The club took the step to boost the team's performance in the league's championship playoff group.
Abdel-Malek, 43, will succeed interim manager Ahmed Zahran, who had taken charge following the departure of Mohamed Youssef to join Ahly’s new coaching staff.
The new head coach signed his contract after meeting with club officials on Tuesday evening and will lead the team for the remainder of the season, the club said in a statement.
The veteran Egyptian footballer enjoyed his most successful playing spell at Haras El-Hodoud between 2004 and 2013, guiding the club’s so-called “golden generation” to two Egypt Cup titles and an Egyptian Super Cup.
Abdel-Malek also lifted the Africa Cup of Nations twice with Egypt in 2006 and 2010.
Since retiring, he has managed several lower-division sides, most recently leading Ghazl El-Mahalla to promotion to the top flight.
His coaching team will include Abdel-Salam Nagah as an assistant coach, Ahmed Assem and Mohamed Abdel-Salam as coaches, Ahmed Mostafa as a goalkeeping coach, and Ahmed Omar as a fitness coach.
Haras El-Hodoud are currently bottom of the nine-team championship group with 23 points after a 1-1 draw with NBE club in their most recent match.
They are facing Pharco, Ceramica Cleopatra, and Masry in their final three games of the season.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: