Hello John,
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There are a huge number of photos from the early 20th century with people wearing Siwaih and they are not hidden as you would expect for an assasins weapon though surely as noted above some were small enough to be concealed at need.
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There's a bunch of Sumatran blades which seem to have been mainly used as backup weapons (by both men and women), especially the smaller examples. Most of these would be always worn hidden to gain a tactical advantage if need be. AFAIK, that's part and parcel of probably just about any traditional fighting approach in the Malay world (and beyond). The aim of these blades is to aid survival - colonial sources referring to their main use as assassinations are pretty insulting, especially considering that they come from a foreign oppressor...
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I can't find anything saying there were sumptuary laws on this. But of course that does not mean they don't exist. Finding references on this sort of thing in central Virginia can be frustrating. I wonder if I can write to Barbara Liegh though her publisher to ask about this ?
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First, get the name straight.
Better email her directly - I'm going to PM you contact adresses.
Regards,
Kai