Sample part of Malta’s terrain (5)
I believe the answer is:
taste
'sample' is the definition.
('taste' can be a synonym of 'sample')
'part of malta's terrain' is the wordplay.
'part of' indicates a hidden word.
'TASTE' can be found hidden inside 'maltas terrain'.
(Other definitions for taste that I've seen before include "one of the 4 [SENSE] s" , "Delicacy" , "Savour, relish" , "Liking (for)" , "Test for flavour" .)