In an unusual twist, the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) took to social media to respond directly to several NGOs that claimed the agency was avoiding confrontation, accusing the groups of being “traitors to the nation” and “servants of foreign NGOs”.

The issue stemmed from a seminar held in Osaka Metropolitan University on Nov 12, which coincided with Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg’s trip to Japan, where he was awarded the prestigious “The Order of the Rising Sun” award.

Activists from The Borneo Project and Save Rivers said they went to Japan to...