This integrative empirical review examines the development and current state of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) in Malaysia, highlighting its transformation from colonial era counterinsurgency operations to a formally institutionalized, technology-enabled framework for disaster management and public-health response. Employing a systematic review methodology, 32 sources including peer reviewed articles, government reports, and grey literature published up to April 2025 were critically appraised, coded thematically, and synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of Malaysia’s CIMIC practices. The analysis demonstrates that the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), reinforced by Directive No. 1 and supported by digital platforms such as the Defence Geospatial Information Management (DGIM) dashboard, has significantly enhanced operational responsiveness, logistical coordination, and public trust during recurrent flooding events and health emergencies. Complementary measures, including joint training programmes, cross sectoral technology transfer, and interagency capacity building initiatives, have produced measurable improvements in institutional competence, while lessons learned from operations are increasingly informing both doctrinal guidance and legislative frameworks. Despite these advances, notable challenges persist. Fragmented communication networks, overlapping authority and responsibilities at the district level, and cultural divergences between military personnel and civilian stakeholders continue to constrain fully integrated operations. To address these limitations, the review advocates for statutory harmonization of mandates, regular multi-hazard simulations incorporating all relevant stakeholders, and standardized life cycle management of shared technological assets to ensure sustained interoperability and operational effectiveness. Future research is recommended to validate and expand these findings through mixed-method approaches, including field based ethnography, longitudinal surveys, and quantitative performance assessments. Additionally, studies should evaluate the impact of recent policy and technological reforms and examine the applicability of Malaysia’s technology-supported, civilian-led CIMIC model in other ASEAN countries with comparable socio-political and environmental contexts.