Biometric passports for Singaporeans by October
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SINGAPORE: Singaporeans will get a new biometric passport by October, and passport numbers will be changed so that they are different from those for the identity card.
Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng said this in parliament when he gave some details of the enhanced measures to fight terrorism, of which ensuring the security of Singapore passports is one measure.
Mr Wong said because both the IC and passport have the same number, it has posed some problems on tracking passports when they are lost.
This could lead to them being misused.
Mr Wong also said the validity of passports will be shortened from 10 years to 5.
He assured the House that existing passports will still be valid.
The price of the new passports has not been determined but he hopes it will not be more than the current charge for making one.
Mr Wong also said iris recognition will be fully implemented at the land checkpoints for the clearance of motorcyclists, and this could be extended to other motorists in future.
He also gave details of enhanced cargo screening, like using radiographic equipment, and increased maritime security.
As for soft targets in Singapore, the ministry will dedicate a new unit to patrol MRT trains and stations by the second half of the year.
The police are also working with the bus operators to enhance and link up the CCTV monitoring at bus terminals with the police system.
The police are also working on extending the police CCTV coverage to other parts of Singapore.
Mr Wong also raised a new area of concern - that of pre-paid phone cards.
Studies have shown that terrorists, like the JI and the Tamil Tigers, have used pre-paid phone cards extensively because of the anonymity these cards offer.
Singapore will study regulatory controls implemented by some countries, like Switzerland. - CNA -
hope new passports are not too expensive
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Ya...Originally posted by InnoHippo:hope new passports are not too expensive -
i jus changed to the new one in 2003 leh
tamade.....so fast mus change again
got refund bo...... -
they say still validOriginally posted by FireIce:i jus changed to the new one in 2003 leh
tamade.....so fast mus change again
got refund bo...... -
I dun know...Originally posted by FireIce:i jus changed to the new one in 2003 leh
tamade.....so fast mus change again
got refund bo......