The company posted on its Facebook page this morning saying: ‘Recently there have been stories about the owner of Mapai, chef Jacob Luke, chartering planes in America, buying planes in America and starting an aviation business PNG Mapai.

“Olgeta giaman tok. (These are untruths.)

“The facts are; Mapai purchased two reach stackers from a company called Taylor, an American family business that has been manufacturing quality machines for generations.

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

“Taylor’s customer service extends to providing air transportation to their plant in Louisville, which is not a major airline destination in the United States.

“As a customer, Mapai has been invited to visit Taylor with Mapai looking to purchase trailers for our growing business in PNG over the next few years.

“Taylor also has a lodge where its guests are accommodated and cared for.

“Mapai does not have offices in Dubai or New Zealand.”

The company said Chief Jacob had never been a farmer and Mapai was not looking to open offices in Dubai or anywhere else.

“Mapai is a true PNG success story of a humble, ethical, strong and proud man, recently recognized as a chef – a title with very few rewards – who now operates the largest transport company in PNG with a workforce dedicated, passionate and loyal work of 350 women and men from Papua New Guinea.