Part of the ABC transporter complex MalEFGK involved in maltose/maltodextrin import. Binds maltose and higher maltodextrins such as maltotriose. The complex is composed of two ATP-binding proteins (MalK), two transmembrane proteins (MalG and MalF) and a solute-binding protein (MalE). Induced by maltose and the transcriptional regulator MalT (PubMed:4215651). Permanently repressed by cold shock in a PNPase-dependent fashion (PubMed:14527658). Belongs to the bacterial solute-binding protein 1 family.