#ICYMI Weekly Editor's Picks (Feb 8 - 14)

IN case you missed it, here is a list of news handpicked by Astro AWANI editor for the week beginning Feb 1 to Feb 7, 2016.

The top headlines for the week include the plights of oil and gas workers, nasi kandar restaurant owner shot dead, foreign workers' designated duties, as well as 'bomb' scare in Ipoh..

Monday, Feb 8: Oil and gas industry: 'What will happen if I lost my job?'

Following the dwindling of revenue and profits due to oil price fall, many oil and gas (O&G) companies have started slashing their employment to manage costs that have increased to face the gloomy days.

Astro AWANI steps into the lives of individuals from the O&G sector in Labuan, as they share their past achievements, current difficulties and future hopes.

Many O&G companies have started slashing their employment to manage costs that have increased to face the gloomy days.

Tuesday, Feb 9: Rayani Air technical problems: 'Provide real solution' - Netizens More than 200 passengers were stranded at the Langkawi International Airport after the low-cost carrier Rayani Air cancelled two of its flights bound to Kuala Lumpur. Flight RN180 scheduled to Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) at 11.10 am was not allowed to depart due to the technical problems.

More than 200 passengers stranded at the Langkawi International Airport after Rayani Air cancelled two flights due to technical problems - pix Facebook/Rayani Air

Wednesday, Feb 10: Be alert when children wearing soft rubber shoes ride escalators - DOSH

Parents and guardians should be alert when children wearing sandals or soft-soled rubber shoes ride escalators as such footwear can easily be caught between its steps. In a statement, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) said ensuring safety and safe use of the escalator was the responsibility of the escalator owner and its user.

Parents and guardians should be alert when children wearing sandals or soft-soled rubber shoes ride escalators as such footwear can easily be caught between its steps.

Thursday, Feb 11: Nasi kandar restaurant owner shot dead in George Town

A nasi kandar restaurant owner was shot dead at Jalan Dato Keramat, George Town, Penang. The victim, identified as Syed Amen Jainul Abidin, 46, was shot from a close range when his car, a Mercedes Benz had stopped in front of a Ducati show room at about 3.30am. Related news: No link between Syed Amen's death and RTD - Penang RTD director

The victim died on the spot after being struck in the head and body by five bullets.

Friday, Feb 12: WHO says will know if Zika causes microcephaly in weeks

Large-scale trials for Zika virus vaccines are at least 18 months away, while establishing a possible link between the virus and two more harmful conditions will likely only take weeks, the World Health Organization said.

The Zika virus is strongly suspected of being linked with microcephaly.

Saturday, Feb 13: Food service industry: Foreign workers can only serve as cooks, cleaners

The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry has asserted that approval to hire foreign workers in the food service industry is only given to those who will serve as cooks and cleaners. Its minister, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the ministry was in the midst of conducting an integrated operation with the Immigration Department and relevant agencies to take action against food service operators who were abusing the approval to hire foreign workers.

The ministry was in the midst of conducting an integrated operation with the Immigration Department and relevant agencies over the matter.

Sunday, Feb 14: Ipoh town folks shocked by loud explosion

Folks in the Ipoh town area were shocked by a loud explosion believed to be from a firecracker in Jalan Datuk Onn Jaafar, Sunday afternoon. The explosion caused panic among passers-by who ran for safety, thinking it was a bomb.

Police examining the pieces of shattered vase after the explosion at Jalan Dato Onn Jaafar. - Astro AWANI photo

People prefer to shop in person for Valentine's Day Despite the global trend for one-click online commerce, when it comes to Valentine's Day the personal touch is still paramount. According to the MasterCard Valentine's Day Index, published on Thursday, 90% of gift transactions globally are made in person, rather than online.

Despite the global trend for one-click online commerce, when it comes to Valentine's Day the personal touch is still paramount. -Filepix