A hardware shop owner attempted suicide yesterday after deciding to close shop because he was unsure how to implement the collection of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

According to a China Press front-page report today, 65-year-old Tan Huo Ming from Teluk Intan, had been deeply troubled by the implementation of GST over the past month.

The report claimed that he had complained to family members and neighbours many times about the system and that he had difficulty learning how to use necessary computer software.

Tan reportedly had difficulty deciding whether to continue his business, but was persuaded by his family to shut it down today.

While the Tan and his family were about to leave for Mother's Day celebrations yesterday, he suddenly scaled the fence and entered his neighbour's house.

He then passed a pile of cash to his neighbour and consumed a small bottle of insecticide in front of the stunned neighbour.

Still alive

The neighbour, who refused to be named, tried to stop Tan but failed. Tan then pushed the neighbour away and locked himself in a room.

Tan then broke a piece of glass and slit his wrist.

At this juncture, the neighbour called out to Tan, who replied: "Don't bother me, let me die."

With the help of other neighbours, the door was eventually pried open. Tan was found unconscious in a pool of blood.

Tan was still alive when he was brought to the hospital.

His wife told China Press that she believed he had attempted suicide because he could not accept having to lose his business.