Visitors' ICs should not be retained

Publised in Straits Times Forum, 10 May 2010
MANY building owners in Singapore require a visitor to exchange his identity card (IC) for a visitor's pass.
The intent is to ensure that he returns the pass. It also serves as a security measure.
However, there is a risk of loss or mis-use of the IC when it is retained in this manner.
As a visitor, I have to take care of many other matters relating to my visit. Standing in a long queue to get back my IC adds to the hassle.
I hope building owners respect the right of people to visit their premises to conduct business. They should not be allowed to retain a visitor's IC.
Tan Kin Lian