Authorities have taken action to limit access to the temporary relief centre at Masjid Putra Heights after victims of the recent gas pipeline explosion expressed concerns about disruptions caused by social media influencers.
As of now, only personnel from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) are allowed to enter. Other individuals, including Cabinet members, must seek prior approval before visiting the centre.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari explained that this decision was made to safeguard the privacy, dignity, and well-being of the victims affected by the explosion that occurred on Tuesday in Putra Heights.
"We've received reports from victims who have become frustrated and exhausted from constantly having to open their tent curtains for people coming in," Amirudin said during a press conference on April 4th.
He emphasised that the temporary relief centre was not intended to be a casual destination for visitors or a venue for festive activities.
Some influencers had reportedly visited the centre under the guise of "checking in," only to take photos or engage in Raya celebrations with the victims, raising concerns about their insensitivity and exploitation of the situation.
While Amirudin did not mention any specific individuals, he confirmed that certain visitors had used the occasion for personal content creation, which further disturbed the recovery process for those still dealing with the trauma of the explosion.
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Additionally, a special room has been designated for relatives of the victims to visit their loved ones, as some family members had come to celebrate Raya at the relief centre.
Currently, the relief centre is housing over 300 victims displaced by the gas pipeline explosion that struck their residential area on the second day of Hari Raya.
