KOTA KINABALU: In a horrific incident, a woman suffering from depression tried to kill her four children before attempting suicide at Mantanani Island, Kota Belud on Thursday (Oct 18).

The woman, in her 30s, reportedly slit the throats of her four children at about 1pm, resulting in the death of the youngest child, an eight-month-old boy.

She then proceeded to slit her own throat.

Her husband found his family lying in pools of their own blood at their worker's quarters when he returned home.

According to sources, the husband, a Timorese in his 50s, immediately alerted the police for help.

The other children, a five-year-old boy, two daughters aged seven and eight, along with the mother are still fighting for their lives at the Kota Belud Hospital.

The body of the toddler was also sent to the hospital for post-mortem.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah confirmed the incident.

Those in trouble or in need of someone to talk to can call the Befrienders in kota Kinabalu at 08-825 5788, 016-803 6945; 03-7956 8145 in Kuala Lumpur; 04-281 5161/1108 in Penang; 05-547 7933/7955 in Ipoh or e-mail sam@befrienders.org.my.