi and Jacob shared a bond defined by brotherly banter
Azmi fondly remembered Jacob as a handsome, well-mannered young man whom he used to tease.
"I always joked with him… 'Jacob, you're handsome like Hrithik Roshan… but that was before, now you've gotten fat, man,'" Azmi shared.
The two often discussed their weight and practised intermittent fasting together. Jacob would playfully rib his boss, saying, "Boss, your stomach looks a bit slimmer," even though they both knew the opposite was true.
Azmi is currently in Manila, coordinating the arrangements to bring Jacob home
He expressed gratitude to the Malaysian Embassy in the Philippines, specifically Ambassador Datuk Malik Melvin Castelino and officers Fara and Sara, for their help.
"For Farm Fresh, and for me, Jacob's passing is a huge loss," Azmi concluded.
"The country has also lost a local dairy expert."
