According to the charge sheet, Hermanda was onboard a boat carrying 27 illegal immigrants from Indonesia that sank in Teluk Ramunia, Penggerang on Jan 20, 2020.He was charged under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 for smuggling migrants and read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code for having jointly smuggled migrants which carries a maximum imprisonment of up to 15 years, and a fine, or both.
Hermanda, who wears a prosthetic leg, was not represented while Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency prosecuting officer Azlan Bohari prosecuted.