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SINGAPORE – A biometrics screening system to identify travelers through fingerprint, facial and iris scans is expected to be introduced progressively at all checkpoints from next April.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority announced on the move on Monday (Nov. 12), saying that it would be more robust than ever before, and that it would be more robust than ever before.
The BioScreen-Multi Modal Biometric Screening System (MMBS) has been trialled in the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints and the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, with the fingerprint scans in place since April 2016.
The facial and iris scans were trialled from July this year, complementing the fingerprint system for immigration clearance.
These new scans are especially useful for their fingerprints, such as when they have scars on their fingers, or have naturally wet or dry fingers, the ICA said.
The initiative was showcased by the ICA during a media event in Woodlands Checkpoint along with facial recognition technology has been in place at the checkpoint since 2012. This will also be introduced to other checkpoints.
Under this system, cameras detect people of interest – based on a watch list compiled by various agencies.
Since July last year, the ICA has used smaller, mobile versions of these cameras mounted on tripods and worn by patrol officers on the ground. Alerts are then sent to the world by those who know who they are, who can immediately act on the information.
This technology has already been helped to detect foreigners as often as overstaying.
"More than 280,000 travelers pass through Woodlands Checkpoints every day, with this new recognition of technology," said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lian Lee Siong, second deputy director of ICA's operations division.
"This would help to ensure security, and keep people on the watch list, especially during high key events like the ASEAN summit."
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