The first phase of the Hang Tuah Village at Kampung Duyong here that includes the biggest silat court in the world, would be opened on March 9.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said work on the RM35 million project over a 8.09 hectare site was progressing well.

"The first phase is progressing well, especially the silat court, and work is almost 90 percent completed," he told reporters after closing a programme organised by the Melaka Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia association, here, today.

He said apart for the silat court that can accommodate about 1,000 silat exponents at any one time, the village will also have five houses named after the famous five Melaka warriors, including Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat.

Mohd Ali said the village is scheduled to be officially opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.