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Response to "Better way needed to identify elderly at checkpoints", (TODAY, 13 June 2016)
TODAY
17 June 2016
ICA exploring other biometric technology at checkpoints
We refer to Mr Soon Kim Hock’s letter “Better way needed to identify elderly at checkpoints” (June 13).
With the progressive implementation of the BioScreen system from April 20, travellers aged six and above using the manned counters at our checkpoints are required to scan both their thumbprints as part of the immigration clearance process. This is a necessary measure to enhance security of the clearance process at our checkpoints.
We appreciate the fact that some senior citizens may experience difficulties during the process because of their fading fingerprints. We would like to assure senior citizens that in such situations, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will render the necessary assistance to them.
ICA is exploring the use of other biometric recognition technologies to strengthen our verification of travellers’ identities. We will announce the details in due course. This will help those of our senior citizens with fading fingerprints.
We seek the understanding and cooperation of travellers when they are requested to undergo additional immigration checks. Such checks are essential to keeping Singapore safe and secure, especially during this period of heightened security vigilance.
Serene Wong
Head, Public & Internal Communications
Corporate Communications Division
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
< Original Letter>
TODAY
13 June 2016
Better way needed to identify elderly at checkpoints
As a senior citizen, I recently went through a hassle at the Causeway on the Singapore side because the checkpoint scanner could not read the fading lines of my thumbprint.
It would be unbelievable if ageing Singaporeans have to be subjected to this in our own country whenever we make a day trip to Johor Baru.
It is not our fault that the lines on our thumbs have faded.
Is there no better way to identify our elderly arriving and departing from Singapore? What about eye-scanning machines? Could not one or two be installed at the checkpoints?
Granted, the thumbprint machines facilitate a faster clearance of the queues of travellers, and enhance security (“All travellers to S’pore to have thumbprints scanned at checkpoints”; April 19).
But is it necessary for immigration officials at the remaining counters to take a long time to clear every old Singaporean passport holder?
Many of us cannot even walk fast and upright.
I hope a better solution from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority is forthcoming.
17 June 2016
ICA exploring other biometric technology at checkpoints
We refer to Mr Soon Kim Hock’s letter “Better way needed to identify elderly at checkpoints” (June 13).
With the progressive implementation of the BioScreen system from April 20, travellers aged six and above using the manned counters at our checkpoints are required to scan both their thumbprints as part of the immigration clearance process. This is a necessary measure to enhance security of the clearance process at our checkpoints.
We appreciate the fact that some senior citizens may experience difficulties during the process because of their fading fingerprints. We would like to assure senior citizens that in such situations, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will render the necessary assistance to them.
ICA is exploring the use of other biometric recognition technologies to strengthen our verification of travellers’ identities. We will announce the details in due course. This will help those of our senior citizens with fading fingerprints.
We seek the understanding and cooperation of travellers when they are requested to undergo additional immigration checks. Such checks are essential to keeping Singapore safe and secure, especially during this period of heightened security vigilance.
Serene Wong
Head, Public & Internal Communications
Corporate Communications Division
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
< Original Letter>
TODAY
13 June 2016
Better way needed to identify elderly at checkpoints
As a senior citizen, I recently went through a hassle at the Causeway on the Singapore side because the checkpoint scanner could not read the fading lines of my thumbprint.
It would be unbelievable if ageing Singaporeans have to be subjected to this in our own country whenever we make a day trip to Johor Baru.
It is not our fault that the lines on our thumbs have faded.
Is there no better way to identify our elderly arriving and departing from Singapore? What about eye-scanning machines? Could not one or two be installed at the checkpoints?
Granted, the thumbprint machines facilitate a faster clearance of the queues of travellers, and enhance security (“All travellers to S’pore to have thumbprints scanned at checkpoints”; April 19).
But is it necessary for immigration officials at the remaining counters to take a long time to clear every old Singaporean passport holder?
Many of us cannot even walk fast and upright.
I hope a better solution from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority is forthcoming.