Is it OK to remove foam pad behind right headlight assembly?

[ktlimq]

Behind the right headlight assembly, there is foam pad attached to metal.

The foam is supposed to be covered by vinyl. But the vinyl is torn, and the foam inside is exposed.

I think that exposed foam holds moisture and made the metal rust severely.
So I removed the pad.

My concern is whether some engine part behind the right headlight (there are turbo stuff there) makes much heat and melts the plastic headlight case, if the foam pad is missing.