IPOH (Malaysia): Blacksmith Lim Chean Foo has been lying to his four children over the disappearance of their mother.

Lim's wife Wu Siew Ling, (pic) 36, left their home at Kampung Baru Bemban in Batu Gajah, near here, on April 21 after a tiff.

"Since then I have been reassuring my children- three boys and a girl aged between 10 and 17- that their mother will return soon," he said yesterday.

Speaking at a press conference by Perak MCA Public Services and Complaints Bureau chief Tony Khoo, Lim said Wu, who used to work as a clerk in a factory, left home in March and went to her sister's place in Kuala Lumpur.

"She returned home to pack her belongings and took some cash and her international passport on April 21," said Lim, 41.

He was at work at the time.

Since Wu's disappearance, Lim said the children have been left to fend for themselves.

"Every day, I give them RM3 each for breakfast and lunch while I buy dinner for them after work," he said.

Following Wu's disappearance, things have been especially hard on their youngest son Wai Chian, 10, who needs his mother.

Urging Wu to return home, Lim said he was willing to forgive Wu for any misunderstanding.

"Please return for the sake of our children," he appealed.

A missing persons report has been lodged at the Batu Gajah police station.