Cash donations are more cost effective as the funds disbursed will reflect the true needs on the field. With cash donations, we are able make informed decisions based on needs and advice of our mission members who are present at the disaster areas. Some of the items can also be procured locally, which further reduces operation costs - allowing these funds to be allocated for other important relief needs. This is one of the factors why most relief agencies, including MERCY Malaysia, prefer donations to be made in cash rather than in kind.

Donation-in-kind is not cost effective because funds are disbursed to cover substantial costs and fees relating to shipping and storage. Many aid agencies have seen wastage of donated items, where in many cases these donations are not suitable to the needs of the beneficiaries.