Until 31 August 2016 it was known as the Civil Defence Department (Malay: Jabatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia).

The National Headquarters encompasses all civil defence and search and rescue units nationwide, and reports to the Prime Minister's Department.

As of 2017 Major General (R) Dato' Azmy Bin Yahya serves as its Chief Commissioner of Civil Defence.

The CDF is composed of: Source:[2] The rank system of the MCDF mirrors those used in the Singapore Civil Defence Force, but using the same civil grades as a government agency.

In addition, an extra 3 ranks are used above Warrant Officer Class 1 and below Second Lieutenant, a singularity among uniformed forces.