A taxi association claims that the group of cabbies who disrupted an event with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in Langkawi could possibly be saboteurs.

Association of Malaysia Taxi Drivers, Rental Cars, Premium Executive Limo (Perjiwa) chairperson Zailani Isaisuludin said those who caused the ruckus by heckling Mahathir and walking out were not members of the association.

"Maybe they were paid by certain quarters to disrupt the event... I reject claims that they were members of Perjiwa. I don't know them at all," Zailani, who is also Bukit Bintang Bersatu chief, was quoted as saying by Astro Awani.

He said Perjiwa had also apologised to Mahathir personally after the event, and that he hoped the offending cabbies would also do the same.

According to reports, the cabbies were upset that Mahathir would not commit to abolishing ridesharing service Grab.

The prime minister said Putrajaya will seek a mechanism to level the playing field between taxis and ride-sharing services, instead of an outright ban of the latter.

Mahathir also offered to resign as premier during the walkout.