In Malaysia, thumbprint verification is integral to numerous official processes, from banking and passport renewals to accessing Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) savings and more!
This system's simplicity involves inserting your MyKad or identity card (IC) into a card reader and placing your thumb to confirm your identity.
However, what happens when the card reader fails to detect or verify your thumbprint?
Photo via Sabah News
According to the New Straits Times, a significant number of Malaysians face this issue, with the National Registration Department recording 13,000 cases of unrecognisable thumbprints in 2018. This has led to many being "denied access to basic facilities."
Common Causes for Thumbprint Verification Failure:
Eczema: Research by Dr. C.K. Lee revealed that 27% of patients with hand eczema failed their fingerprint verification. Dermatologist Dr. Azura Mohd Affandi explained that eczema, often triggered by exposure to detergents, chemicals, and abrasives, is a common cause of fingerprint loss.
Other Conditions: Psoriasis, skin infections, and even skin cancer can also impair fingerprint readability.
Ageing: As people age, particularly those over 60, they may experience a loss of collagen, leading to loose and dry skin. This makes it more difficult for biometric sensors to detect their fingerprints.
Dry Fingers: Sometimes, the problem is simply dry skin. Applying lotion or sanitizer before using a fingerprint scanner can help. Regular use of moisturisers and topical steroids can also improve fingerprint quality. Additionally, wearing gloves and minimising exposure to harsh conditions can prevent further deterioration.
Unfortunately, Malaysia's thumbprint verification system does not allow you to change your registered thumbprint to another fingerprint on your MyKad or IC. Instead, those with unreadable thumbprints need to obtain a printed version of their MyKad or IC's chip content from the National Registration Department (JPN).
If your thumbprint isn't being read, here's what you need to do to get a printout of your MyKad or IC's chip content for use at banks and other agencies:
Visit JPN: Take a number at any JPN counter.
Inform the Officer: When your number is called, explain to the JPN officer that you have a fingerprint problem and need a printout of the chip content letter.
Verify Your Identity: The officer will ask you a few questions to confirm your identity before printing out the details from your MyKad chip. This document includes all the information normally accessed through a successful thumbprint verification.
Pay the Fee: The document costs RM5 and is issued on the spot.
Using the Printout: The chip content printout is valid for use in both public and private sectors. Simply present this document instead of your MyKad and thumbprint when required for verification. This ensures you can continue to access essential services without interruption despite thumbprint verification challenges.
Hope this helps!
