Improved thumbprint scanners now at airport

The Straits Times
13 Feb 2009

I THANK Mr Richard Thong for his feedback in the letter, 'Thumbprint scanning at airport: Don't ask passengers to carry handcream' (Jan 24).

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is constantly looking for ways to improve our systems and we appreciate the suggestions made by Mr Thong. On his suggestion to change the thumbprint scanner to one with a thumb-shaped guide, he will be pleased to know that the ICA has already deployed such thumb-shaped casing in fingerprint scanners at the new eIACS lanes at our checkpoints. Existing scanners will be replaced with the new thumb-shaped casing in phases.

Chia Hui Keng (Ms)
Head, Public & Internal Communications Branch
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

Thumbprint scanning at airport: Don't ask passengers to carry handcream

The Straits Times
24 Jan 2009

I REFER to the letter by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, 'Self-service passport clearance: Getting the thumbprint right' (Jan 13).

I am disappointed with the comment that 'people returning from a cold climate found it useful to apply moisturising handcreams prior to using the system'. With tight security measures at most airports, it is unthinkable to expect travellers, whether male or female, to carry handcreams or moisturising lotions.

A simple but effective solution for dry thumbs is to provide a thumb-size container of wax or a water-soaked sponge next to the thumbprint scanner. For hygiene, a sanitised spray or gel could be provided for travellers to use after automated clearance.

Also, change the thumbprint scanner to a more user-friendly machine that does not require users to slant their thumbs. In Hong Kong, the thumbprint scanner is more effective because it is shaped like a thumb (with a margin for bigger thumbs), unlike the one at Changi which is a big square that allows room for movement, which causes delay when users place their thumbs wrongly.

Richard Thong