Displays esterase activity towards short chain fatty esters (acyl chain length of up to 8 carbons). Able to hydrolyze triacetylglycerol (triacetin) and tributyrylglycerol (tributyrin), but not trioleylglycerol (triolein) or cholesterol oleate. Negatively regulates MalT activity by antagonizing maltotriose binding. Inhibits MelA galactosidase activity. Optimum pH is 9.0. Homodimer. Interacts with MalT and MelA. Not essential for cell growth. Belongs to the 'GDXG' lipolytic enzyme family.