KUCHING: From battling cancer to leading a community clean-up initiative, two-time Malaysian arm-wrestling champion Tracey Hughes is proving that strength comes in many forms.
The founder of the CleanUpPanBorneo movement began her mission on Oct 7, sparked by the growing litter problem in her community.
What started as a simple effort to clean her surroundings has since grown into a grassroots environmental movement that’s inspiring people across Sarawak.
“I was inspired by the need to address the litter problem around us.
I didn’t expect it to gain so much attention, but I’m grateful for the support it has received,” she said.
Solo start that sparked a movement
Tracey began her first cleanup in Kampung Sibuluh, before moving on to the Tembawang area. In just a few days, she and a handful of volunteers managed to collect around 30 bags of rubbish.
“I started alone, but I ended up dragging my husband into it too. Now he’s happy to be involved as well,” she told Sarawak Tribune.
Her husband, Meldrick Udos, 41, is now actively supporting the initiative.
The movement quickly gained traction, with more people joining in after seeing her posts and progress.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. People from all over Sarawak have reached out to help,” Tracey shared.
She recalled how two women joined her for a cleanup near her home, and a friend from Bau, now working in Saratok, even contributed 20 bags of rubbish to the effort.
Journey of healing and purpose
For Tracey, CleanUpPanBorneo is more than just a cleanup campaign. It’s a symbol of her personal recovery and resilience.
Diagnosed with stage 2 cancer seven months ago, she is still in recovery and not yet working full-time.
This has allowed her the time and space to channel her energy into something meaningful.
“I’m still recovering, so I’m not working full-time yet,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Tracey remains dedicated to making a difference in her environment and inspiring others to take action.
“I hope people see how powerful community efforts can be. By coming together, we can make a real impact; not just on the environment, but on how we live and care for it,” she said.
From recovery to ripple effect
Tracey said that the public response has been both motivating and humbling.
Volunteers from different districts have reached out via social media, offering to help with cleanups or start similar initiatives in their own areas.
Her Facebook posts, often showcasing before-and-after photos of cleaned-up spaces, have resonated strongly — particularly with young Sarawakians eager to contribute to positive change.
“I never thought this small action would go this far. At first, I just wanted to make a difference where I live. Now, it feels like people everywhere are inspired to take part,” she said.
Strength in community
Tracey hopes to collaborate with other individuals and organisations that share her environmental goals.
“I hope to work with anyone who wants to make a difference. We can achieve more when we do it together,” she said.
Her message to others is simple but powerful: “Just do it. Don’t wait for someone else to start. If you know it’s the right thing to do, take action.”
For Tracey, CleanUpPanBorneo is not just an environmental movement. It’s a journey rooted in strength, purpose and community spirit.
Seven months after facing one of the biggest battles of her life, she is now using that same determination to restore the beauty of her surroundings.
Carrying hope forward
As the movement continues to grow, Tracey remains hopeful that it will inspire a stronger culture of environmental responsibility across Sarawak.
“I hope people see that it doesn’t take much to make a change. Pick up that piece of rubbish, keep your area clean and encourage others to do the same. It all adds up,” she said.
What began as one woman picking up trash has evolved into something far more meaningful; a movement built on hope, strength and shared responsibility.
And as Tracey continues her journey of recovery, she reminds us that true strength isn’t just about winning medals — it’s about rising up to make a difference where it matters most.
