In a statement, it said it followed the directive from the National Security Council that only trained rescue agencies were allowed to be in the red zone of the SAR operations.

The five agencies are the fire and rescue department, the police, the army, the civil defence force, and the special Malaysia disaster assistance and rescue team (SMART).

“The main aspects that are taken into account for the rescue personnel are safety, skills, and fitness,” it said, adding that the weak soil structure in the zone was at risk of another collapse if it rains.

“This situation requires high alertness and special training, including readiness to face difficult and unexpected situations. Therefore, the rescuers involved must have the necessary skills,” it said.

The department also issued the statement following a viral photo showing a group of volunteers from an NGO entering ground zero. They claimed that they were given permission to assist in the SAR operations to locate victims of the disaster.

The SAR operations entered the fourth day today in search of the remaining nine victims.

A total of 24 victims were confirmed dead while 61 were rescued.