Mapai Transport

Foundation thanks Mapai

The company of the late Chief Jacob Luke has given an open-back Toyota Land Cruiser, named ‘099’ as logistical support for the Foundation’s projects, serving in the Northern Corridor of Simbu (Kundiawa-Gembogl-Bundi) since June 2023 in the areas of rural health, education and community services.  

“It is a great story for the nation of community partnership with the country’s largest trucking company serving a remote community,” said the director of Kumura Foundation, Vincent Kumura.

Mapai supports Kumura Foundation

The presentation was done at the Gembogl Orphan Resource Centre in Simbu by Willie Komba, a representative of Mapai Transport.

Upon receiving the vehicle key, Vincent Kumura, the director of Kumura Foundation, said: “This year is our year of projects.

“In partnership with the Sir Brian Bell Foundation and the Gembogl Orphan Resource Centre, we will be building 10 community health posts of Bundi and a 60-person orphan students dormitory at Gembogl, Simbu, including a few other major activities that require logistical support.

Mapai community pay tribute

The community is made up of Mapai's board, management and staff.

“Jacob Luke, from humble beginnings to recognition as a Chief of PNG, owner of PNG’s largest transport company, a pioneer and leader who strongly and passionately advocated for not only the transport industry but PNG people and communities.

“Always available to discuss matters, open to new ideas, innovative and an industry leader to, and above, global business standards.

“A strong Christian man equally tough in situations where toughness was required.

Lae MP-elect Extends Sympathies

The Lae MP-elect said: “It’s with great sadness that Lae and Papua New Guinea has lost a stalwart in the transport and trucking industry, someone who contributed immensely to the growth and development of our country.

“Chief Jacob Luke is a fine example of a hard working Papua New Guinean; a village boy who started his business without any government assistance, no SME support but through sheer hard work and perseverance.

Late Chief Jacob brought to Lae

The body of the late owner of one of PNG's largest trucking firms, Mapai Transport, was discovered Friday Morning at his Lakolam home in Enga Province.

Manolos CEO, Captain Jurgen Ruh, said they picked up the Late Chief's body and brought him over to Lae yesterday afternoon.

A large convoy went around Lae city before his body was brought to his new storage yard at Speedway.

Capt Ruh said the atmosphere was “very sad and somber”.

Capt Ruh also reported that an unrest started as soon as they left Lakolam.

Mapai Debunks ‘Fake News’

The firm posted on their Facebook page this morning saying: “Recently, there have been stories about Mapai’s owner, Chief Jacob Luke, chartering planes in America, buying planes in America, and starting a PNG Mapai aviation business.

“Olgeta giaman tok. (These are untruths.)

“The facts are; Mapai has purchased two reach stackers from a company called Taylor, an American family-owned company who manufacture quality machines and have done for generations.

“We already own some of their machines and rate them highly.

Daffodil Charity Golf raises K117,372 in Lae event

The Friday event was far better than the fundraising last year.

Mapai Transport was the main sponsor of the charity event. Their partnership with Oil Search successfully brought the event to the Morobe capital. 

The Oil Search Daffodil Golf Challenge is the longest running charity golf event for the past 14 years.

Mapai owner Jacob Luke applauded those who stood by him and thanked those new companies who have joined in sponsorship in cash and kind, including, Badili Hardware, Casa Supermarket, Labu Holdings, Motorist Discount Centre and Toby Coffee.