Malta should consider whether the time has come to regulate brothels, Labour Party deputy leader Toni Abela said on One radio today.

Referring to the arraignment of nine women accused of loitering for the purposes of prostitution, Dr Abela said that this was the oldest profession and will never be eradicated.

We should therefore consider whether now is the time for this to be regulated, he said.

It is better than having them treated badly while being exploited by their pimps. Regulation would also be beneficial for health reasons, he said.