The right of disclosure has been introduced into law following the signing of a legal notice by Justice Minister Owen Bonnici.
It gives people under arrest and those facing criminal proceedings the right to request access to the information held about them, normally by the police. That would enable the suspects to contest their arrest and better prepare their defence.
The Justice Ministry said this right would also lead to quicker court proceedings.
The legal notice followed a law enacted on March 18 and brings Malta in line with EU practice.