MALACCA: The devastated father of six-year-old William Yau Zhen Zhong who has been found dead thanks Malaysians from all walks of life for their concern and sympathy and for joining the search for his son.

But the 32-year-old Yau Kok Kang appealed to the public for privacy for himself and his family while they try to come to terms with their bereavement.

“It has been a week of anxiety and stress. We are tired and wish to be left alone while we grieve,” he said over the telephone yesterday.

He and his wife, 26-year-old Goh Ying Ying, were sorry for not responding to the numerous phone calls and SMSes from the public.

“We just need some space now … we will hold a press conference very soon to thank the public for their kindness,” he said.

William went missing on Jan 16 and his decomposed body was found floating at the Sungai Sireh jetty near Port Klang last Friday and was identified by his parents.

The couple has two other children, a boy aged seven and a one-year-old girl.

Yau and Goh have returned to their family house in Taman Seri Krubong here to make arrangements for William’s funeral.

It is learnt that William’s body will be released to the family after a post mortem at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang.

The body is expected to be cremated at the Malacca Memorial Park in Sungai Putat.

Yau said that a ritual to “call back” William’s soul would be performed at the spot where his body was found.

While most of the messages Yau and his wife had received were supportive, some were “unkind and ridiculous”.

Some Facebook users were spreading rumours that he and his wife had abused William, Yau said.

“I just hope these heartless people will stop spreading lies,” he added.

– SUNDAY STAR