What To Do If Your Fingerprint Is Unreadable For MyKad Or IC Verification
If your thumbprint can't be read or recognised for verification, you need to get a printout of the chip content letter from JPN.
By Jeremy Ng — 16 Jul 2024, 03:19 PM
In Malaysia, the thumbprint verification system is used for various official purposes
This includes banking, passport renewal, accessing Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) savings, and more.
The thumbprint verification process is simple — insert your MyKad or identity card (IC) into a card reader, then place your thumb to verify your identity.
But what happens when the card reader can't detect or verify your thumbprint?
According to the New Straits Times, many Malaysians have been "denied access to basic facilities" due to unrecognisable thumbprints. In fact, the National Registration Department recorded 13,000 cases of unrecognisable thumbprints in 2018.
Why can't my thumbprint be read or recognised?
1. You may have a skin condition
A study by Dr C.K. Lee found that 27% of patients with hand eczema failed their fingerprint verification. Local dermatologist Dr Azura Mohd Affandi said that eczema was a common cause of fingerprint loss, and could be triggered by exposure to detergents, chemicals, and other abrasives, as reported by the New Straits Times.
Other skin conditions that may affect your fingerprints include psoriasis, skin infection, or skin cancer.
2. Your fingerprints may be worn with age
Dr Azura said that those above 60 could experience a loss of collagen, which causes their skin to be loose and dry — this makes it harder for biometric sensors to detect their fingerprints.
3. Your finger may just be dry
If this is the case, you may try applying some lotion or sanitiser to your finger before using a fingerprint scanner. Meanwhile, Dr Azura said that using moisturiser and topical steroids regularly could help restore some quality to your fingerprint.
For those with this issue, it's also recommended to wear gloves and avoid overexposing your fingers to prevent fingerprint loss from worsening.
Can I change my thumbprint data to another fingerprint for MyKad or IC verification?
No, you are not allowed to. Malaysia uses a thumbprint verification system, so you cannot change your thumbprint data to another fingerprint on your MyKad or IC.
Instead, you will have to go to the National Registration Department (JPN) to get a printed version of your MyKad or IC's chip content.
How to apply for a printout of your MyKad or IC's chip content for official use:
If your thumbprint cannot be read, don't worry. JPN issues printed-out versions of your MyKad or IC's chip content that you can use at banks and other agencies for verification.
STEP 1: Take a number at any JPN counter.
STEP 2: When your number is called, proceed to the counter — inform the JPN officer that you have a fingerprint problem and would like to obtain a printout of the chip content letter.
STEP 3: The JPN officer will ask you a few questions to prove your identity, before printing out your MyKad chip content details. The printout will contain details that are otherwise visible in a MyKad or IC reader with a successful thumbprint verification.
STEP 4: The document costs RM5 and will be issued on the spot.
The printout is valid for use in both public and private sectors. All you have to do is present the document instead of your MyKad and thumbprint when requested.
