Kuala Lumpur  - A Malaysian man was believed to have burnt down his own home in a fit of rage after his father told him to stop watching videos, a news report said Wednesday.

The suspect, in his 30s, was watching Video Compact Discs (VCDs) at home when his 71-year-old father told him to cut down on his favourite pastime.

After a quarrel, the son allegedly ran to the kitchen and tried to stab his father with a knife, The Star daily newspaper reported.

As his sister broke up the fight, the family left the suspect at home alone.

Hours later a neighbour called to inform the family that their house was on fire and the suspect had gone missing, the report said.

The fire engulfed the 40-year-old building including more than 20,000 ringgit (6,060 dollars) in cash.

Police are investigating the case. (dpa)