Identity Card, issued for the British Colony of Singapore and stamped 29 April 1952. The woman is named as Elsie Tubb who had come to Singapore from Birkenhead in England. Her photograph is given along with other official details including her address; this has been amended twice to the back and subsequently re-stamped.

Identification papers were introduced in 1938 when registration of births and deaths became compulsory under the 1937 Registration of Births and Deaths Ordinance. However, it was the 1948 Emergency Regulations (Registration) legislation that made it compulsory for all persons above 12 years old in the colony to be registered and issued with identity cards as a deterrent against communist infiltration. The emergency registration was held between October and December 1948. The Emergency (Registration) Regulations Ordinance 1948 was later repealed by the Registration of Persons Ordinance 1955.

Folded Format: 5 x 2.25 in / 12 x 6 cm
 

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60 Registration Centres in Colony

Free Press Staff Reporter

WHEN national registration begins in Singapore on Oct. 18, 60 centres will operate in all parts of the island. Registration will take place between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.

those registering must bring two copies of their photographers (passport size) when applying for identity cards.

The Colonial Secretary, Mr. P. A. B. McKerron, describing national registration as "an essential emergency measure," also explained: "The Singapore Police have been conducting a large number of check-ups in various areas on the island.

"They themselves have noticed that people who have been able to produce rice cards or ration cards when checking up have made the task of checking much easier.

"It will be even more easy if all concerned are able to establish their identity through these identity cards which they should have in their possession."

The Singapore Free Press
28 September 1948
Page 5