Malta is one of the few countries world wide where driving is on the left, following the traditional horse drawn carriages that always drove on the left of the largely right handed coach-men, thus protecting the pedestrian from being whipped unintentionally.
However if you have never driven on the left, this should not deter you from hiring a car in Malta. Malta's roads are small and therefore slower. The speed limit is just 80 km per hour on the open road and 50 km per hour in built-up areas. The locals are careful drivers notwithstanding their reputation and the natives are very quick to help foreign drivers with directions. Comprehensive insurance is advisable. National or international driving licences are accepted.
For more information please see the Highway Code. 
See the Malta Road Map