Deputy Minister of Transportation (Maritime and Riverine) Dato Henry Harry Jinep said this when met after the closing of the one-day workshop on Hazard Identification and Impact Review at a hotel here yesterday.

“We need to go to the ground to test the route from one waterfront to another. We need to study the natural attractions we have along the route as well as the obstacles we may face, especially the small boats,” he said.

“I think the studies on these are important – safe navigation and nature attractions. I have suggested sometime on Feb 23, we (the ministry together with Sarawak Rivers Board) to go on a boat cruise from Satok Bridge to Siniawan.

This route, he added, has already been included in the Bau Tourism Report, and a study on a tour package has been made.

When asked on the river pollution in Sarawak, he commented that it was not that bad, but with only household waste to worry about.

“We will slowly improve on this and will get NREB (Natural Resources and Environment Board) for help,” he said.